@article{NegraSammoudUthoffetal.2023,
  author    = {Negra, Yassine and Sammoud, Senda and Uthoff, Aaron and Moran, Jason and Ramirez-Campillo, Rodrigo and Chaabene, Helmi},
  title     = {The effects of repeated backward running training on measures of physical fitness in youth male soccer players},
  series = {Journal of sports sciences},
  volume    = {40},
  journal   = {Journal of sports sciences},
  number    = {24},
  publisher = {Routledge, Taylor \& Francis Group},
  address   = {London},
  issn      = {0264-0414},
  doi       = {10.1080/02640414.2023.2184770},
  pages     = {2688 -- 2696},
  year      = {2023},
  abstract  = {This study explored the effects of an 8-week repeated backward running training (RBRT) programme on measures of physical fitness in youth male soccer players. Youth male soccer players were randomly allocated into a RBRT group (n = 20; 13.95 +/- 0.22y) or a control group (CG; n = 16; 14.86 +/- 0.29y). The CG continued normal soccer training, while the RBRT group replaced some soccer drills with RBRT twice per week. Within-group analysis revealed that RBRT improved all performance variables ( increment -9.99\% to 14.50\%; effect size [ES] = -1.79 to 1.29; p <= 0.001). Meanwhile, trivial-to-moderate detrimental effects on sprinting and change of direction (CoD) speed ( increment 1.55\% to 10.40\%; p <= 0.05) were noted in the CG. The number of individuals improving performance above the smallest worthwhile change ranged from 65-100\% across all performance variables in the RBRT group, whereas<50\% in the CG reached that threshold. The between-group analysis indicated that the RBRT group improved performance on all performance tasks more than the CG (ES = -2.23 to 1.10; p <= 0.05). These findings demonstrate that substituting part of a standard soccer training regimen with RBRT can enhance youth soccer players' sprinting, CoD, jumping, and RSA performance.},
  language  = {en}
}
@article{NegraChaabeneFernandezFernandezetal.2020,
  author    = {Negra, Yassine and Chaabene, Helmi and Fernandez-Fernandez, Jaime and Sammoud, Senda and Bouguezzi, Raja and Prieske, Olaf and Granacher, Urs},
  title     = {Short-term plyometric Jump training improves repeated-sprint ability in prepuberal male soccer players},
  series = {Journal of strength and conditioning research : the research journal of the NSCA},
  volume    = {34},
  journal   = {Journal of strength and conditioning research : the research journal of the NSCA},
  number    = {11},
  publisher = {Lippincott Williams \& Wilkins},
  address   = {Philadelphia},
  issn      = {1064-8011},
  doi       = {10.1519/JSC.0000000000002703},
  pages     = {3241 -- 3249},
  year      = {2020},
  abstract  = {This study examined the effects of a short-term (i.e., 8 weeks) combined horizontal and vertical plyometric jump training (PJT) program in combination with regular soccer-specific training as compared with soccer-specific training only on jump and change of direction (CoD) performances, speed, and repeated-sprint ability (RSA) in prepuberal male soccer players. Twenty-four players were recruited and randomly assigned to either a PJT group (PJT(G); n = 13; 12.7 +/- 0.2 years) or an active control group (CONG; n = 11; 12.7 +/- 0.2 years). The outcome measures included tests for the assessment of jump performance (drop jump from 20- to 40-cm height [DJ20 and DJ40] and 3-hop test [THT]), speed (20-m sprint), CoD (T-test), and RSA (20-m repeated shuttle sprint). Data were analyzed using magnitude-based inferences. Within-group analyses revealed large performance improvements in the T-test (d = -1.2), DJ20 (d = 3.7), DJ40 (d = 3.6), THT (d = 0.6), and the RSA(total) (d = -1.6) in the PJT(G). Between-group analyses showed greater performance improvements in the T-test (d = -2.9), 20-m sprint time (d = -2.0), DJ20 (d = 2.4), DJ40 (d = 2.0), THT (d = 1.9), RSA(best) (d = -1.9), and the RSA(total) (d = -1.9) in the PJT(G) compared with CONG. Eight weeks of an in-season PJT in addition to regular soccer-specific training induced larger increases in measures of physical fitness in prepuberal male soccer players compared with regular soccer-specific training only. More specifically, PJT was effective in improving RSA performance.},
  language  = {en}
}
