The aim of this study was to determine the physical and physiological demands of intercounty Camogie match-play between competitions. Data was collected across a two-year period, using global positioning systems (10-Hz) and heart rate monitors (2.4-GHz). There were statistically significant increases between competitions in total distance (TD) (p < 0.05), Relative Distance (RD) (p < 0.05), HRmax (p < 0.01), HRmean (p < 0.01), number of High-Speed Running (HSR), (p < 0.05) between competitions. There were also significant increases between competitions in very high-speed running (VHSR) (p < 0.05), sprinting (p < 0.02) between the National League (NL) and All-Ireland Championship (AIC). From a positional difference, half-forwards covered a significantly greater RD (p < 0.02) than full forwards during the NL (p < 0.02). Midfielders covered a significantly greater TD than full backs (p < 0.01) and full forwards (p < 0.05) during the AIC. Midfielders covered a significantly greater HSR distance than full-backs (p < 0.02) and half backs during the AIC (p < 0.05). Midfielders covered a significantly greater number of sprints than full backs during the AIC (p < 0.02). The findings provide distinct physical and physiological values of the between competition demands of intercounty Camogie match-play.

This study compared physical fitness adaptations following 8-weeks of flywheel cluster-set and traditional cluster-set training. Seventy-six amateur male field sport athletes (age: 23.5 ± 3.7 years; height: 1.81 ± 0.08 m; body mass: 83.6 ± 14.4 kg) were randomly assigned to flywheel cluster-set, traditional cluster-set, or a control group. Participants underwent pre- and post-intervention assessments for 20 m sprint speed, countermovement jump (CMJ) height, force, and velocity, change of direction (COD) speed, isometric mid-thigh pull (IMTP), and three-repetition maximum (3RM) strength. Both training groups performed quarter-squat and Romanian deadlift exercises twice weekly (four sets of nine repetitions), in cluster blocks of three repetitions (3x3x3) with 45 s intra-set rest. Flywheel blocks included two submaximal 'momentum repetitions' followed by three maximal efforts. No significant group × time interactions were found between flywheel and traditional cluster-set groups for any measure. Compared to the control group, both intervention groups significantly improved sprint speed (5 m and 20 m), CMJ height and force, COD ability, and 3RM strength (p = 0.024 to < 0.001; ES = 0.20-1.14). Additionally, the flywheel group improved IMTP strength (p = 0.049, ES = 0.25), whereas the traditional group improved CMJ velocity (p = 0.011, ES = 0.26). In conclusion, both training modalities effectively enhanced physical fitness in field sport athletes, with flywheel training favouring isometric-strength and traditional methods favouring jump-velocity adaptations.

Release velocity is one of the most critical factors determining the discus throw distance. The purpose of this study was to clarify the role of athlete-discus system momentum - the primary source of release velocity - by analysing its time-series data. Twenty-six discus throwers were recorded during official competitions, and the 3D-DLT method was applied to calculate the system's centre of mass (COM), velocity (), linear momentum (), angular momentum () and normalised angular momentum () around the system's COM. SPM-1D regression analysis was used to examine the relationships between these momentum-related variables and release velocity. Two main findings emerged from the results: (1) only around the vertical axis and the resultant showed significant positive correlations with release velocity and (2) , , and all exhibited significant positive correlations with the resultant at the moment of discus release. Although was correlated with the release velocity, it was revealed that the linear variables affected the resultant and indirectly affected the gain in release velocity. The study highlighted the importance of linear motion, which had not been previously emphasised in terms of gaining release velocity in discus throw.

Physical activity (PA) breaks, separate from recess or physical education, provide opportunities for schools to increase children's PA. However, their effectiveness on executive function (EF), perceptual and behavioural responses remain unclear, and challenges integrating PA breaks into the school day persist. In this 3-week, repeated measures study, 120 children (Years 2-6, 6-11 years old) from one UK primary school completed three conditions: playground games (designed with input from pupils and teachers), usual practice (The Daily Mile), and sedentary control. EF, arousal, affect, effort, and enjoyment were measured before, immediately after, and 45-min post-condition. Children's evaluations and teacher-rated class behaviour were also assessed. There were no significant differences between conditions for EF (p > 0.05). However, in the playground games condition, children reported higher pre-activity arousal, greater exertion during activity, and more positive affect overall compared to usual practice and control (p's < 0.05). Children rated the playground games break as more enjoyable, but less feasible to implement, than usual practice (p's < 0.05). Teacher-rated class behaviour did not differ across conditions (p's > 0.05). Findings suggest that novel, participant-orientated PA breaks of different type and duration can match traditional routines in cognitive and behavioural outcomes while enhancing enjoyment and engagement.

