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Hintergrund:
Eine gut ausgeprägte Rumpfstabilität ist eine wichtige Voraussetzung für die Mobilität der oberen und unteren Extremitäten während des sportlichen Bewegungsvollzugs. Vor diesem Hintergrund könnte die Rumpfkraft ein leistungsdeterminierender Faktor bei der Ausführung judospezifischer Bewegungen darstellen. Das Ziel der vorliegenden Studie war es, statistische Zusammenhänge zwischen der Rumpfkraft und kinetischen Parametern bei Anriss-Bewegungen von Judoka zu untersuchen.
Methode:
An der Untersuchung nahmen 21 leistungsorientierte Judoka mit einem mittleren Alter von 22 ± 4 Jahre und einem Trainingsumfang von 15 ± 4 Stunden pro Woche teil. Das maximale isokinetische Drehmoment (PIT) der Rumpfflexoren (PITFlex), -extensoren (PITEx) und -rotatoren (PITRot) wurde unter Verwendung eines isokinetischen Dynamometers (IsoMed 2000) erfasst. Zusätzlich wurden kinetische Parameter (mechanische Arbeit [W], dynamisch-realisierte Maximalkraft [Fmax]) bei Anriss-Bewegung im Stand und bei Anriss- mit Eindrehbewegung (d. h. Morote-seoi-nage) mithilfe eines judospezifischen Mess- und Informationssystems (JERGo©) erhoben.
Ergebnisse:
Die statistische Analyse zeigte signifikante Korrelationen (0,62 ≤ r P ≤ 0,72) zwischen den maximalen isokinetischen Drehmomenten (PITFlex, PITEx, PITRot) und der Anriss-Bewegung im Stand (W). Zudem konnten signifikante Zusammenhänge (0,59 ≤ r P ≤ 0,65) zwischen den isokinetischen Tests (PITEx, PITRot) und Fmax auf der Hubarmseite bei der Anriss-Bewegung im Stand gefunden werden. Für die Anriss- mit Eindrehbewegung ergaben sich signifikante Korrelationen (0,47 ≤ r P ≤ 0,88) zwischen den isokinetischen Tests (PITFlex, PITEx, PITRot) und Leistungskennwerten der judospezifischen Bewegung (W und Fmax), unabhängig von der untersuchten Armseite. Es wurden vergleichbare Korrelationskoeffizienten zwischen PIT der Rumpfflexoren, -extensoren und -rotatoren und judospezifischen Leistungskennwerten festgestellt. Weiterhin identifizierte die Regressionsanalyse den Kennwert PIT bei Rumpfextension als besten Prädiktor für die mechanische Arbeit bei Anriss-Bewegung im Stand (46,9 %). Bei der Anriss- mit Eindrehbewegung konnte PIT der Rumpfrotatoren auf die Hubarmseite als bester Prädiktor für die mechanische Arbeit (69,4 %) ermittelt werden.
Schlussfolgerung:
Die Ergebnisse zeigen, dass die Rumpfkraft, insbesondere bei der Rumpfrotationsbewegung, mit Variablen der judospezifischen Leistungskennwerte bei der Anriss- mit Eindrehbewegung assoziiert ist. Dies impliziert, dass vor allem durch rumpfrotationskräftigende Übungen Einfluss auf die Anriss- mit Eindrehbewegung (d. h. Morote-seoi-nage) genommen werden könnte.
Hintergrund Schnellkräftige Wurfeingangsbewegungen stellen im Judo entscheidende Voraussetzungen für den Wettkampferfolg dar, weshalb das Training der Anrissbewegung ein zentrales Element des judospezifischen Trainings darstellt. Das Ziel der Studie bestand darin, die Effekte eines Anrisstrainings mit einem Judoergometer-System (ATJ) gegenüber einem tradierten Anrisstraining mit Partner (ATP) auf kinetische und elektromyografische Parameter des Anreißens bei Wurfeingangsbewegungen von Judoka zu untersuchen. Methode Männliche leistungsorientierte Judoka (N = 24, Alter: 22 ± 4 Jahre; Trainingserfahrung: 15 ± 3 Jahre) wurden randomisiert in zwei Gruppen aufgeteilt. Im Crossover-Design absolvierte die erste Gruppe über vier Wochen ein ATJ gefolgt von vier Wochen ATP (je 3x/ Woche). Die zweite Gruppe führte beide Trainingsvarianten in umgekehrter Reihenfolge durch. ATJ und ATP wurden zusätzlich zum bestehenden Training absolviert. Vor dem Training sowie nach vier und nach acht Wochen Training wurden Tests zur Erfassung kinetischer Parameter (dynamisch-realisierte Maximalkraft, Explosivkraft, mechanische Arbeit) und elektromyografischer (EMG) Schulter-/ Rumpfmuskelaktivitäten (M. biceps brachii, M. deltoideus, M. trapezius, M. erector spinae) für die Hub- und Zugarmseite bei Wurfeingangsbewegungen am Judoergometer sowie sportartunspezifische Krafttests (d. h. Liegend-Anreißen, Klimmziehen) durchgeführt.
