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Martial arts and combat sports (MA&CS) are lifelong nontraditional activities seldom available for youth in school settings. Research has found that MA&CS can promote a variety of benefits to youth with novel experiences that promote nonviolent, psychological, affective, cognitive, and physical outcomes. Objective: The objective of this scoping review was to identify and categorize the peer-reviewed research with a pedagogical focus on MA&CS for youth across 10 years. Methods: The key terms used related to MA&CS and young people. We followed the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses for scoping review guidelines and included peer-reviewed empirical articles from six databases in English and Portuguese from 2013 to 2022. Results: The Results section was divided into a quantitative description of the literature analyzed and a discussion of the psychological, social, affective, physical, cognitive, and academic benefits of MA&CS interventions. Conclusion: MA&CS interventions can provide multiple benefits for youth in physical education and out-of-school settings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We are yet to understand how continuous participation in organized sports, dropout from organized sports, or complete non-participation affect adolescents' trajectories of physical fitness and body mass index (BMI). Thus, the aim was to examine longitudinal changes in cardiorespiratory and muscular fitness, and BMI between adolescents 1) who continued or started organized sport participation, 2) who dropped out, and 3) who never participated in organized sport or dropped out before adolescence. Longitudinal observational study. Over four years (2017–2021), sport participation, cardiorespiratory and muscular fitness, and BMI data were collected annually from 963 participants (Mage = 11.25 ± 0.31). Latent growth curve models were utilized to examine levels (baseline) and slopes (rate of change) of BMI, cardiorespiratory, and muscular fitness in each sport participation group. Fitness levels significantly varied among groups. Continuing sport participants exhibited the highest levels, non-participants the lowest. Both groups showed significant improvements in cardiorespiratory and muscular fitness over time. Dropouts had higher baseline fitness than non-participants but demonstrated no change in cardiorespiratory fitness over time and a significantly smaller increase in muscular fitness than the two other groups. BMI increased similarly in all groups, with non-participants starting at higher baseline levels. Individuals who continually participated in sports maintained higher levels of fitness than individuals who did not participate in organized sports across adolescence. However, individuals who dropped out of organized sports, showed plateau in their fitness improvements, suggesting that the physical activity previously obtained through organized sports may not be replaced elsewhere. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. The development of tactical and technical skills is critical for young athletes engaged in team sports, particularly in field hockey, where quick decision-making and strategic play are essential for success. Objectives. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of a structured tactical and technical training module on the performance of field hockey players (U-16) in Malaysia. Materials and methods. A quasi-experimental design was used, involving 40 participants who were randomly assigned to either an intervention group (n = 20) or a control group (n = 20). The intervention group underwent an eight-week tactical and technical training module, while the control group followed their regular training regimen. Pre-test and post-test assessments were conducted to measure knowledge and performance in four key areas: ball action/direction, opponents' action, positioning, and action during changing situations. The data were analyzed using Multivariate Analysis of Variance (MANOVA) to assess the impact of the intervention. Results. The MANOVA results revealed significant improvements in the intervention group across all four variables compared to the control group (Wilks' Lambda = 0.327, F = 9.867, p = 0.001). Specifically, the intervention group showed substantial gains in knowledge about ball action/direction, opponents' action, positioning, and actions during changing situations. These findings underscore the effectiveness of the training module in enhancing tactical and technical competencies in young field hockey players. The study demonstrates that a structured tactical and technical training module can significantly improve the performance of under-16 field hockey players. Conclusions. The results indicate the potential for broader application of such modules in youth sports development programs. It is recommended that coaches integrate similar training structures to optimize player development and competitive performance. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Injury rates in competitive alpine skiing are high. With current methods, identifying people at risk is expensive and thus often not feasible at the youth level. The aims of this study were (1) to describe the jump performance and movement quality of youth competitive alpine skiers according to age and sex, (2) to compare the jump distance among skiers of different sexes and movement quality grades, and (3) to assess the inter-rater grading reliability of the qualitative visual movement quality classification of such jumps and the agreement between live and video-based post-exercise grading. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study is based on an anonymized dataset of 301 7- to 15-year-old competitive alpine skiers. The skiers performed two-legged forward triple jumps, whereby the jump distance was measured, and grades were assigned by experienced raters from the frontal and sagittal perspectives depending on the execution quality of the jumps. Furthermore, jumps were filmed and ultimately rated post-exercise. Differences in jump distance between various groups were assessed by multivariate analyses of variance (MANOVAs). Reliability was determined using Kendall's coefficient of concordance. Results: The jump distance was significantly greater in U16 skiers than in U11 skiers of both sexes and in skiers with good execution quality than in those with reduced or poor execution quality. Overall, jump distance in U16 skiers significantly differed between female (5.37m with 95% CI [5.21, 5.53]) and male skiers (5.90m with 95%CI [5.69, 6.10]). Slightly better inter-rater grading reliability was observed for video-based post-exercise (strong agreement) ratings than for live ratings (moderate agreement). Conclusion: In competitive alpine skiers aged 7 to 15 years, jump performance increases with age, and around puberty, sex differences start to manifest. Our results highlight the importance of evaluating both jump distance and movement quality in youth skiers. To improve test-retest reliability, however, a video-based post-exercise evaluation is recommended. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to investigate the relationship between sports motivation and several sports psychological variables (Perceived Motivational Climate, Coping Perceptions and Anxiety). The data were collected from Hungarian ice hockey players (n = 293) playing in the Hungarian hockey academy system, using the Perceived Motivational Climate in Sport Questionnaire-2 (PMCSQ-2) and the Athletic Coping Skill Inventory-28 (ACSI-28) of Smith et al. (1995) and the Competitive State Anxiety Inventory-2 (CSAI-2) of Martens et al. (1990). The analysis revealed four significantly different individual sports motivation profiles, and these differed significantly in terms of athletes' anxiety, coping, and perceived motivational climate. In addition, the research highlighted the importance of diagnosing and addressing amotivation to improve overall sports performance, self-confidence, and coping skills when facing adversity. Limitations and further research directions are also considered. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background Given rising youth sport participation, 8 to 10-year-olds increasingly display comparable lower-extremity injury incidence to 11 to 17-year-olds and require effective return to sport criteria. One such criterion which quantifies dynamic stability is the Y-Balance Test (YBT), though it has not been validated in children under age 11. Hypothesis/Purpose The purpose of this study was to examine the performance of 8 to 10-year-old patients on the YBT after lower-extremity injury and determine how these results compare to larger samples of age-grouped athletes within the validated 11 to 17-year-old range. It was hypothesized that 8 to 10-year-olds would display different normalized YBT distances compared to 11 to 17-year-olds. Study Design Cross-sectional Study. Methods Patients (N=1093) aged 8 to 17 who presented to a pediatric sports medicine practice with a lower-extremity injury and completed the YBT between December 2015-May 2021 were included. Anterior, posteromedial, and posterolateral YBT scores were collected at return-to-sport for affected and unaffected limbs. Scores were normalized to limb length, and composite scores were created. Between-limb differences were calculated in groups of ages 8-10, 11-12, 13-14, and 15-17. Groups were also evaluated for differences by sex. Results A rise in performance was observed in unaffected limb anterior reach from ages 8 to 10 years to 11 to 12 years followed by a subsequent significant decrease at older ages (p<0.001). Affected limb anterior reach differed between the youngest group and two oldest groups (p=0.004). Anterior and composite difference were significantly different between the oldest three groups (p=0.014 anterior; p=0.024 composite). No differences were observed between sexes in 8 to 10-year-olds, though 11 to 12-year-old females reached further during all eight distances. In the older three groups, males generally displayed greater between-limb differences. Conclusion YBT scores, specifically anterior reach, demonstrated inconsistency by age and sex across a large adolescent cohort. Existing return-to-sport standards should not be used with younger