Stroboscopic training is increasingly used to enhance athletes' perceptual and motor skills, but its impact on sport-specific performance remains unclear. This systematic review and meta-analysis assessed short- and long-term effects of stroboscopic training on performance metrics, focusing on response accuracy and time. Following PRISMA guidelines (PROSPERO code: CRD420251027637), four databases were searched through April 2025. Studies were eligible if peer-reviewed, in English, and evaluated sport performance during or after stroboscopic training. Risk of bias was assessed with a modified Downs and Black tool. Standardized mean differences (SMDs) were computed using fixed- or random-effects models, depending on heterogeneity. Seventeen studies met inclusion criteria. Acute stroboscopic exposure led to moderate performance decrements in response accuracy (SMD = 0.50; 95% CI: 0.19-0.81) and response time (SMD = 0.51; 95% CI: 0.17 to 0.86). In contrast, long-term training produced significant improvements in response accuracy (SMD = -0.71; 95% CI: -1.41 to -0.02) and response time (SMD = -1.10; 95% CI: -2.11 to -0.08), equating to gains of 5.7% and 5.3%, respectively. Stroboscopic training enhances long-term sport-specific performance, whereas despite initial performance decrements during training. These findings highlight its value as a perceptual training strategy in fast-paced sports. Future research should standardise protocols and investigate the underlying neurophysiological mechanisms.

Reception is a critical determinant of success in elite volleyball, yet the combined influence of serve trajectory and contact point remains underexplored, particularly in women's competitions. This study analysed how the interaction between serve trajectory (origin and destination zones) and the receiver's contact point affects reception quality in high-level women's volleyball. It was hypothesised that receptions performed with middleline contact would achieve higher performance than those executed with lateral or low contacts, regardless of serve trajectory. A total of 39,974 receptions from the Olympic Games and Volleyball Nations League (2021 and 2024) were evaluated using descriptive statistics and logistic regression models (multinomial, binomial, and ordinal). The results showed that receptions after serves from zone 6 and made with contact on the centre line achieved significantly higher performance. In contrast, those directed towards zones 5 and 3, especially with low or lateral contacts, performed worse. When we understand how the serve zone, the reception zone and the point of contact with the ball are connected, reception is no longer seen as a mechanical gesture but as a dynamic process where technique and tactics come together. This understanding guides us towards training and strategies more connected to the essence of the game.

The current study evaluates the secondary outcomes of the Active Learning in Physical Literacy (ALPHYL) randomized controlled trial; a classroom-based intervention aimed at enhancing children's physical literacy through physically active learning (PAL) and quality physical education (PE). A total of 332 fifth-grade students (51.8% girls; mean age: 10.8 years) from six schools were randomly assigned to experimental or control groups. The 9-10-week intervention included daily PAL activities and quality PE lessons, guided by the SAAFE principles. Multilevel linear models assessed outcomes across four domains of physical literacy: physical, psychological, social, and cognitive. Significant group-by-time interaction effects were found for cardiovascular endurance, light PA, and task-involving climate. The experimental group showed improvements in cardiovascular endurance and maintained light PA levels, while a decline in perceived task-involving climate was observed. No significant effects were detected in psychological, or cognitive variables, although descriptive data indicated high enjoyment in school among the experimental group. The ALPHYL intervention improved physical and behavioural aspects of physical literacy, supporting its role in promoting cardiovascular fitness and active behaviours. The findings underscore the importance of long-term, comprehensive strategies to foster holistic child development through school-based PA.