Ergebnisse Die Ergebnisse der statistischen Analyse ergaben über den gesamten Interventionszeitraum (8 Wochen) für beide Trainingsgruppen signifikante Verbesserungen der kinetischen Parameter (p <,05; 0,83 ≤d≤ 1,77) und EMG-Aktivitäten (p <,05; 1,07 ≤d≤ 2,25). Darüber hinaus zeigten sich größere Zuwachsraten in der Explosivkraft, der mechanischen Arbeit und den Schulter-/Rumpfmuskelaktivitäten (M. deltoideus, M. erector spinae, M. trapezius) zugunsten von ATJ im Vergleich zu ATP (p <,05; 1,25 ≤d≤ 2,79). Für die sportartunspezifischen Kraftwerte wurden keine signifikanten Veränderungen festgestellt.
Schlussfolgerung Die vorliegenden Ergebnisse zeigen, dass ATJ gegenüber ATP größere Steigerungsraten von kinetischen und elektromyografischen Parametern des Anreißens bei Wurfeingangsbewegungen von Judoka bewirkt. Die trainingsbedingten Leistungssteigerungen scheinen zumindest teilweise auf neuronalen Anpassungen zu beruhen.
Our experimental approach included two studies to determine discriminative validity and test-retest reliability (study 1) as well as ecological validity (study 2) of a judo ergometer system while performing judo-specific movements. Sixteen elite (age: 23 +/- 3 years) and 11 sub-elite (age: 16 +/- 1 years) athletes participated in study 1 and 14 male sub-elite judo athletes participated in study 2. Discriminative validity and test-retest reliability of sport-specific parameters (mechanical work, maximal force) were assessed during pulling movements with and without tsukuri (kuzushi). Ecological validity of muscle activity was determined by performing pulling movements using the ergometer without tsukuri and during the same movements against an opponent. In both conditions, electromyographic activity of trunk (e.g., m. erector spinae) and upper limb muscles (e.g., m. biceps brachii) were assessed separately for the lifting and pulling arm. Elite athletes showed mostly better mechanical work, maximal force, and power (0.12 <= d <= 1.80) compared with sub-elite athletes. The receiver operating characteristic analysis revealed acceptable validity of the JERGo(C) system to discriminate athletes of different performance levels predominantly during kuzushi without tsukuri (area under the curve = 0.27-0.90). Moreover, small-to-medium discriminative validity was found to detect meaningful performance changes for mechanical work and maximal force. The JERGo(C) system showed small-to-high relative (ICC = 0.37-0.92) and absolute reliability (SEM = 10.8-18.8%). Finally, our analyses revealed acceptable correlations (r = 0.41-0.88) between muscle activity during kuzushi performed with the JERGo(C) system compared with a judo opponent. Our findings indicate that the JERGo(C) system is a valid and reliable test instrument for the assessment and training of judo-specific pulling kinetics particularly during kuzushi movement without tsukuri.