@misc{MkaouerHammoudiNassibAmaraetal.2018,
  author    = {Mkaouer, Bessem and Hammoudi-Nassib, Sarra and Amara, Samiha and Chaab{\`e}ne, Helmi},
  title     = {Evaluating the physical and basic gymnastics skills assessment for talent identification in men's artistic gymnastics proposed by the International Gymnastics Federation},
  series = {Postprints der Universit{\"a}t Potsdam : Humanwissenschaftliche Reihe},
  journal   = {Postprints der Universit{\"a}t Potsdam : Humanwissenschaftliche Reihe},
  number    = {691},
  issn      = {1866-8364},
  doi       = {10.25932/publishup-46004},
  url       = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:kobv:517-opus4-460049},
  pages     = {383 -- 392},
  year      = {2018},
  abstract  = {This study aimed to determine the specific physical and basic gymnastics skills considered critical in gymnastics talent identification and selection as well as in promoting men's artistic gymnastics performances. Fifty-one boys from a provincial gymnastics team (age 11.03 ± 0.95 years; height 1.33 ± 0.05 m; body mass 30.01 ± 5.53 kg; body mass index [BMI] 16.89 ± 3.93 kg/m²) regularly competing at national level voluntarily participated in this study. Anthropometric measures as well as the men's artistic gymnastics physical test battery (i.e., International Gymnastics Federation [FIG] age group development programme) were used to assess the somatic and physical fitness profile of participants, respectively. The physical characteristics assessed were: muscle strength, flexibility, speed, endurance, and muscle power. Test outcomes were subjected to a principal components analysis to identify the most representative factors. The main findings revealed that power speed, isometric and explosive strength, strength endurance, and dynamic and static flexibility are the most determinant physical fitness aspects of the talent selection process in young male artistic gymnasts. These findings are of utmost importance for talent identification, selection, and development.},
  language  = {en}
}
@article{MkaouerHammoudiNassibAmaraetal.2018,
  author    = {Mkaouer, Bessem and Hammoudi-Nassib, Sarra and Amara, Samiha and Chaabene, Helmi},
  title     = {Evaluating the physical and basic gymnastics skills assessment for International Gymnastics Federation},
  series = {Biology of Sport},
  volume    = {35},
  journal   = {Biology of Sport},
  number    = {4},
  publisher = {Inst Sport},
  address   = {Warsaw},
  issn      = {0860-021X},
  doi       = {10.5114/biolsport.2018.78059},
  pages     = {383 -- 392},
  year      = {2018},
  abstract  = {This study aimed to determine the specific physical and basic gymnastics skills considered critical in gymnastics talent identification and selection as well as in promoting men's artistic gymnastics performances. Fifty-one boys from a provincial gymnastics team (age 11.03 ± 0.95 years; height 1.33 ± 0.05 m; body mass 30.01 ± 5.53 kg; body mass index [BMI] 16.89 ± 3.93 kg/m²) regularly competing at national level voluntarily participated in this study. Anthropometric measures as well as the men's artistic gymnastics physical test battery (i.e., International Gymnastics Federation [FIG] age group development programme) were used to assess the somatic and physical fitness profile of participants, respectively. The physical characteristics assessed were: muscle strength, flexibility, speed, endurance, and muscle power. Test outcomes were subjected to a principal components analysis to identify the most representative factors. The main findings revealed that power speed, isometric and explosive strength, strength endurance, and dynamic and static flexibility are the most determinant physical fitness aspects of the talent selection process in young male artistic gymnasts. These findings are of utmost importance for talent identification, selection, and development.},
  language  = {en}
}
@article{MarkovHauserChaabene2022,
  author    = {Markov, Adrian and Hauser, Lukas and Chaabene, Helmi},
  title     = {Effects of concurrent strength and endurance training on measures of physical fitness in healthy middle-aged and older adults},
  series = {Sports medicine : an international journal of applied medicine and science in sport and exercise},
  volume    = {53},