athletes, and individual validation is required. Level of Evidence Level III [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study aimed to examine the acute effects of squat and ballistic jump exercises during warm-ups on judo-specific performance in young male judokas. Using a randomized crossover design, 10 sub-junior male judokas (age: 12.9 ± 0.7 years) completed three conditions: a controlled warm-up with only judo-specific exercises and two experimental warm-ups including either a three-repetition maximum (RM) back squat (with ~90% 1RM load) or ballistic jumps (squat jumps, scissor jumps, and double-leg bounds) in addition to judo-specific warm-ups. Following each warm-up condition, participants performed the Special Judo Fitness Test (SJFT), with heart rate measured immediately and one minute post-test. Handgrip strength and ratings of perceived exertion (RPE) were recorded after the SJFT. Both squat and ballistic jump exercises significantly improved judo-specific performance compared to the control condition, with large effect sizes (ESs). The number of throws in set 2 (p = 0.001, ηp2 = 0.65, large ES), total throws (p < 0.001, ηp2 = 0.70, large ES), and the SJFT index (p < 0.001, ηp2= 0.65, large ES) all showed significant improvements. Regarding the throw in set 2, significant improvements were observed after both squat (p = 0.003, Hedge's g = 1.78, large ES) and ballistic jump exercises (p = 0.010, Hedge's g = 1.44, large ES) compared to the control condition. Similarly, total throws were significantly higher in the squat (p = 0.003, Hedge's g = 1.51, large ES) and ballistic jump (p < 0.001, Hedge's g = 1.37, large ES) conditions compared to the control condition. Furthermore, the SJFT index showed notable improvements following squat (p = 0.010, Hedge's g = 0.80, moderate ES) and ballistic jump (p < 0.001, Hedge's g = 0.90, moderate ES) conditions compared to control conditions. However, squat exercises led to a significant reduction in right-hand grip strength (p < 0.001, ηp2 = 0.58, large ES) [p = 0.008, Hedge's g = 0.19, trivial ES for squat vs. control; p = 0.014, Hedge's g = 0.23, small ES for squat vs. ballistic jump], with no differences observed in left-hand grip strength or RPE scores (p > 0.05). In conclusion, the integration of squat and ballistic jump exercises into warm-up protocols has been shown to significantly improve judo-specific performance in young male judokas without eliciting an increase in RPE values. However, careful consideration should be given when incorporating squat exercises, as they may lead to localized handgrip fatigue (reduced grip strength due to muscle exhaustion), which could affect performance in grip-dependent techniques. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Competitive skiing has gained increasing popularity among adolescent, yet it comes with injury risks. The aim was to determine injury incidence, type and time of injury, localization, and diagnosis, among adolescent competitive skiers (alpine, cross‐country, ski‐cross, mogul), and to compare between skiing discipline, sex, and high school year. All students (n = 190) enrolled in a ski high school from August 2013 to June 2018 were included. All injuries during the study period were prospectively registered by the physiotherapist at the high school. Demographic and injury data were registered. Absolute injury incidence (injuries/100 skiers) was calculated. In total, 166 (87%) skiers reported 502 injuries, which corresponds to an absolute injury incidence of 264.2 injuries/100 skiers during the 5‐year follow‐up. A higher injury incidence was shown in school year 1 compared with year 2–4 (131.3 vs. 79.5–98.4; p < 0.05). No differences in injury incidence were found between sex or skiing discipline. Females were more prone of having a gradual‐onset injury compared with males (179.3 vs. 96.3; p < 0.001). Mogul skiers had higher incidence of acute injuries compared with the other disciplines (220.0 vs. 71.4–160.0; p < 0.001). The knee was the most common localization across all skiing disciplines, except for cross‐country (lower leg). Low back pain was the predominant diagnosis, except in ski‐cross (concussion). Skiers attending specialized ski high schools exhibited a significantly high injury incidence, with first‐year students being the most susceptible to injuries, across all skiing disciplines and both sexes. While the knee was the most common injury location, concussion was remarkably frequent, particularly among ski‐cross skiers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background. The development of tactical and technical skills is critical for young athletes engaged in team sports, particularly in field hockey, where quick decision-making and strategic play are essential for success. Objectives. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of a structured tactical and technical training module on the performance of field hockey players (U-16) in Malaysia. Materials and methods. A quasi-experimental design was used, involving 40 participants who were randomly assigned to either an intervention group (n = 20) or a control group (n = 20). The intervention group underwent an eight-week tactical and technical training module, while the control group followed their regular training regimen. Pre-test and post-test assessments were conducted to measure knowledge and performance in four key areas: ball action/direction, opponents’ action, positioning, and action during changing situations. The data were analyzed using Multivariate Analysis of Variance (MANOVA) to assess the impact of the intervention. Results. The MANOVA results revealed significant improvements in the intervention group across all four variables compared to the control group (Wilks’ Lambda = 0.327, F = 9.867, p = 0.001). Specifically, the intervention group showed substantial gains in knowledge about ball action/direction, opponents’ action, positioning, and actions during changing situations. These findings underscore the effectiveness of the training module in enhancing tactical and technical competencies in young field hockey players. The study demonstrates that a structured tactical and technical training module can significantly improve the performance of under-16 field hockey players. Conclusions. The results indicate the potential for broader application of such modules in youth sports development programs. It is recommended that coaches integrate similar training structures to optimize player development and competitive performance.

Social media and sport research has produced a significant corpus of academic literature. This work has enhanced our understanding of the influence of social media in various areas of the sport industry. This work, however, has often glamorized social media and its benefits, leading to a normalization about social media that obscures its negative effects and impacts in sport. This commentary reflects on how social media and sport research has evolved over time and calls for more consideration to be given to critical approaches to social media research that look beyond analysis of social media content. The commentary specifically addresses areas of inquiry around athlete welfare and social media, social media and young athletes, and social media professionals and their work environment. The commentary aims to encourage more critical perspectives related to social media that will enhance the inclusivity of the social media and sport literature. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Talent-school settings may generate stress via demanding expectations. To investigate students representing Norway's growing phenomenon of early adolescent talent schools, we interviewed twenty-seven 14- to15-year-old boys and girls about their experiences with self- and socially imposed expectations. Students were recruited from two sports schools (n = 14) and one school each with talent classes for ballet (n = 7) and music (n = 6). Using reflexive thematic analysis, we found four main themes representing the performers' accounts of (a) self-oriented expectations of persistent hard work, evoking self-doubts, and never-give-up attitudes; (b) coaches'/teachers' socially prescribed expectations, stimulating hard work, and pursuit of approval and opportunities; (c) parental expectations, reflected as helpful support, concerns of letting parents down, and negotiating independence; and (d) struggles with balancing expectations, reflected by demanding workloads, difficulties with prioritizing recovery, and ill-being. Early interventions targeting unhealthy self- and socially imposed expectations in high-expectation settings may be required to safeguard youth performers' healthy development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Instruments used to assess the mental well-being of young athletes in Brazil are scarce. Therefore, the present study aimed to translate, cross-culturally adapt for young athletes, and gather evidence of validity for the Sport Mental Health—Short Form (S-MHC) for use in Brazilian Portuguese. The research was conducted in five stages: translation, synthesis, back-translation, expert review, and validation of the psychometric properties. For validation, 246 young athletes of both genders (88 females, 35.8%), aged between 12 and 18 years (14.5 ± 1.9 years), were recruited. Psychometric methods were employed to confirm and validate the translated and adapted versions of the S-MHC for young athletes, including internal consistency using Cronbach's alpha and McDonald's omega, composite reliability, Item Characteristic Curve (ICC) using Item Response Theory (IRT), and Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA). Two structures were tested, with Model 1 loading the 14 items of the translated version of the S-MHC into a single latent factor and Model 2 loading the items into three factors related to emotional, social, and psychological sport well-being. Both models showed good validity, consistency, and reliability measures and can be used to investigate the sport well-being of young athletes. It was concluded that the translated version of the S-MHC in Brazilian Portuguese can be used to assess the sport well-being of young athletes in Brazil. Model 2 structure is recommended to observe the different nuances of emotional, social, and psychological well-being.