Cross-sectional studies revealed that inclusion of unstable elements in core-strengthening exercises produced increases in trunk muscle activity and thus potential extra stimuli to induce more pronounced performance enhancements in youth athletes. Thus, the purpose of the study was to investigate changes in neuromuscular and athletic performance following core strength training performed on unstable (CSTU) compared with stable surfaces (CSTS) in youth soccer players. Thirty-nine male elite soccer players (age: 17 +/- 1 years) were assigned to two groups performing a progressive core strength-training program for 9 weeks (2-3 times/week) in addition to regular in-season soccer training. CSTS group conducted core exercises on stable (i.e., floor, bench) and CSTU group on unstable (e.g., Thera-Band (R) Stability Trainer, Togu (c) Swiss ball) surfaces. Measurements included tests for assessing trunk muscle strength/activation, countermovement jump height, sprint time, agility time, and kicking performance. Statistical analysis revealed significant main effects of test (pre vs post) for trunk extensor strength (5%, P<0.05, d=0.86), 10-20-m sprint time (3%, P<0.05, d=2.56), and kicking performance (1%, P<0.01, d=1.28). No significant Groupxtest interactions were observed for any variable. In conclusion, trunk muscle strength, sprint, and kicking performance improved following CSTU and CSTS when conducted in combination with regular soccer training.
Background: Losses in lower extremity muscle strength/power, muscle mass and deficits in static and particularly dynamic balance due to aging are associated with impaired functional performance and an increased fall risk. It has been shown that the combination of balance and strength training (BST) mitigates these age-related deficits. However, it is unresolved whether supervised versus unsupervised BST is equally effective in improving muscle power and balance in older adults. Objective:This study examined the impact of a 12-week BST program followed by 12 weeks of detraining on measures of balance and muscle power in healthy older adults enrolled in supervised (SUP) or unsupervised (UNSUP) training. Methods: Sixty-six older adults (men: 25, women: 41; age 73 4 years) were randomly assigned to a SUP group (2/week supervised training, 1/week unsupervised training; n = 22), an UNSUP group (3/week unsupervised training; n = 22) or a passive control group (CON; n = 22). Static (i.e., Romberg Test) and dynamic (i.e., 10-meter walk test) steady-state, proactive (i.e., Timed Up and Go Test, Functional Reach Test), and reactive balance (e.g., Push and Release Test), as well as lower extremity muscle power (i.e., Chair Stand Test; Stair Ascent and Descent Test) were tested before and after the active training phase as well as after detraining. Results: Adherence rates to training were 92% for SUP and 97% for UNSUP. BST resulted in significant group x time interactions. Post hoc analyses showed, among others, significant training-related improvements for the Romberg Test, stride velocity, Timed Up and Go Test, and Chair Stand Test in favor of the SUP group. Following detraining, significantly enhanced performances (compared to baseline) were still present in 13 variables for the SUP group and in 10 variables for the UNSUP group. Conclusion: Twelve weeks of BST proved to be safe (no training-related injuries) and feasible (high attendance rates of >90%). Deficits of balance and lower extremity muscle power can be mitigated by BST in healthy older adults. Additionally, supervised as compared to unsupervised BST was more effective. Thus, it is recommended to counteract intrinsic fall risk factors by applying supervised BST programs for older adults. (C) 2015 The Author(s) Published by S. Karger AG, Basel
Hintergrund: Kraft und Schnelligkeit stellen bedeutsame leistungsdeterminierende Faktoren im Fußball dar. Durch Komplextraining (Kombination aus Kraft- und plyometrischen Übungen in einer Trainingseinheit) lassen sich Kraft- und Schnelligkeitswerte von Athleten steigern. Unklar ist jedoch, ob ein Komplextraining (KT) gegenüber einem herkömmlichen blockweisen Krafttraining (BT) zu größeren sportmotorischen Leistungssteigerungen führt. Das Ziel der Studie war es, die Effekte von KT versus BT auf Variablen der Kraft, Schnelligkeit und Gewandtheit von Nachwuchsleistungsfußballern zu untersuchen.
Methode: Zusätzlich zum regulären Fußballtraining (ca. 6 × pro Woche, je 60 – 90 min.) führten 18 männliche Nachwuchsleistungsfußballer über sechs Wochen (2 × pro Woche, je 30 min.) entweder ein progressives KT (n = 10, Alter: 18,5 ± 2,2 Jahre) oder BT (n = 8, Alter: 18,1 ± 1,6 Jahre) durch. Vor und nach dem Training wurden Tests zur Erfassung der Kraft (Einer-Wiederholungs-Maximum [EWM] Kniebeuge), der Sprungkraft (Hockstrecksprung [HSS]), der Schnelligkeit (30-m-Sprint) und der Gewandtheit (T-Test) durchgeführt. Es wurden parameterfreie Verfahren zur Bestimmung von Unterschieden innerhalb (Wilcoxon-Test) und zwischen (Mann-Whitney-U-Test) den beiden Gruppen gerechnet.