  journal   = {Sports medicine : an international journal of applied medicine and science in sport and exercise},
  number    = {2},
  publisher = {Springer},
  address   = {Heidelberg},
  issn      = {0112-1642},
  doi       = {10.1007/s40279-022-01764-2},
  pages     = {437 -- 455},
  year      = {2022},
  abstract  = {Background There is evidence that in older adults the combination of strength training (ST) and endurance training (ET) (i.e., concurrent training [CT]) has similar effects on measures of muscle strength and cardiorespiratory endurance (CRE) compared with single-mode ST or ET, respectively. Therefore, CT seems to be an effective method to target broad aspects of physical fitness in older adults. Objectives The aim was to examine the effects of CT on measures of physical fitness (i.e., muscle strength, power, balance and CRE) in healthy middle-aged and older adults aged between 50 and 73 years. We also aimed to identify key moderating variables to guide training prescription. Study Design We conducted a systematic review with meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Data Sources The electronic databases PubMed, Web of Science Core Collection, MEDLINE and Google Scholar were systematically searched until February 2022. Eligibility Criteria for Selecting Studies We included randomized controlled trials that examined the effects of CT versus passive controls on measures of physical fitness in healthy middle-aged and older adults aged between 50 and 73 years. Results Fifteen studies were eligible, including a total of 566 participants. CT induced moderate positive effects on muscle strength (standardized mean difference [SMD] = 0.74) and power (SMD = 0.50), with a small effect on CRE (SMD = 0.48). However, no significant effects were detected for balance (p > 0.05). Older adults > 65 years (SMD = 1.04) and females (SMD = 1.05) displayed larger improvements in muscle strength compared with adults <= 65 years old (SMD = 0.60) and males (SMD = 0.38), respectively. For CRE, moderate positive effects (SMD = 0.52) were reported in those <= 65 years old only, with relatively larger gains in females (SMD = 0.55) compared with males (SMD = 0.45). However, no significant differences between all subgroups were detected. Independent single training factor analysis indicated larger positive effects of 12 weeks (SMD = 0.87 and 0.88) compared with 21 weeks (SMD = 0.47 and 0.29) of CT on muscle strength and power, respectively, while for CRE, 21 weeks of CT resulted in larger gains (SMD = 0.62) than 12 weeks (SMD = 0.40). For CT frequency, three sessions per week produced larger beneficial effects (SMD = 0.91) on muscle strength compared with four sessions (SMD = 0.55), whereas for CRE, moderate positive effects were only noted after four sessions per week (SMD = 0.58). A session duration of > 30-60 min generated larger improvements in muscle strength (SMD = 0.99) and power (SMD = 0.88) compared with > 60-90 min (SMD = 0.40 and 0.29, respectively). However, for CRE, longer session durations (i.e., > 60-90 min) seem to be more effective (SMD = 0.61) than shorter ones (i.e., > 30-60 min) (SMD = 0.34). ET at moderate-to-near maximal intensities produced moderate (SMD = 0.64) and small positive effects (SMD = 0.49) on muscle strength and CRE, respectively, with no effects at low intensity ET (p > 0.05). Finally, intra-session ST before ET produced larger gains in muscle strength (SMD = 1.00) compared with separate sessions (SMD = 0.55), whereas ET and ST carried out separately induced larger improvements in CRE (SMD = 0.58) compared with intra-session ET before ST (SMD = 0.49). Conclusions CT is an effective method to improve measures of physical fitness (i.e., muscle strength, power, and CRE) in healthy middle-aged and older adults aged between 50 and 73 years, regardless of sex. Results of independent single training factor analysis indicated that the largest effects on muscle strength were observed after 12 weeks of training, > 30-60 min per session, three sessions per week, higher ET intensities and when ST preceded ET within the same session. For CRE, the largest effects were noted after 21 weeks of training, four sessions per week, > 60-90 min per session, higher ET intensities and when ET and ST sessions were performed separately. Regarding muscle power, the largest effects were observed after 12 weeks of training and > 30-60 min per session.},