Perceptual-cognitive skills (PCS) are fundamental for high performance in professional soccer, and thus youth academy players must develop these skills to enhance their chances of progressing to senior soccer and securing professional contracts. Consequently, it is important that stakeholders involved in talent identification and development processes (i.e. coaches/scouts) can identify and assess these skills to inform identification, (de)selection and development processes. However, little is known about the identification and assessment process of PCS by these stakeholders. The aim of this study was to critically examine how coaches working in professional soccer academies in the UK identify and assess PCS. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 20 academy coaches working in category one to three academies in the UK. Reflexive thematic analysis generated five higher-order themes: (1) education, knowledge and understanding; (2) experience; (3) challenges; (4) club-specific context; and (5) biases, along with various secondary and tertiary themes. Findings highlighted inconsistencies and a lack of standardised methodologies for identifying and assessing PCS in talent development environments. Participants' understanding of PCS was shaped by informal learning and limited education in this area. Future research should, therefore, consider developing assessment tools and frameworks that can support coaches with the identification and assessment of PCS.

This study advances knowledge on what constitutes a 'good' talent development environment for career outcomes, by examining the combined influence of the parent-coach-system from a relational perspective and a person-oriented methodology. We followed 105 Swiss elite youth football players, who completed validated questionnaires at the U13 (2011) and the U14 level (2012) to assess the perceived environment (parent behaviour: Praise and Understanding, Directive Behaviour, Pressure; coach behaviour: Social Support, Positive Feedback, Democratic Behaviour). Their adult professional football level was assessed in 2023. Cluster analysis revealed four stable types of athletes across both time points. Two significant transitions emerged: the athlete type who perceived low levels across all variables had a lower probability of turning professional, whereas the athlete type characterised by parental praise and understanding combined with directive behaviour and some pressure, alongside low positive feedback and social support but involvement in decision-making had a higher probability of reaching the professional level. These findings underscore the importance of viewing the parent - coach system as an interconnected whole. They reveal compensation (e.g. stable parental praise and understanding buffering limited coach positive feedback) and complementation mechanisms (e.g. directive parental behaviours paired with democratic coaching) shaping athletes' long-term career outcomes.

We investigated players' and coaches' experiences and perceptions of bio-banding in U15 and U16 elite ice hockey teams. Secondarily, the distribution of maturity timing and the relationship between maturity status and fitness performance were examined. Forty-three male players (14.7 ± 0.6 years) participated. Maturity status and timing were estimated using the Khamis-Roche method and population reference data. Fitness tests were also performed. Perceptions were assessed using 5-point Likert-scale questionnaires and coach interviews. Players reported opportunities for new social contacts during bio-banding, which contradicted the coaches' initial concerns. Players moving to a less advanced (maturity status) bio-band perceived more responsibility and beneficial use of speed/size and reported more puck possession (Likert score 4.0/5). Players moving to a more advanced bio-band saw more technical/tactical challenges (4.3/5). Coaches recognized benefits such as individualizing training and improving selection procedures. U16 players showed earlier maturity timing compared to the Swedish reference population (P < 0.05); U15 players did not differ. Maturity status correlated with strength (r = 0.59), agility (r = -0.6), explosive power (r = 0.51), and endurance (r = 0.53) (all P < 0.01). We conclude that bio-banding offers benefits for players across the maturity timing spectrum and for coaches in several areas.

Against the backdrop of pursuing optimal athletic performance, researchers are exploring safe, side-effect-free interventions. This study systematically evaluated the effects of Stroboscopic Visual Training (SVT) on sport-specific performance and examined potential moderating effects of intervention parameters and individual characteristics. Following PRISMA guidelines, a systematic search was conducted and studies screened using PICOS criteria. Thirteen studies were included, yielding 30 effect sizes. A three-level meta-analysis revealed a small-to-moderate positive effect of SVT on sport-specific performance (Hedges' g = 0.35, 95% CI: 0.12-0.58, < 0.01). Moderator analyses showed that intervention frequency significantly predicted outcomes ( = 0.03), whereas age, training experience, and duration did not. Sensitivity analyses confirmed robustness of findings. Risk of bias was moderate (ROB 2), and evidence quality was graded "moderate" (GRADE). SVT appears to be a safe, practical training tool that enhances sport-specific performance. However, methodological heterogeneity and limited sample representativeness highlight the need for further high-quality randomized controlled trials to confirm the stability and generalizability of these effects.