Background. Motivation is considered crucial in sports participation and performance, influencing athletes’ psychological well-being, investment in training, and interpersonal relationships. Self-determination theory (SDT) is a prominent framework used to understand motivation in sports, highlighting the importance of autonomous motivation for optimal performance and well-being. A large number of questionnaires for examining processes in sports were created by relying on the constructs of SDT. Objective. This study explores the psychometric characteristics (construct validity) of the Sport Motivation Scale II (SMS-2), as well as gender and age differences in motivation among young Serbian athletes. This questionnaire has proven to be important for understanding the motivation of adult athletes, but so far, its psychometric characteristics have not been sufficiently examined on a sample of young athletes in Serbia. Given the high dropout rate from sports in adolescence, valid questionnaires to assess the motivation of young athletes can help to identify athletes who are at risk of leaving a sport. Design. The sample consisted of 365 young athletes (51% girls, aged 12–16) from Serbia participating in team sports (at an organized level, not a recreational level), including volleyball, basketball, and handball. They completed the SMS-2 using paper and pen, in the presence of a psychologist and with parental consent obtained by the clubs. The questionnaire has been translated into Serbian. Young athletes from team sports were selected due to the large number of adolescents in Serbia who are engaged in organized team sports. There is a small number of adolescents who are involved in organized individual sports. Results. Factor analysis of the SMS-2 revealed six factors, in line with the original structure of the Scale: identified motivation, intrinsic motivation, amotivation, external motivation, integrated motivation, and introjected motivation. The questionnaire demonstrates satisfactory psychometric properties, with Cronbach’s alpha coefficients indicating good internal consistency. Gender differences were obtained only in external motivation, where boys scored higher than girls. No significant differences emerge in motivation across age groups or among athletes participating in different sports. It is possible that differences were not found in relation to the type of sport because there are similarities in the process of working with young athletes in team sports. Conclusion. The Sport Motivation Scale II (SMS-2) showed satisfactory psychometric characteristics in a Serbian sample of young athletes. The original structure was replicated, with six factors representing six types of motivation, in line with SDT. These findings suggest the SMS-2’s validity across gender, age, and sport types, offering a valuable tool for assessing motivation in young athletes engaged in organized team sports.

Instruments used to assess the mental well-being of young athletes in Brazil are scarce. Therefore, the present study aimed to translate, cross-culturally adapt for young athletes, and gather evidence of validity for the Sport Mental Health—Short Form (S-MHC) for use in Brazilian Portuguese. The research was conducted in five stages: translation, synthesis, back-translation, expert review, and validation of the psychometric properties. For validation, 246 young athletes of both genders (88 females, 35.8%), aged between 12 and 18 years (14.5 ± 1.9 years), were recruited. Psychometric methods were employed to confirm and validate the translated and adapted versions of the S-MHC for young athletes, including internal consistency using Cronbach's alpha and McDonald's omega, composite reliability, Item Characteristic Curve (ICC) using Item Response Theory (IRT), and Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA). Two structures were tested, with Model 1 loading the 14 items of the translated version of the S-MHC into a single latent factor and Model 2 loading the items into three factors related to emotional, social, and psychological sport well-being. Both models showed good validity, consistency, and reliability measures and can be used to investigate the sport well-being of young athletes. It was concluded that the translated version of the S-MHC in Brazilian Portuguese can be used to assess the sport well-being of young athletes in Brazil. Model 2 structure is recommended to observe the different nuances of emotional, social, and psychological well-being. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Due to its competitive nature, youth sports may provide an environment that invites the display of negative parenting behavior and exposes children to adults outside of their own household. This study aimed to quantify the frequency of negative parent and spectator behavior at youth sporting events and compare incidences across different sports and age ranges. Investigators attended baseball, basketball, soccer, and football events in Central Oʻahu, Hawaiʻi for children ages 6 to 10 years. Recorded spectator behaviors included alcohol use, smoking, swearing, and negative language (such as threats and violent language). Negative behaviors were reported at a majority (68%) of events. The 95% confidence intervals of the means (95% CIM) for all negative behaviors observed were overlapping, and we were not able to demonstrate statistically significant differences between the 4 sports. The lack of significance between sports may be due to the younger-player-age group, small sample size, and time of events. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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To investigate: (1) the injury epidemiology in an Australian academy; (2) how athletes transition through the high‐performance sport (HPS) pathway; and (3) why athletes leave this HPS program. This retrospective cohort study was conducted at an Australian HPS academy over a 4‐year period. Medical attention injuries were prospectively recorded. Injury incidence rates (IIR) and burden were calculated per 365 athlete‐days, according to sport, sex, and pathway level. Athlete pathway levels were mapped to the Foundations, Talent, Elite, and Mastery (FTEM) framework. Reasons for athletes transitioning out were reported. Four hundred and eighty‐one injuries were reported across 124 athletes at an IIR of 2.09 injuries per 365 athlete‐days (95% CI = 1.91–2.29). Most athletes (103, 83.1%) were injured at least once over the 4‐year period. IIRs increased (IRR = 1.17, 95% CI = 1.06–1.29, p = 0.001) as athletes progressed through the pathway. The most common reason for athlete attrition was deselection due to performance (n = 18), with 55.6% of these athletes sustaining an injury in the season prior to deselection. Injury burden was highest at E2 (119.5 days absence per 365 athlete‐days (95% CI = 62.18–229.67)) and lowest at T4 (30.47 days absence per 365 athlete‐days (95% CI = 21.98–42.24)). Injury occurrence is common across HPS, with IIRs increasing as athletes progressed to higher talent levels. Deselection due to poor performance was the main attrition factor, with more than half the deselected athletes impacted by injury prior to deselection. This study highlights an increased risk of deselection, following injury, and indicates the need for further development of prevention strategies targeting pathway athletes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The identification, management, and prevention of concussion across all competitive sports and athletic populations has been a notable topic of research over the last decade. Soccer is no exception, with over a billion participants worldwide. In soccer, 3 distinct subsets of head injuries are often the contributors to concussion: head-to-equipment, head-to-surface, and head-to-player collisions. Recognition of concussion is crucial, and ideally made on the sideline during competitive play. Recently updated screening tools include the SCAT6 and ChildSCAT6, which are widely utilized at all levels of play. Management of concussion is divided into on-field and in clinic management. initial management includes removal from the field of play. There is increased emphasis on earlier incorporation of exercise prescription as a means to improve recovery in the concussed athlete. while few objective diagnostic tests exist to identify concussion, many are in development, most notably advanced imaging and biomarker modalities. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose of Review: Youth sports are increasingly shifting towards a "pay to play" model which has introduced financial barriers to participation. The Amateur Athletic Union (AAU) is the main organization for club basketball, serving as a platform where young athletes can compete beyond the recreational level. Outside the realm of athletes who have access to state-of-the-art facilities and top-tier coaching, the pathway to playing basketball at the next level may be predominantly available to those who can afford the considerable costs of AAU participation. The objective of this study is to determine the accessibility of AAU teams of active National Basketball Association (NBA) players through use of the Area Deprivation Index (ADI). Recent Findings: We identified 114 AAU teams with physical addresses for 250 (50%) currently active domestic NBA players. The State ADI of the high schools as well as national and state ADIs of prior AAU teams of active NBA players were significantly skewed toward lower ADI rankings (higher socioeconomic status) (p < 0.05). The mean distance between high school location and AAU location was 170 miles. Summary: Prior AAU teams of currently active NBA players are more frequently located in areas of higher socioeconomic status with nearly 50% being within the top 3rd lower state decile as measured by the area deprivation index. Similarly, we found the high schools these players attended, as a proxy for areas they grew up in, were also more frequently located in areas of higher socioeconomic status. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Relative age effects (RAE) refer to a skewed distribution with an overrepresentation of athletes born close to the selection date. The prevalence of RAE has been repeatedly demonstrated in youth swimming. Additionally, being more mature within an age group is associated with consistent selection advantages. The present study aims to determine (1) the prevalence and magnitude of RAE in youth swimming and (2) the relation to anthropometry and biological maturity status. The study included 650 swimmers (male n = 273, age 11.00 ± 1.27 years; female n = 377, age 11.00 ± 1.25 years). The dates of birth were split into four birth quartiles (Q). The maturity status was assessed using equations to estimate the age of peak height velocity (APHV). χ2 tests and analysis of variance (ANOVA) were used for statistical analyses. The χ2 tests have shown significant RAE with medium effect sizes (ES; p < 0.001, 0.18 < V < 0.20) for male and female athletes. Also, the results have shown significant RAE with medium effect sizes (ES; p < 0.001, 0.18 < V < 0.20). ANOVA has not revealed significant differences regarding body height, body mass, and APHV between the four birth quartiles for both sexes, except for body mass in female athletes (p = 0.037). The findings indicate that maturity status and anthropometry influence RAE in youth swimming. It can be assumed that relatively younger swimmers can counteract their disadvantage only by similar anthropometric and maturity-related characteristics to the relatively older swimmers, which significantly impacts talent identification and development of swimmers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: This study aimed to assess hydration status before and after training using the bioelectrical impedance vector analysis (BIVA) method. Design: Pre-post quasi-experimental designs. Method: Twenty-four young water polo players (mean age: 13.30 ± 0.55) underwent assessment for bioelectrical and anthropometric measurements before and after a water polo training session. Results: Most players fell within the 50 % percentile of the bioelectrical tolerance ellipses of the reference population. The BIA vector differed statistically between players who achieved growth peaks (PGA: T2 = 9.1, p = 0.013) and those who did not (GPNA, T2 = 28.9, p

AbstractPhysical contact such as tackling is a part of youth sport, but associated with concussion risk. Coach communication with athletes about how to approach contact could be a strategy to reduce concussion risk. We interviewed n = 50 adult stakeholders (coaches, referees and administrators) in youth football and soccer to identify barriers and facilitators to coach communication about contact. We framed interviews using the Theory of Planned Behavior, discussing: knowledge/experience, attitudes/beliefs, norms/values and perceived behavioral control. Stakeholders could easily describe ‘good’ contact (knowledge/experience) like keeping your head up (football) and tackling shoulder-to-shoulder (soccer), and ‘bad’ contact like spearing (football) and retaliating against an opponent (soccer). They also talked about the importance of sportsmanship and playing by the rules. Most coaches believed ‘bad’ contact was associated with greater injury (attitudes/beliefs). Coaches felt responsible for managing contact (norms/values), but also described not receiving any information indicating that this was part of their role. Coaches worried about creating a fear of injury, and felt it was important for discussions to be framed positively (perceived behavioral control). In summary, youth football and soccer coaches believe ‘bad’ contact is associated with greater injury risk and feel it is their role to provide youth guidance about contact, but describe a lack of institutional guidance regarding this role. They also are concerned about barriers, including creating fear, and describe ways to address this barrier with language. Developing programs to support coach communication about contact with youth athletes presents a potential strategy for concussion prevention.

Introduction Injury rates in competitive alpine skiing are high. With current methods, identifying people at risk is expensive and thus often not feasible at the youth level. The aims of this study were (1) to describe the jump performance and movement quality of youth competitive alpine skiers according to age and sex, (2) to compare the jump distance among skiers of different sexes and movement quality grades, and (3) to assess the inter-rater grading reliability of the qualitative visual movement quality classification of such jumps and the agreement between live and video-based post-exercise grading.Materials and Methods This cross-sectional study is based on an anonymized dataset of 301 7- to 15-year-old competitive alpine skiers. The skiers performed two-legged forward triple jumps, whereby the jump distance was measured, and grades were assigned by experienced raters from the frontal and sagittal perspectives depending on the execution quality of the jumps. Furthermore, jumps were filmed and ultimately rated post-exercise. Differences in jump distance between various groups were assessed by multivariate analyses of variance (MANOVAs). Reliability was determined using Kendall’s coefficient of concordance.Results The jump distance was significantly greater in U16 skiers than in U11 skiers of both sexes and in skiers with good execution quality than in those with reduced or poor execution quality. Overall, jump distance in U16 skiers significantly differed between female (5.37 m with 95% CI [5.21, 5.53]) and male skiers (5.90 m with 95%CI [5.69, 6.10]). Slightly better inter-rater grading reliability was observed for video-based post-exercise (strong agreement) ratings than for live ratings (moderate agreement).Conclusion In competitive alpine skiers aged 7 to 15 years, jump performance increases with age, and around puberty, sex differences start to manifest. Our results highlight the importance of evaluating both jump distance and movement quality in youth skiers. To improve test-retest reliability, however, a video-based post-exercise evaluation is recommended.