  language  = {en}
}
@article{LesinskiPrieskeChaabeneetal.2021,
  author    = {Lesinski, Melanie and Prieske, Olaf and Chaabene, Helmi and Granacher, Urs},
  title     = {Seasonal effects of strength endurance vs. power training in young female soccer athletes},
  series = {Journal of strength and conditioning research : the research journal of the NSCA},
  volume    = {35},
  journal   = {Journal of strength and conditioning research : the research journal of the NSCA},
  number    = {Supplement 12},
  publisher = {Lippincott Williams \& Wilkins},
  address   = {Philadelphia},
  issn      = {1064-8011},
  doi       = {10.1519/JSC.0000000000003564},
  pages     = {S90 -- S96},
  year      = {2021},
  abstract  = {Lesinski, M, Prieske, O, Chaabene, H, and Granacher, U. Seasonal effects of strength endurance vs. power training in young female soccer athletes. J Strength Cond Res 35(12S): S90-S96, 2021-This study examined the seasonal effects of strength endurance training (SET) vs. power training (PT) on physical fitness and body composition in young female soccer players. Thirty-six young female elite soccer players (15 +/- 1 years; maturity offset +3 +/- 1 years) were allocated to progressive SET (n = 19) or PT (n = 17). Over the course of one soccer season, SET performed slow movement velocity, moderate intensity (50-60\% of the 1 repetition maximum [1RM]; 20-40 repetitions) strength exercises while PT performed moderate-to-high intensity (50-95\% of the 1RM; 3-8 repetitions), high movement velocity strength exercises (2 sessions center dot wk(-1)). Before and after training, tests were performed for the assessment of muscle strength (1RM leg press), jump performance (countermovement jump [CMJ], drop jump [DJ]), muscular endurance (ventral Bourban test), linear speed (10 m, 20 m), change-of-direction (CoD) speed (T-test), dynamic balance (Y-balance test), sport-specific performance (kicking velocity), and body composition (lean body mass and fat mass). An analysis of covariance was used to test for between-group differences at post-test with baseline values as covariate. No significant between-group differences were observed in terms of total training volume over the respective soccer seasons (p = 0.069; d = 0.68). At post-test, SET showed significantly better ventral Bourban and T-test performances (d = 1.28-2.28; p = 0.000-0.001) compared with PT. However, PT resulted in significantly better 1RM leg press, DJ, 10-m, and 20-m sprint performances (d = 0.85-1.44; p = 0.000-0.026). No significant between-group differences were observed at post-test for CMJ, Y-balance test, kicking performance, and body composition (d = 0.20-0.74, p = 0.051-0.594). Our findings are mainly in accordance with the principle of training specificity. Both SET and PT are recommended to be implemented in young female elite soccer players according to the respective training period.},
  language  = {en}
}
@article{LehmannKuhnKelleretal.2022,
  author    = {Lehmann, Nico and Kuhn, Yves-Alain and Keller, Martin and Aye, Norman and Herold, Fabian and Draganski, Bogdan and Taube, Wolfgang and Taubert, Marco},
  title     = {Brain activation during active balancing and its behavioral relevance in younger and older adults},
  series = {Frontiers in Aging Neuroscience},
  volume    = {14},
  journal   = {Frontiers in Aging Neuroscience},
  publisher = {Frontiers Media},
  address   = {Lausanne},
  issn      = {1663-4365},
  doi       = {10.3389/fnagi.2022.828474},
  pages     = {20},
  year      = {2022},
  abstract  = {Age-related deterioration of balance control is widely regarded as an important phenomenon influencing quality of life and longevity, such that a more comprehensive understanding of the neural mechanisms underlying this process is warranted. Specifically, previous studies have reported that older adults typically show higher neural activity during balancing as compared to younger counterparts, but the implications of this finding on balance performance remain largely unclear. Using functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS), differences in the cortical control of balance between healthy younger (n = 27) and older (n = 35) adults were