Accurate assessment of jumping is important for sports performance and rehabilitation. While laboratory-based motion capture is considered gold-standard, markerless motion capture (MMC) systems offer an accessible alternative for field and clinical settings. However, their validity and reliability vary, warranting a comprehensive synthesis of current literature. Six databases (CINAHL, Embase, MEDLINE, Scopus, SPORTDiscus, Web of Science) were searched following PRISMA for studies comparing MMC derived kinematics, kinetics or performance with gold-standard measures during vertical or horizontal jump tasks. Twenty studies met inclusion. The meta-analysis for sagittal-plane pooled root mean square error (RMSE) values were 5.3° for hip (95% CI 2.9-7.6°), 4.4° for knee (2.9-5.9°) and 4.9° for ankle (3.9-5.9°). Frontal-plane RMSE values were 3.0° for hip (2.5-3.5°) and 7.5° for ankle (4.1-10.9°). Pooled jump-height bias was -2.9 cm (-8.1 to 2.3 cm). Between-study heterogeneity ranged from low to substantial, with wider prediction intervals for sagittal hip, frontal ankle and jump height. This review suggests that current MMC systems can achieve moderate accuracy for lower limb jump biomechanics, but performance varies widely between systems and contexts. Practitioners should consider system-specific evidence to make informed decisions regarding the suitability of a given system for their needs.

High-intensity exercise affects angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) levels and can modulate regeneration of the skeletal muscle; however, genetic polymorphisms can influence ACE2 expression, which could lead to musculoskeletal injury (MSKi). This case-control study aimed to evaluate the influence of polymorphisms, and their combination with non-genetic predictors on the history of MSKi in high-performance athletes. Four hundred eighty-eight athletes genotyped for SNPs (rs2285666, rs4240157, and rs2074192). Of the 300 MSKi cases, 51% reported only muscle injuries and 13% only tendinopathy; however, 36% had reported both injuries. The -rs4240157-T and rs2074192-T alleles, the rs2074192-TT genotype, and the CTT haplotype (rs2285666, rs4240157, and rs2074192) were all associated with an increased risk of MSKi (OR: 1.3; 95% CI: 1.1-1.7; OR: 1.6; 95% CI: 1.2-2.0; OR: 1.7; 95% CI: 1.2-2.5; and OR: 1.4; 95% CI: 1.2-2.0, respectively). Conversely, the -rs2285666-TT genotype and the TCC haplotype exhibited a protective effect for this condition (OR: 0.4; 95% CI: 0.2-0.9 and OR: 0.6; 95% CI: 0.3-1.0, respectively). The multifactorial score, which included age, sex, BMI, training exposure index, and gene SNPs, was significantly higher in MSKi cases compared with controls (p < 0.01). This risk score is important because it has the potential to enhance biostatistical methods of surveillance in athlete health.

Resistance training significantly benefits both the general population's health and athletes' muscular strength and power, with outcomes influenced by various factors such as exercise intensity and movement velocity. Comprehensive reporting is crucial for enabling study comparisons and translating scientific findings to practice. The Preferred Reporting Items for Resistance Exercise Studies (PRIRES) checklist, designed to enhance clarity, transparency, and reproducibility in resistance exercise research, was developed through an umbrella review of systematic reviews specifically targeting studies on resistance exercise training. PRIRES comprises 26 reporting items (39 subitems) covering exercise selection, training program and progression/regression, exercise setting, and planned versus actual training. This explanation and elaboration document aims to improve the understanding and implementation of the PRIRES checklist by providing the rationale for each reporting item, along with illustrative examples drawn from prior primary studies. In conclusion, this project aspires to serve as a meaningful and readily applicable checklist for experts in resistance exercise training literature. Improved understanding of these reporting items among researchers from diverse fields is expected to foster the adoption of thorough reporting practices.