Introduction There is a need for evidence-based prevention programming that can reduce head impacts and increase reporting and disclosure of concussion. This study assessed an intervention to decrease concussion risk and improve concussion management through improving concussion-related knowledge, attitudes, intentions, and self-efficacy among parents in the middle school (MS) sport setting.Patients and methods This randomized controlled trial (NCT04841473) examined parents of MS-aged children. Participants were randomized into one of two study arms: (1) CDC, which completed an education training module that compiled concussion education from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC); and (2) TRAIN + CDC, which completed the CDC training module and an additional TRAIN educational module that provided strategies (originating from the Popular Opinion Leader framework) on communicating such information with one’s personal peer networks and children. Validated measures of concussion-related knowledge, attitudes, intentions, and self-efficacy were collected before completing the training modules and one week following completion. Linear mixed model analyses examined differences in outcomes between study arms.Results Overall, 103 parents completed the training modules and had valid pre- and post-intervention data (TRAIN + CDC n = 49; CDC n = 54). Analyses found that the study arms did not differ in the change scores from pre- to post-intervention across concussion-related outcomes. However, scores from pre- to post-intervention improved across both study arms for knowledge metrics, such as ‘Concussions are less likely to happen when athletes play by the rules of the sport’ (p

Instep kick is one of the most effective kicking techniques in soccer. Lower extremity muscles and joints play a crucial role during instep kick. However. external (EF) and internal focus and their effect on the muscles are still ambiguous. In this study. 13 male adolescent soccer players were included and aimed to hit the targets in internal and EF conditions. Lower extremity muscle activations were measured with surface electromyography, and kinematics were measured with a high-speed video camera. Muscle activations and movement latencies were analyzed in four different phases (backswing, leg cocking, acceleration, and follow through) of kicking. While 10 out of 13 participants kicked accurately in internal focus, only five out of 13 in EF kicked accurately. Gastrocnemius muscle activations increased significantly in EF in all phases except acceleration. Movement latencies were found 0.07 ± 0.002 s for accurate and 0.05 ± 0.004 s for inaccurate kicks iii EF. A correlation has been found between accuracy and movement latency in EF (R = .67). Our results suggest that novices cannot yet coordinate their muscles in EF, cocontraction ratio increases. Therefore, training strategies that aim to reduce the cocontraction ratio can help the athlete increase performance through better motor coordination. Moreover. better motor coordination may be beneficial in preventing injuries (joint stiffness, etc.) caused by increased cocontraction ratio. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context: Youth sport specialization may be associated with physical literacy and physical activity in young adulthood. The purposes of this study were to compare young adult (18–25 y) physical literacy and physical activity by high school sport specialization status and to examine the relationship between current physical activity and physical literacy. Design: Retrospective, cross-sectional study design. Methods: Participants were recruited from ResearchMatch, university classes, and social media posts. Participants (N = 172; aged 22.1 [2.1] y; 80.1% female) completed the following anonymous surveys on REDCap to assess: demographics and injury history, sport specialization, physical literacy (PLAYself), and physical activity (Godin Leisure-Time Exercise Questionnaire). Results: When controlling for age, there were no statistically significant differences in physical literacy (F2,166 = 2.02, P =.14) or moderate to vigorous physical activity (F2,161 = 0.24, P =.79) between sport specialization groups. There was a moderate, positive relationship between physical literacy and physical activity (r =.33, P <.001). Conclusions: Young adult physical literacy and physical activity were similar regardless of youth sport specialization level. Young adult physical literacy was positively associated with physical activity. Future studies should consider physical literacy as a possible correlate of physical activity among young adults. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Background Various physical fitness qualities such as muscle strength, speed and endurance are related to soccer performance. Accordingly, the combination of strength and endurance training (i.e., concurrent training [CT]) is an often-encountered training regimen in soccer. Less is known about the effects of CT sequencing on performance in young soccer players. The aim of this study was to assess the sequencing effects of strength and intermittent endurance training applied within the same training session (intrasession) on measures of physical fitness and soccer performance in young soccer players. Methods Fifty male adolescent soccer players volunteered to participate in this study which was conducted in the Netherlands in 2019. Players were randomly assigned to a strength-endurance (SE) or an endurance-strength (ES) group in matched pairs based on their countermovement jump (CMJ) performance at baseline. Both groups completed a 12-weeks in-season training program with two weekly CT sessions. Training sessions consisted of 15 min plyometric exercises and 15 min soccer-specific intermittent endurance training. Both groups performed the same training volumes and the only difference between the groups was the CT intrasession sequencing scheme (SE vs. ES). Pre and post intervention, proxies of muscle power (CMJ, squat jump [SJ]), linear sprint speed (30-m sprint test), agility (Illinois test with / without ball), and soccer performance (ball kicking velocity) were tested. Results Data from 38 players aged 14.8 ± 1.0 years (body height 172.9 ± 8.1 cm, body mass: 57.0 ± 7.2 kg, soccer experience: 8.8 ± 2.8 years, age from peak-height-velocity [PHV]: +1.2 ± 1.0 years) were included. Significant main time effects were found for CMJ (p = 0.002, d = 0.55), SJ (p = 0.004, d = 0.51), the Illinois agility test with ball (p = 0.016, d = 0.51), and ball kicking velocity (p = 0.016, d = 0.51). Significant group-by-time interactions were observed for 30-m linear sprint speed (p

Abstract Background Studies addressing age at peak height velocity (PHV) in longitudinal samples of participants in sports are relatively limited. Purpose To compare the growth status and estimated ages at PHV of longitudinal samples girls and boys active in sport with peers not active in sport, and to compare estimated ages at PHV among longitudinal samples of Polish youth active in sport. Methods Records from the Cracow Longitudinal Study, which measured youth annually from 8 to 18 years, were screened to identify individuals regularly active in sport. Participants in athletics (22 girls, 10 boys), soccer (12 boys), and other team (6 girls, 7 boys) and individual (6 girls, 9 boys) sports were identified; 107 girls and 172 boys were not active in sport. Heights and weights of participants in sports and non-involved peers were compared. Longitudinal height records of individuals were fit with the SITAR model to estimate age at PHV. Ages at PHV of boys and girls active in sport and peers not active in sports were compared with sex-specific ANOVAs. Results Ages at PHV of boys participating in athletics and soccer were similar to age at PHV of boys not active in sport, while ages at PHV of boys in other team sports (basketball, volleyball, handball) and individual sports (skiing, gymnastics, acrobatics) were, respectively, slightly earlier and later. Among girls, age at PHV of participants in team sports (basketball, netball) was earlier, while ages at PHV among participants in athletics and other individual sports (equestrian, acrobatics, shooting) were slightly later compared to non-athlete peers. Conclusion Ages at PHV varied among participants in different sports and were consistent with estimates in other longitudinal samples of Polish youth athletes.

Concussions incurred during high school athletics are a significant health concern, and studies examining concussions with a symptom resolution time (SRT) of 15 to 28 days have been limited. To compare concussions that had an SRT of 15 to 28 days with concussions that had an SRT of greater than 28 days among US high school athletes. Descriptive epidemiology study. Secondary school athletic training clinics. Secondary school athletes. Concussion frequency, symptom number, and symptom prevalence. Among all 917 reported concussions (of which 50.8% had missing SRT), 88 had an SRT recorded as 15 to 28 days, and 29 had an SRT recorded as greater than 28 days. Greater frequencies of concussions with an SRT of 15 days or more were reported in boys' sports (n = 78) than girls' sports (n = 39). Boys' football (51.7%) and girls' basketball (11.5%) accounted for the largest proportions of all reported concussions with an SRT of 15 to 28 days; boys' football (58.6%) accounted for the greatest proportion of concussions reported with an SRT greater than 28 days. The average number of symptoms was 6.3 ± 3.4 for concussions with an SRT of 15 to 28 days and 7.2 ± 3.8 for those with an SRT greater than 28 days. The most frequently reported symptoms in concussions with both SRT of 15 to 28 days and greater than 28 days were headache, dizziness, sensitivity to light, and difficulty concentrating. The prevalence of irritability was higher in concussions with an SRT of 15 to 28 days as compared with concussions with an SRT greater than 28 days (26.1% versus 13.8%); visual problems (48.3% versus 35.2%) and hyperexcitability (24.1% versus 15.9%) were more prevalent in concussions with an SRT greater than 28 days, although differences were not statistically significant. Symptom prevalence and total count were comparable between concussions with an SRT of 15 to 28 days and those with an SRT of greater than 28 days with no statistically significant difference, suggesting that symptom burdens within these groups are more similar than they are different. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Journal of Physical Education / Tiyu Xuekan is the property of Journal of Physical Education Editorial Office 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.)