explored. More specifically, the association between cortical functional activity and balance performance across and within age groups was investigated. To this end, we measured hemodynamic responses (i.e., changes in oxygenated and deoxygenated hemoglobin) while participants balanced on an unstable device. As criterion variables for brain-behavior-correlations, we also assessed postural sway while standing on a free-swinging platform and while balancing on wobble boards with different levels of difficulty. We found that older compared to younger participants had higher activity in prefrontal and lower activity in postcentral regions. Subsequent robust regression analyses revealed that lower prefrontal brain activity was related to improved balance performance across age groups, indicating that higher activity of the prefrontal cortex during balancing reflects neural inefficiency. We also present evidence supporting that age serves as a moderator in the relationship between brain activity and balance, i.e., cortical hemodynamics generally appears to be a more important predictor of balance performance in the older than in the younger. Strikingly, we found that age differences in balance performance are mediated by balancing-induced activation of the superior frontal gyrus, thus suggesting that differential activation of this region reflects a mechanism involved in the aging process of the neural control of balance. Our study suggests that differences in functional brain activity between age groups are not a mere by-product of aging, but instead of direct behavioral relevance for balance performance. Potential implications of these findings in terms of early detection of fall-prone individuals and intervention strategies targeting balance and healthy aging are discussed.},
  language  = {en}
}
@article{KotthausSchaeferStankovicetal.2021,
  author    = {Kotthaus, Jochem and Sch{\"a}fer, Matthias and Stankovic, Nikola and Weitzel, Gerrit},
  title     = {How soccer becomes politics},
  series = {International journal of sport communication},
  volume    = {14},
  journal   = {International journal of sport communication},
  number    = {3},
  publisher = {Human Kinetics Publ.},
  address   = {Champaign},
  issn      = {1936-3915},
  doi       = {10.1123/ijsc.2020-0320},
  pages     = {428 -- 447},
  year      = {2021},
  abstract  = {In this case study, the authors elaborate on the narrative structure of transnational popular media events. Drawing from Dayan and Katz's concept of media events and Julia Sonnevend's exceptional work on iconic global media events, they argue that fundamental changes in the way occurrences are being reported on and news is structured must be considered. Allowing for recent technological advancements, the role of the consumer and the compression of time in media use, the authors develop a methodological and theoretical framework fitting a more mundane and everyday life-based approach. They derive their results from the analysis of the "Podgorica Media Event," a news cycle emerging from a racist incident during an international soccer game between England and Montenegro. Based on the body of 250 international news pieces, they identify a primary mother narration and a distinctive narration as the typical ways of storytelling on a transnational level. While differing greatly in content, aspects of transnational popular media events serve to protect and reify the cultural background they are grounded in on a national level. Thus, we assume that sport, or, more specifically, soccer, may become political in media communication not by the impact of state government but by the consumers themselves choosing and developing a popular media event in the first place.},
  language  = {en}
}
@article{JebabliZouhalBoullosaetal.2022,
  author    = {Jebabli, Nidhal and Zouhal, Hassane and Boullosa, Daniel and Govindasamy, Karuppasamy and Tourny, Claire and Hackney, Anthony C. and Granacher, Urs and Ben Abderrahman, Abderraouf},
  title     = {The effects of preferred music and its timing on performance, pacing, and psychophysiological responses during the 6-min test},
  series = {Journal of human kinetics},
  volume    = {82},
  journal   = {Journal of human kinetics},
  number    = {1},
  publisher = {Academy of Physical Education},