This study explored the impact of unbalanced ball possession small-sided games (SSGs) on individual tactical actions within three age groups: Under-11 (U11), Under-15 (U15), and Under-23 (U23). A total of 52 academy-level soccer players participated in 4v2, 4v4, and 4v6 SSGs aimed at maintaining ball possession. The analysis, conducted from both opposition-based (4vX) and cooperation-based (4v2+X) perspectives, utilised the Kruskal-Wallis and Dwass-Steel-Critchlow-Fligner tests to evaluate the effects on individual tactical actions such as Blocking, Tackling, Intercepting, Passing, Receiving, and Dribbling. Results indicated that older players (U23) demonstrated a higher proficiency in passing and receiving in numerically superior scenarios, showcasing their advanced tactical understanding. In contrast, younger players (U11 and U15) displayed greater variability, particularly in dribbling and tackling, reflecting their developmental stages. The findings suggest that numerical superiority enhances the frequency and quality of individual tactical actions across all groups, underscoring the need for age-specific and numerically balanced training to optimise player development. This research supports the implementation of tailored training regimes that align with players' developmental stages, using unbalanced SSGs to refine specific individual tactical skills and simulate real-match conditions, to develop decision-making and overall team performance.

The Yurchenko vaults dominate elite women's artistic gymnastics, yet its impact on execution scores (E-scores) remains unquantified. This study investigates whether Yurchenko vaults confer a systematically higher E-score at the Olympics. We analysed 298 vaults from the 2016, 2020 and 2024 Olympic qualifications, classified by FIG-certified judges (ICC = 0.988, P < 0.001). Three analytical approaches, correspondence analysis (CA), one-way ANOVA, and ordered logistic regression (OLR), were used to evaluate E-score distributions across vault groups. Results show that Yurchenko vaults consistently achieved higher E-score terciles (CA), demonstrated significantly higher mean E-scores than Handspring(across all Games, p < 0.05, Cohen's d = 0.57 to 1.21) and Tsukahara vaults (2024: p < 0.05, d = 1.04), and conferred a 24.0% (vs. Handspring) and 22.6% (vs. Tsukahara) greater probability of achieving higher E-score terciles (OLR, p < 0.001). These findings provide the first quantitative evidence of a significant E-score advantage for Yurchenko vaults, suggesting biomechanical alignment with modern equipment and scoring criteria. The discovery highlights systemic scoring disparities influencing elite vault selection and underscores the need for Code of Points revisions to promote diversity.

The World Health Organization advises that adolescents engage in at least 60 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity daily. However, a significant proportion of adolescents do not meet this recommendation, with a notable gender gap. Specifically, 92% of girls fall short of this target, compared to 82% of boys. Physical education programs often exacerbate these inequalities. This study aims to investigate, within the ecological framework, the conditions that exacerbate or mitigate gender differences in physical activity engagement during physical education classes. The study is based on a mixed methodology, combining quantitative measures (accelerometers, questionnaires) and qualitative measures (focus groups). Results showed that the odds of girls engaging in high levels of MVPA were substantially lower than those of boys (OR ≈ 0.65), particularly during performance-oriented and opposition activities. Gender disparities were also more pronounced in advantaged and urban schools, whereas rural and lower-SPI contexts showed smaller gaps. Qualitative data revealed that girls often experience social discomfort and judgement, particularly from boys, which undermines their participation. These findings emphasise the importance of rethinking PE practices through an ecological lens by considering the interplay between activity type, school context and social dynamics, to foster more inclusive engagement for all students.

Anodal transcranial direct current stimulation (a-tDCS) shows promise for improving endurance performance, but the optimal montage for this purpose remains unclear. We conducted the first network meta-analysis (NMA) to compare various a-tDCS montages to verify their effects on whole-body endurance performance in physically active people. The search was conducted using four databases until 4 March 2025. A frequentist random-effects NMA was performed to compare different a-tDCS montages. Statistical analysis was conducted using MetaInsight, and confidence in the evidence was assessed with the CINeMA framework. A total of 25 studies involving 648 participants met the inclusion criteria and were included. The NMA provided moderate-certainty evidence indicating that a-tDCS over the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) yielded the greatest improvement in endurance performance (Standardized Mean Difference - SMD = 0.66) when compared to other electrode placements as the motor (M1) and temporal (TC) cortices. Also, in the NMA, the M1 was ranked second (SMD = 0.38), suggesting another viable option for endurance performance enhancement. In contrast, indirect evidence suggested that a-tDCS over the TC had no significant effect on endurance performance (SMD = 0.15). In conclusion, coaches and athletes may consider applying a-tDCS over the DLPFC or M1 before training or endurance competitions.