Accuracy and speed are critical factors that influence tennis performance. Various studies have examined speed, but less attention has been given to understanding the probabilistic structure of errors (i.e., accuracy). Tennis, a racquet sport requiring high physical fitness during competition, emphasizes the importance of both ball accuracy and speed for success. This is especially true for young male competitive tennis players. This study aimed to analyze the ball accuracy and ball speed of running groundstrokes on a clay court. Sixteen males at national-level junior tennis were assessed (age: 15.50 ± 0.63 years; height: 178.44 ± 8.08 cm; body weight: 67.25 ± 7.72 kg; body mass index: 21.12 ± 1.93 kg/m2). All participants measured running groundstroke performances by hitting a ball to a target square and hitting it as fast as possible by using a ball machine that fed 10 balls at a velocity of 60 km/h, with a 2-minute break between trials. The running groundstroke variables measured included Running Forehand Down the Line (RFDL), Running Forehand Cross-Court (RFCC), Running Backhand Down the Line (RBDL), and Running Backhand Cross-Court (RBCC). The results found that the forehand technique was a more accurate skill than the backhand, with higher averages than other skills (RFCC; 1.81±0.544 RFDL; 0.37±0.500, RBDL; 0.25±0.447, RBCC; 0.62±0.719) p = 0.011. The forehand technique also showed a higher average speed, particularly in RFCC (p = 0.001). The Pearson correlation of forehand techniques in RFCC and RFDL was moderately related, r = .697, with statistical significance at p ≥ 0.05. These results suggest that the differences in groundstroke running each technique are different. Thus, coaches should adopt specific training programs focusing on ball accuracy and ball speed to enhance the performance of youth tennis players on clay courts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Research on sports training is carried out in numerous countries. However, the majority is carried out with athletes who have reached the elite of the sport, observing gaps in the analysis of the training process of athletes in the final phase of training and in transition to the adult categories. This study aimed to explore basketball players' perspectives on their engagement in physical and sporting activities, considering their motivation levels, weekly frequency of participation, and additional physical activities undertaken during their training. A mixed methods research (MMR) approach was employed, using a sequential explanatory strategy. First, a quantitative study was performed with Brazilian athletes aged 18 and 19 (n=141; 78.7% male, 21.3% female). Subsequently, 24 in-depth qualitative interviews were carried out. Differences between age groups were analyzed using the Kruskal-Wallis test and the association between qualitative variables was analyzed using the Chi2 test. Coding and analysis of qualitative data were guided by Thematic Analysis. The results showed that up to the age of 10, few athletes played basketball, and those who did pursued the sport for leisure. From the age of 11, most were already training systematically and at 13 they started participating in competitions. At the age of 15, the weekly training frequency increased significantly, as did the motivation to practice and the influence of school sports involvement in basketball, remaining high until the ages of 18 and 19. Following the Developmental Model of Sports Participation logic, the results obtained demonstrated that athletes have a sporting diversification until the age of 10, approximately from 11 to 14 years old they experience the specialization stage and at 15 they begin to dedicate themselves specifically to basketball. This study has the potential to significantly impact theory and practice, regarding MM research and the elements that influence athletes' personal engagement and, consequently, the youth sports system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries are among the most common injuries in adolescent athletes and result in significant financial and physical morbidity. Evidence-based programs designed to prevent ACL injury are effective. However, their adoption remains low. We sought to evaluate the awareness, evidence-based implementation, and barriers to implementation of ACL injury prevention programs (ACL-IPP) among youth athletic coaches. Hypothesis: Higher education level of the coach, higher level of training, number of teams coached, and coaching female teams would be associated with ACL-IPP implementation. Study Design: Cross-sectional survey Level of Evidence: Level 4. Methods: We conducted an email survey sent to all 63 school districts within Section VI of the New York State Public High School Athletic Association. We employed descriptive statistics and tests of correlation to identify factors associated with ACL-IPP implementation. Results: A total of 73% of coaches said they were aware of ACL-IPP, and only 12% of coaches implemented ACL-IPP according to best evidence. Coaches of higher competitive levels were more likely to adopt ACL-IPP (P = 0.01), more likely to use them multiple times per week (P = 0.03), and for ≥1 seasons (P = 0.02). Coaches of multiple teams were more likely to adopt ACL-IPP (P = 0.01). There were no differences in evidence-based implementation of ACL-IPP with gender coached or level of education of the coach. Conclusion: Overall awareness, adoption, and evidence-based implementation of ACL-IPP remain low. These results suggest that coaches at higher levels of play and multiple teams tend to use ACL-IPP more often. Gender coached and level of education do not appear to be associated with awareness or implementation. Clinical Relevance: Evidence-based ACL-IPP implementation remains low. Targeting coaches of younger athletes and fewer teams with local outreach programs and ACL-IPP may increase the implementation of ACL-IPP. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This perspective article explores the potential of non-player characters (NPCs) in video games as a reflective tool for coaches to enhance participant engagement in sports. While coaches traditionally focus on movement skill instruction, their role extends to fostering young people's immersion in sports contexts and potentially contribute to the possibility of lifelong participation. However, challenges persist in translating coaching theory in coach education programs into practice, including the awareness of roles and how to make young people immersion in sports. Integrating elements from video games, where NPCs play pivotal roles in shaping player experiences, presents a possible avenue for re-thinking the role of coach, especially in participation. By drawing parallels between NPCs and coaches, this article advocates for a new reflection tool for coaching roles. Future research should investigate the effectiveness of leveraging NPCs to enhance athlete engagement and motivation, ultimately creating dynamic and inclusive coaching environments that cater to the evolving needs of participants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study investigated trends within a custom Sports Nutrition Assessment for Consultation (SNAC) survey designed to identify nutrition-related risk factors among post-operative lower-extremity youth athletes. Athletes aged 8–18 years who completed the SNAC at a sports medicine institution after lower-extremity surgery were reviewed for associations between SNAC questions and age/sex differences. Of 477 patients (15.0 ± 2.0 years; 47.8% female), 319 (66.9%) answered 'yes' to at least one question and were identified for a consult, though 216 (64.3%) declined. The most frequent questions to prompt a consult were a desire to better understand nutrition for recovery (41.5%) and regularly skipping at least one meal a day (29.8%). Inter-question responses were often significantly related, especially regarding appetite changes, weight changes, and/or meal-skipping. While consult acceptance was not significantly different between sex/age, males were more likely to report a desire to better understand nutrition (p = 0.004) and a weight change (p = 0.019), and females were more likely to report struggling with dizziness/fatigue (p < 0.001). Additionally, older athletes reported an appetite change (p = 0.022), meal-skipping (p = 0.002), a desire to better understand nutrition (p < 0.001), a weight change (p < 0.001), and an effort/recommendation to change their body composition/weight (p = 0.005). These findings demonstrate a link between risky nutrition behaviors and physical detriments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Despite the noted risks of sport specialization, it is evident that parents, athletes, and coaches are engaging in and promoting early sport specialization. To develop more effective intervention strategies, researchers and other stakeholders should consider evaluating this behavior through a multilevel theoretical perspective and comprehensively evaluating the levels of influence. In response to recent calls for ecological assessments and a need for more theory-based research, we have created an ecological framework for youth sport based on the information synthesized in this literature review. To this end, the use of a social ecological perspective may help to better inform youth sport specialization research. The literature supports the multi-factorial determinants of behavior and the interplay between each of the levels of influence is important. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The balanced and rational allocation of public sports resources for teenagers is an important part of the reform of public sports services for youth in the 14th Five-Year period (2021-2025) and is of great practical significance in promoting healthy physical and mental development for teenagers. Using the Comprehensive Evaluation Measurement Model, Exploratory Spatial Analysis (ESDA), Spatial Dubin Model and its partial differential decomposition and other measurement methods, this paper explored the spatial and temporal pattern and spatial spillover effect of the allocation level of public sports resources for teenagers in China from 2010 to 2019. The results show that: ① The allocation level of public sports resources for young people at the national and provincial levels has generally maintained a steady upward trend, showing a gradient distribution pattern of "southwest northeast" direction diffusion and increase, showing a spatial evolution trend from "spot" to "block"; Jiangsu, Zhejiang, Shanghai, Beijing, Tianjin and the Northeast are high-level clusters, while the central and western regions are low-level clusters. ② The level of economic development and government support have a significant role in promoting the level of allocation and show a positive spatial spillover effect, while the level of urbanization and regional fertility have a negative impact and show a negative spillover effect. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The current study investigates the role of parents' concussion knowledge, value-relevant involvement (VRI), outcome-relevant involvement (ORI), and impression-relevant involvement (IRI) on their intentions to communicate with their children about recognizing and reporting sports-related concussions (SRC) symptoms. Among 249 parents of youth athletes between the ages of 9 and 15, SRC knowledge, VRI, and ORI were positively associated with parents' SRC communication intentions, while IRI was a negative predictor. Contrary to our hypotheses, parents with higher IRI were less likely to report SRC communication intentions as knowledge increased. Similarly, as knowledge increased, parents with higher ORI were also less likely to report intentions to communicate with their child about the importance of reporting a SRC. Additionally, parents with lower SRC knowledge were more likely to seek information about communicating with their child about SRCs. The study highlights the importance of considering the interplay between parental involvement and SRC knowledge, as well as underlying factors of SRC parent-child communication. Future research should identify specific goals for SRC communication to optimize educational intervention efforts and maximize the potential impact of communication on SRC reporting rates in youth sports. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study collected opinions and observations from the parents of youth recreational hockey players registered for league play in southwestern Manitoba in 2020 and 2021 towards the impacts of COVID-19 restrictions on players and their families. We also collected opinions from hockey association directors. We coordinated with the three leagues in southwestern Manitoba to send out an email invitation to registered hockey families with a link to an online questionnaire. The majority of parents and directors disagreed with the restrictions on play imposed by the Province of Manitoba and displayed a large degree of frustration. Many of the players commented on the lack of comfort in wearing masks while playing and missing friends while play was suspended. In addition, most parents also indicated the restrictions had negative mental and physical impacts on their player. Conversely, respondents also reported that they saved money and spent more family time together while play was suspended. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Elbow injuries related to the throwing motion in baseball during the growth period present difficulties for early detection and may cause serious future disabilities. This study aimed to comprehensively determine the characteristics and clinical assessment of elbow pain in youth baseball players. Two hundred and sixteen young baseball players underwent elbow medical examination. Basic information and physical examination, clinical assessment, and ultrasonography results were examined. Univariate analyses were statistically performed between the pain-free (98 participants) and elbow pain (118 participants) groups. The mean age was 11.6 years, and ultrasonographic abnormalities were found on the medial side of the elbow in 37.5%. In total, 118 (54.6%) participants experienced elbow pain, with 64.4% of them complaining of elbow pain on the medial side. Players with multiple positions (≥2 positions) had a significantly higher prevalence of elbow pain. Height, weight, length of baseball experience, and positive rates of horizontal flexion and moving valgus stress tests were higher in the elbow pain group than in the pain-free group. The risk factors and clinical assessment for elbow pain are useful for the prevention and early detection of throwing elbow injuries in youth baseball players. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of this systematic review was to assess the effects of plyometric-jump training (PJT) on the physical fitness of youth with cerebral palsy (CP) compared with controls (i.e., standard therapy). The PRISMA 2020 guidelines were followed. Eligibility was assessed using the PICOS approach. Literature searches were conducted using the PubMed, Web of Science, and SCOPUS databases. Methodological study quality was assessed using the PEDro scale. Data were meta-analyzed by applying a random-effects model to calculate Hedges' g effect sizes (ES), along with 95% confidence intervals (95% CI). The impact of heterogeneity was assessed (I2 statistic), and the certainty of evidence was determined using the GRADE approach. Eight randomized-controlled studies with low-to-moderate methodological quality were included, involving male (n = 225) and female (n = 138) youth aged 9.5 to 14.6 years. PJT interventions lasted between 8 and 12 weeks with 2–4 weekly sessions. Compared with controls, PJT improved the muscle strength (ES = 0.66 [moderate], 95% CI = 0.36–0.96, p < 0.001, I2 = 5.4%), static (ES = 0.69 [moderate], 95% CI= 0.33–1.04, p < 0.001, I2 = 0.0%) and dynamic balance (ES = 0.85 [moderate], 95% CI = 0.12–1.58, p = 0.023, I2 = 81.6%) of youth with CP. Therefore, PJT improves muscle strength and static and dynamic balance in youth with CP compared with controls. However, more high-quality randomized-controlled trials with larger sample sizes are needed to provide a more definitive recommendation regarding the use and safety of PJT to improve measures of physical fitness. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Studies addressing age at peak height velocity (PHV) in longitudinal samples of participants in sports are relatively limited. Purpose: To compare the growth status and estimated ages at PHV of longitudinal samples girls and boys active in sport with peers not active in sport, and to compare estimated ages at PHV among longitudinal samples of Polish youth active in sport. Methods: Records from the Cracow Longitudinal Study, which measured youth annually from 8 to 18 years, were screened to identify individuals regularly active in sport. Participants in athletics (22 girls, 10 boys), soccer (12 boys), and other team (6 girls, 7 boys) and individual (6 girls, 9 boys) sports were identified; 107 girls and 172 boys were not active in sport. Heights and weights of participants in sports and non-involved peers were compared. Longitudinal height records of individuals were fit with the SITAR model to estimate age at PHV. Ages at PHV of boys and girls active in sport and peers not active in sports were compared with sex-specific ANOVAs. Results: Ages at PHV of boys participating in athletics and soccer were similar to age at PHV of boys not active in sport, while ages at PHV of boys in other team sports (basketball, volleyball, handball) and individual sports (skiing, gymnastics, acrobatics) were, respectively, slightly earlier and later. Among girls, age at PHV of participants in team sports (basketball, netball) was earlier, while ages at PHV among participants in athletics and other individual sports (equestrian, acrobatics, shooting) were slightly later compared to non-athlete peers. Conclusion: Ages at PHV varied among participants in different sports and were consistent with estimates in other longitudinal samples of Polish youth athletes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Various physical fitness qualities such as muscle strength, speed and endurance are related to soccer performance. Accordingly, the combination