  address   = {Katowice},
  issn      = {1640-5544},
  doi       = {10.2478/hukin-2022-0038},
  pages     = {123 -- 133},
  year      = {2022},
  abstract  = {The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of listening to preferred music during a warm up or exercise, on performance during a 6-min all-out exercise test (6-MT) in young adult males. Twenty-five healthy males volunteered to participate in this study. Following a within subject design, participants performed three test conditions (MDT: music during the test; MDW: music during the warm-up; WM: without music) in random order. Outcomes included mean running speed over the 6-min test (MRS6), total distance covered (TDC), heart rate responses (HRpeak, HRmean), blood lactate (3-min after the test), and the rating of perceived exertion (RPE); additionally, feeling scale scores were recorded. Listening to preferred music during running resulted in significant TDC (Delta up arrow 10\%, p=0.006, ES=0.80) and MRS6 (Delta up arrow 14\%, p=0.012, ES=1.02) improvement during the 6-MT, improvement was also noted for the warm-up with music condition (TDC:Delta up arrow 8\%, p=0.028, ES=0.63; MRS6:Delta up arrow 8\%, p=0.032, ES=0.61). A similar reverse "J-shaped" pacing profile was detected during the three conditions. Blood lactate was lower in the MDT condition by 8\% (p=0.01, ES=1.10), but not the MDW condition, compared to MW. In addition, no statistically significant differences were found between the test sessions for the HR, RPE, and feeling scale scores. In conclusion, listening to music during exercise testing would be more beneficial for optimal TDC and MRS6 performances compared to MDW and WM.},
  language  = {en}
}
@misc{JebabliGranacherSelmietal.2020,
  author    = {Jebabli, Nidhal and Granacher, Urs and Selmi, Mohamed Amin and Al-Haddabi, Badriya and Behm, David George and Chaouachi, Anis and Haj Sassi, Radhouane},
  title     = {Listening to preferred music improved running performance without changing the pacing pattern during a 6 minute run test with young male adults},
  series = {Postprints der Universit{\"a}t Potsdam : Humanwissenschaftliche Reihe},
  journal   = {Postprints der Universit{\"a}t Potsdam : Humanwissenschaftliche Reihe},
  number    = {696},
  issn      = {1866-8364},
  doi       = {10.25932/publishup-47188},
  url       = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:kobv:517-opus4-471884},
  pages     = {12},
  year      = {2020},
  abstract  = {Several studies have investigated the effects of music on both submaximal and maximal exercise performance at a constant work-rate. However, there is a lack of research that has examined the effects of music on the pacing strategy during self-paced exercise. The aim of this study was to examine the effects of preferred music on performance and pacing during a 6 min run test (6-MSPRT) in young male adults. Twenty healthy male participants volunteered for this study. They performed two randomly assigned trials (with or without music) of a 6-MSPRT three days apart. Mean running speed, the adopted pacing strategy, total distance covered (TDC), peak and mean heart rate (HRpeak, HRmean), blood lactate (3 min after the test), and rate of perceived exertion (RPE) were measured. Listening to preferred music during the 6-MSPRT resulted in significant TDC improvement (?10\%; p = 0.016; effect size (ES) = 0.80). A significantly faster mean running speed was observed when listening to music compared with no music. The improvement of TDC in the present study is explained by a significant overall increase in speed (main effect for conditions) during the music trial. Music failed to modify pacing patterns as suggested by the similar reversed "J-shaped" profile during the two conditions. Blood-lactate concentrations were significantly reduced by 9\% (p = 0.006, ES = 1.09) after the 6-MSPRT with music compared to those in the control condition. No statistically significant differences were found between the test conditions for HRpeak, HRmean, and RPE. Therefore, listening to preferred music can have positive effects on exercise performance during the 6-MSPRT, such as greater TDC, faster running speeds, and reduced blood lactate levels but has no effect on the pacing strategy.},
  language  = {en}
}