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Reynolds Melvin posted an update 3 weeks ago
Overall, futsal athletes take about two decades to achieve their best performance. Coaches and researchers should consider the implementation of long-term training strategies (≈ 20 years) to progressively and effectively develop young futsal players.Current pre- and post-activity stretching guidelines are designed to optimize performance and reduce injury risk. However, it is unclear whether soccer coaches adhere to these recommendations. The purpose of this study was to determine if collegiate soccer coaches’ perceptions and practices align with current scientific recommendations. A total of 781 questionnaires were electronically distributed to soccer coaches from NCAA Division I and III universities. The questionnaire obtained demographic, professional, and educational information, as well as stretching practices. Statistical analysis consisted of computing frequency counts and means where applicable. Pearson’s Chi-square tests were performed to assess the potential differences in stretching perceptions and practices among the cohort of soccer coaches. Results suggest that soccer coaches are choosing some forms of stretching more frequently than other coaches (χ2 = 342.7, p less then 0.001). Further analysis failed to determine significant associations between stretching type and coaching certification, level, sex, years of experience, and age. Of the 209 respondents, 84.9% believed pre-activity stretching to be of greater than average importance on a seven-point Likert scale. Dynamic stretching (68.7%) or a combination of static and ballistic stretching (18.0%) prior to athletic events was the most typical stretching prescribed. Current post-activity practices demonstrate that most coaches (95.4%) are using some form of a general cool-down following practice or competition. This study is an important assessment of the extent to which collegiate coaches administer appropriate stretching techniques. Most coaches adhere to current recommendations; however, they should continue to evaluate their practices against ongoing research and the practices of their peers.High-intensity functional training (HIFT) is an exercise training modality that has grown considerably in popularity over the last decade. More recently, competitive functional fitness racing events have emerged from HIFT, and aim to test athletes’ proficiency across a variety of movements, skills, and energy systems. Whilst the injury risk associated with HIFT has been shown to be low and comparable to other forms of recreational fitness activities, the injury risk associated with competitive functional fitness racing events is currently unknown. A prospective cohort design was used to record medical-attention injuries during two competitive functional fitness racing events, involving 1085 competitors. A total of 26 injuries were recorded over the two competitions, resulting in an injury incidence rate of 36 per 1000 competition hours (90% confidence limits [CL] 26-50) and injury prevalence of 2.4% (90% CL 1.6-3.2%). Ifenprodil price The shoulder (n=4) and hand (n=4) were the most commonly injured body locations. The incidence rate in male athletes was likely higher than female athletes (Rate Ratio [RR] 1.87, 90% CL 0.95-3.69). The injury incidence rate associated with competitive functional fitness racing events is higher than for HIFT training activities, though the injury prevalence is relatively low in comparison to other sporting activities. Further research is required to understand the burden of these injuries, and identify appropriate injury prevention strategies for this emerging sport.The purpose of this study was to measure the generating effects of Contrast Training (CT) on 6-hour post-activation potentiation (PAP) and its influence on jumping and on on-ice repeated sprint performance in ice hockey players. Forty-one participants were divided in two groups experimental (EG) and control group (CG). The EG followed the CT PAP protocol which consisted of 5 sets of 5 half inertia back squat superset with 6 squat jumps. The effects of PAP were measured with the vertical countermovement jump (CMJ), stationary broad jump (BJ) and 9 repeated on ice 40-meter maximal sprints with hockey equipment. Results showed that the PAP generated by the CT protocol had no significant impact (p ≥ 0.05) on CMJ, BJ, blood lactate concentration, heart rate peak and rated perceived exertion as EG and CG group presented no significant differences in improvement. However, results show that there was a significant improvement (p less then 0.05) for the EG in the total sprint time (-5.5 ± 2.6%; 56.2 ± 4.7 to 53.1 ± 3.9sec) mean sprint speed (+5.9 ± 3.0%; 6.4 ± 0.5 to 6.8 ± 0.5m/s) and in 1st sprint speed (+7.4% ± 5.9; 7.3 ± 0.7 to 7.8 ± 0.6m/s), but not for the CG (-1.4 ± 5.1%; 58.0 ± 5.4 to 57.2 ± 6.4sec), (+1.7 ± 5.1 %; 6.3 ± 0.6 to 6.4 ± 0.6m/s) and (+1.9 ± 7.7%; 6.9 ± 0.7 to 7.0 ± 0.7m/s) respectively. Thus, results show that the CT protocol utilized in this study generated PAP which had an acute effect on the on-ice hockey repeated sprint test performance. Therefore, CT could be utilized punctually to improve repeated sprint performance of elite hockey players as it could potentially help create odd man rushes during games.Baseball is a sport that places excessive strain on the shoulder complex caused from repetitive overhead throws. In the sport of baseball, shoulder strength and range of motion (ROM) are paramount for success on the field. The purpose of this study was to determine strength and ROM differences between collegiate baseball pitchers and position players. It was hypothesized that pitchers would have higher strength and ROM values, due to the volume of throwing a pitcher performs. A total of nine collegiate baseball pitchers and position players (n = 18) volunteered for the study (age = 20.94 ± 1.21 years, height = 183.42 ± 4.74 cm, and mass = 89.56 ± 10.76 kg). Shoulder strength was measured using a Humac Norm isokinetic dynamometer at 180ºsec-1 and 300ºsec-1 and ROM was measured using a goniometer. All participants completed a five-minute warm-up at 50 rpm on an upper body ergometer. Following the warm-up, passive internal and external ROM were measured for the throwing (dominant) arm. No statistical differences were found in external ROM (p = 0.