Ergebnisse: Sowohl KT als auch BT sind sichere (keine trainings- aber sechs spielbedingte Verletzungen) und geeignete (Trainingsteilnahme in KT und BT: ≥ 80 %) Trainingsmaßnahmen in Ergänzung zum regulären Fußballtraining. Die statistische Analyse ergab signifikante Verbesserungen vom Prä- zum Posttest für die KT-Gruppe im EWM (p = 0,043) und im HSS (p = 0,046) sowie für die BT-Gruppe in der Sprintzeit über 5 m (p = 0,039) und 10 m (p = 0,026). Zudem zeigten sich für beide Gruppen signifikante Verbesserungen im T-Test (KT: p = 0,046; BT: p = 0,027). Der Gruppenvergleich (KT vs. BT) über die Zeit (Post- minus Prätest) offenbarte keine bedeutsamen Unterschiede.
Schlussfolgerung: Sowohl sechswöchiges KT als auch BT führten zu signifikanten Verbesserungen sportmotorischer Leistungen bei Nachwuchsleistungsfußballern. Allerdings konnten keine zusätzlich leistungssteigernden Effekte von KT im Vergleich zu BT ermittelt werden. In zukünftigen Studien sollte geprüft werden, ob die beobachteten testspezifischen Veränderungen, d. h. Verbesserung der Kraft/Sprungkraft in der KT-Gruppe und Verbesserung der Schnelligkeit in der BT-Gruppe der gewählten Übungsanordnung geschuldet sind oder einen generellen Effekt darstellen.
Background: Muscle strength and speed are important determinants of soccer performance. It has previously been shown that complex training (CT, combination of strength and plyometric exercises within a single training session) is effective to enhance strength and speed performance in athletes. However, it is unresolved whether CT is more effective than conventional strength training that is delivered in one single block (BT) to increase proxies of athletic performance. Thus, the aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of CT versus BT on measures of muscle strength/power, speed, and agility in elite youth soccer players. Methods: Eighteen male elite youth soccer players conducted six weeks (2 sessions/week, 30 min, each) of progressive CT (n = 10, age: 18,5 +/- 2.2 years) or BT (n=8, age: 18.1 +/- 1.6 years) in addition to their regular soccer training (approx. 6 sessions/week, 60-90 min, each). Before and after training, tests were conducted for the assessment of strength (one -repetition maximum [1RM] squat), power (countermovement jump [CMJ]), speed (30-m linear sprint), and agility (T test). Non-parametric analyses were used to calculate differences within (Wilcoxon test) and between (Mann-Whitney-U test) groups. Results: Both CT and BT proved to be safe (i.e. no training-related, but six match -related injuries reported) and feasible (i.e. attendance rate of 80% in both groups) training regimens when implemented in addition to regular soccer training. The statistical analysis revealed significant improvements from pre-training to post-training tests for the CT group in 1 RM squat (p =0.043) and CMJ height (p =0,046). For the BT -group, significantly enhanced sprint times were observed over 5 m (p = 0.039) and 10 m (p = 0.026), Furthermore, both groups significantly improved their t test time (CT: p =0.046; BT: p =0.027). However, group comparisons (CT vs. BT) over time (post-training minus pre-training test) did not show any significant differences. Conclusion: Six weeks of CT and BT resulted in significant improvements in proxies of athletic performance. Yet CT did not produce any additional effects compared to BT. Future research is needed to examine whether the observed test-specific changes, i.e. improvements in strength/power for the CT-group and improvements in speed for the BT-group, are due to the applied configuration of strength, plyometric, and sprint exercises or if they rather indicate a general training response.