of strength and endurance training (i.e., concurrent training [CT]) is an often-encountered training regimen in soccer. Less is known about the effects of CT sequencing on performance in young soccer players. The aim of this study was to assess the sequencing effects of strength and intermittent endurance training applied within the same training session (intrasession) on measures of physical fitness and soccer performance in young soccer players. Methods: Fifty male adolescent soccer players volunteered to participate in this study which was conducted in the Netherlands in 2019. Players were randomly assigned to a strength-endurance (SE) or an endurance-strength (ES) group in matched pairs based on their countermovement jump (CMJ) performance at baseline. Both groups completed a 12-weeks in-season training program with two weekly CT sessions. Training sessions consisted of 15 min plyometric exercises and 15 min soccer-specific intermittent endurance training. Both groups performed the same training volumes and the only difference between the groups was the CT intrasession sequencing scheme (SE vs. ES). Pre and post intervention, proxies of muscle power (CMJ, squat jump [SJ]), linear sprint speed (30-m sprint test), agility (Illinois test with / without ball), and soccer performance (ball kicking velocity) were tested. Results: Data from 38 players aged 14.8 ± 1.0 years (body height 172.9 ± 8.1 cm, body mass: 57.0 ± 7.2 kg, soccer experience: 8.8 ± 2.8 years, age from peak-height-velocity [PHV]: +1.2 ± 1.0 years) were included. Significant main time effects were found for CMJ (p = 0.002, d = 0.55), SJ (p = 0.004, d = 0.51), the Illinois agility test with ball (p = 0.016, d = 0.51), and ball kicking velocity (p = 0.016, d = 0.51). Significant group-by-time interactions were observed for 30-m linear sprint speed (p < 0.001, d = 0.76) with ES showing greater improvements (p = 0.006, d = 0.85, Δ-5%). Conclusions: Both CT-sequencing types improved performance in the tests administered. The intrasession CT sequencing (SE vs. ES) appears not to have a major impact on physical fitness adaptations, except for linear sprint speed which was in favor of ES. Key points: • This study examined the effects of intrasession concurrent training. Findings showed that strength-endurance and endurance-strength sequencing resulted in similar changes in most measures of physical fitness in adolescent male soccer players. • If the goal is to improve linear sprint speed, endurance-strength sequencing appears to be better suited. • More research is needed to acquire further knowledge on concurrent training and effects of different types of sequencing schemes (e.g., training day, microcycle) as well as the strength training (e.g., power training) and endurance training type (e.g., high intensity interval training). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The development of identity formation occurs during adolescence through experiences, ideals and principle. With greater accessibility to sports, recent trends have shown increased rates of sports specialization over the past decade in youth athletes. Athletic identity measures the strength an individual is tied to the athlete role and can be formed in conjunction to adolescent identity formation. More specialized youth athletes may have stronger ties to their athletic identity during their adolescent identity formation period. Methods: Youth basketball athletes were surveyed on specialization levels and athletic identity via the Athletic Identity Measurement Scale (AIMS), including three submeasures: social identity, exclusivity, and negative affectivity. Results: Participants showed stronger identification to social identity items and the weakest identification with exclusivity items. Athletes reporting more time spent playing their primary sport presented higher scores across all measures of athletic identity, and total athletic identity was stronger in athletes reporting specialization at an earlier age. Exclusivity and negative affectivity tended to increase with specialization level which may primarily be driven by specialized athletes choosing to quit non-primary sports. Discussion: Athletic identity may be worth noting as a psychological indicator of potential risk of injury. The long-term goal of this work is to provide the research and clinical community a greater understanding of a potential psychosocial risk factor as youth athletes continue specializing and spending more time training in a singular sport. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: We aimed to establish a model combining MRI volume measurements from the 1st, 2nd and 3rd molars for age prediction in sub-adults and compare the age prediction performance of different combinations of all three molars, internally in the study cohort. Material and method: We examined 99 volunteers using a 1.5 T MR scanner with a customized high-resolution single T2 sequence. Segmentation was performed using SliceOmatic (Tomovision©). Age prediction was based on the tooth tissue ratio (high signal soft tissue + low signal soft tissue)/total. The model included three correlation parameters to account for statistical dependence between the molars. Age prediction performance of different combinations of teeth for the three molars was assessed using interquartile range (IQR). Results: We included data from the 1st molars from 87 participants (F/M 59/28), 2nd molars from 93 (F/M 60/33) and 3rd molars from 67 (F/M 45/22). The age range was 14–24 years with a median age of 18 years. The model with the best age prediction performance (smallest IQR) was 46–47-18 (lower right 1st and 2nd and upper right 3rd molar) in males. The estimated correlation between the different molars was 0.620 (46 vs. 47), 0.430 (46 vs. 18), and 0.598 (47 vs. 18). IQR was the smallest in tooth combinations including a 3rd molar. Conclusion: We have established a model for combining tissue volume measurements from the 1st, 2nd and 3rd molars for age prediction in sub-adults. The prediction performance was mostly driven by the 3rd molars. All combinations involving the 3rd molar performed well. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Context: The definition of an "overuse injury" had some ambiguity until recent publications . It is unknown whether the improved definition of "overuse injury" has been applied to epidemiology studies that examine high school-aged athletes. This population may be predisposed to overuse injuries due to several factors. Clinical Question : Is there more consistency in how the term "overuse injury" is being used, and has the rate of overuse injuries in high school-aged athletes epidemiology studies changed since Roos and Marshall's 2014 systematic review on overuse injury definitions? Clinical Bottom Line: Since Roos and Marshall's systematic review. more studies are recognizing "overuse injuries as needing a specific mechanism of injury: however, several studies failed to differentiate "overuse injuries" from "noncontact injuries." The rate of overuse injuries does not appear to have changed significantly. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Copyright of Journal of Capital Institute of Physical Education is the property of Shoudu Tiyu Xueyuan 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.)

To develop and validate the Youth Overuse Injury Questionnaire (YOvIQ). A cross-sectional study. Online platforms. Two content experts (in sports injury epidemiology and in sports science and medicine) and seven end-users (youth volleyball athletes) provided feedback during development of the YOvIQ. 227 competitive youth athletes across 14 different sports assessed the psychometric properties of the YOvIQ. Participants completed both YOvIQ and the Oslo Sports Trauma Research Centre Overuse Injury Questionnaire (OSTRC-O2) for anatomical areas of the shoulder, elbow, lower back, knee, and ankle/foot. Validity was assessed via convergent validity. Reliability was assessed using internal consistency estimation and interclass correlation coefficient. Following feedback from content experts, examples and quantitative symbolization were added to the options in YOvIQ, with positive feedback from end-users. Convergent validity between YOvIQ and the OSTRC-O2 was demonstrated with non-significant differences (P ≥.05) and significant correlations (P < 0.001) for prevalence and severity scores. YOvIQ demonstrated internal consistency for prevalence (Cronbach's alpha coefficient >0.70) and moderate-to-good reliability for severity scores (ICC: 0.51 to 0.88) for shoulder, lower back, and knee. The YOvIQ is a valid and reliable instrument to identify overuse injuries to the shoulder, lower back, and knee in youth athletes. • The Youth Overuse Injury Questionnaire (YOvIQ) for youth athletes is validated for shoulder, elbow and knee overuse injuries. • YOvIQ can reliably determine shoulder, lower back and knee overuse injuries. • Use of YOvIQ can allow for prompt training and/or medical intervention for overuse injuries in youth athletes. • Use of YOvIQ can allow for development of overuse injury prevention strategies in youth sport. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]