Chronic low back pain (CLBP) is a leading cause of disability worldwide. Trunk muscle weakness is linked to the onset and severity of CLBP. While isokinetic dynamometers are reliable for assessing trunk flexors, extensors, and rotators, the reliability and safety of Functional Electromechanical Dynamometers (FEMD) remain insufficiently studied. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the reliability and safety of trunk strength assessment using FEMD in adults with non-specific CLBP (NSCLBP). Twenty-eight participants with NSCLBP attended three sessions: familiarisation and two assessments (48-72 hours apart). Trunk flexors, extensors, and rotators were assessed using isokinetic and isometric modes with a FEMD. Reliability was analysed using intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC), standard error of measurement (SEM), coefficient of variation (CV), and Bland-Altman plots. Reliability was good to excellent across all trunk muscle groups: flexors (ICC = 0.87-0.92), extensors (ICC = 0.87-0.90), right rotators (ICC = 0.91-0.96), and left rotators (ICC = 0.86-0.96). Mean SEM ranged from 0.88 to 12.63 kg and CV from 6.56 to 15.63%. Three participants reported mild transient discomfort immediately after testing, with no pain reported at 24 hours. These findings indicate that FEMD-based assessment of trunk strength is reliable and safe for patients with NSCLBP, supporting its application in clinical and research settings to monitor rehabilitation.

This study aims to explore the mechanics and muscular activity characteristics of the pinch grip across varying hold widths and climber skill levels. Upper-ranked (n = 11) and lower-ranked (n = 11) advanced climbers completed maximum gripping biomechanical test of a jug hold and two pinch holds with different widths. The resultant traction force, traction force components, the utilization rates of traction forces, hand normal pressing force and root mean square (RMS) amplitude of upper limb muscles were collected. Compared to the jug, traction force decreased by 6%-19% when using the broad pinch and 31%-46% with the narrow (all  < 0.001). The RMS of the pectoralis major, biceps brachii, and latissimus dorsi also showed the pattern the jug > the broad pinch > the narrow pinch (all  < 0.01). Traction force utilization rates at the broad pinch were 21%-62% higher than at the narrow pinch (all  < 0.001). The upper-ranked group showed significantly greater traction forces and higher hand normal pressing force compared to the lower-ranked (all  < 0.01). Holds' width is a significant factor in the biomechanical characteristics of pinch. Upper-ranked advanced climbers demonstrate higher hand normal pressing forces and traction forces compared to the lower-ranked.

Markerless (ML) motion capture has emerged as a viable option to marker-based (MB) motion capture in estimating movement biomechanics, but limited data exists on the accuracy of ML systems during high-speed throwing. This study evaluated the accuracy and reliability of an in-stadium (Hawk-Eye) and a portable (Theia3D) ML motion-capture system in quantifying baseball pitching kinematics and kinetics relative to an MB reference. Eighteen collegiate pitchers were simultaneously recorded using all three systems. Mean per-joint position error (MPJPE), statistical parametric mapping (SPM), root mean square error (RMSE), Bland-Altman analysis, and concordance correlation coefficients (CCC) were used to assess agreement. Both ML systems demonstrated measurable discrepancies across variables, with MPJPE values of 56.6 ± 9.4 mm (Hawk-Eye) and 52.0 ± 12.3 mm (Theia3D). Stride length exhibited the strongest agreement with MB in both systems (CCC > 0.85), whereas shoulder rotational variables showed greater variability. Error magnitudes in joint positions and kinematic waveforms were comparable to those reported for other ML systems during dynamic movements. These results highlight the influence of system configuration, camera deployment, and pose-estimation models on biomechanical accuracy. Overall, both configurations showed potential for estimating pitching biomechanics, underscoring the trade-offs between criterion and ecological validity in markerless motion capture.