Background The importance of trunk muscle strength (TMS) for physical fitness and athletic performance has been demonstrated by studies reporting significant correlations between those capacities. However, evidence-based knowledge regarding the magnitude of correlations between TMS and proxies of physical fitness and athletic performance as well as potential effects of core strength training (CST) on TMS, physical fitness and athletic performance variables is currently lacking for trained individuals. Objective The aims of this systematic review and meta-analysis were to quantify associations between variables of TMS, physical fitness and athletic performance and effects of CST on these measures in healthy trained individuals. Data Sources PubMed, Web of Science, and SPORTDiscus were systematically screened from January 1984 to March 2015. Study Eligibility Criteria Studies were included that investigated healthy trained individuals aged 16-44 years and tested at least one measure of TMS, muscle strength, muscle power, balance, and/or athletic performance. Results Small-sized relationships of TMS with physical performance measures (-0.05 <= r <= 0.18) were found in 15 correlation studies. Sixteen intervention studies revealed large effects of CST on measures of TMS (SMD = 1.07) but small-to-medium-sized effects on proxies of physical performance (0 <= SMD <= 0.71) compared with no training or regular training only. The methodological quality of CST studies was low (median PEDro score = 4). Conclusions Our findings indicate that TMS plays only a minor role for physical fitness and athletic performance in trained individuals. In fact, CST appears to be an effective means to increase TMS and was associated with only limited gains in physical fitness and athletic performance measures when compared with no or only regular training.
During the stages of long-term athlete development (LTAD), resistance training (RT) is an important means for (i) stimulating athletic development, (ii) tolerating the demands of long-term training and competition, and (iii) inducing long-term health promoting effects that are robust over time and track into adulthood. However, there is a gap in the literature with regards to optimal RT methods during LTAD and how RT is linked to biological age. Thus, the aims of this scoping review were (i) to describe and discuss the effects of RT on muscular fitness and athletic performance in youth athletes, (ii) to introduce a conceptual model on how to appropriately implement different types of RT within LTAD stages, and (iii) to identify research gaps from the existing literature by deducing implications for future research. In general, RT produced small -to -moderate effects on muscular fitness and athletic performance in youth athletes with muscular strength showing the largest improvement. Free weight, complex, and plyometric training appear to be well -suited to improve muscular fitness and athletic performance. In addition, balance training appears to be an important preparatory (facilitating) training program during all stages of LTAD but particularly during the early stages. As youth athletes become more mature, specificity, and intensity of RT methods increase. This scoping review identified research gaps that are summarized in the following and that should be addressed in future studies: (i) to elucidate the influence of gender and biological age on the adaptive potential following RT in youth athletes (especially in females), (ii) to describe RT protocols in more detail (i.e., always report stress and strain based parameters), and (iii) to examine neuromuscular and tendomuscular adaptations following RT in youth athletes.
Effects of Backpack Carriage on Dual-Task Performance in Children During Standing and Walking
(2016)
Background
In the past, plyometric training (PT) has been predominantly performed on stable surfaces. The purpose of this pilot study was to examine effects of a 7-week lower body PT on stable vs. unstable surfaces. This type of exercise condition may be denoted as metastable equilibrium.
Methods
Thirty-three physically active male sport science students (age: 24.1 ± 3.8 years) were randomly assigned to a PT group (n = 13) exercising on stable (STAB) and a PT group (n = 20) on unstable surfaces (INST). Both groups trained countermovement jumps, drop jumps, and practiced a hurdle jump course. In addition, high bar squats were performed. Physical fitness tests on stable surfaces (hexagonal obstacle test, countermovement jump, hurdle drop jump, left-right hop, dynamic and static balance tests, and leg extension strength) were used to examine the training effects.
Results
Significant main effects of time (ANOVA) were found for the countermovement jump, hurdle drop jump, hexagonal test, dynamic balance, and leg extension strength. A significant interaction of time and training mode was detected for the countermovement jump in favor of the INST group. No significant improvements were evident for either group in the left-right hop and in the static balance test.
Conclusions
These results show that lower body PT on unstable surfaces is a safe and efficient way to improve physical performance on stable surfaces.
Background: With increasing age neuromuscular deficits (e.g., sarcopenia) may result in impaired physical performance and an increased risk for falls. Prominent intrinsic fall-risk factors are age-related decreases in balance and strength / power performance as well as cognitive decline. Additional studies are needed to develop specifically tailored exercise programs for older adults that can easily be implemented into clinical practice. Thus, the objective of the present trial is to assess the effects of a fall prevention program that was developed by an interdisciplinary expert panel on measures of balance, strength / power, body composition, cognition, psychosocial well-being, and falls self-efficacy in healthy older adults. Additionally, the time-related effects of detraining are tested.
Methods/Design: Healthy old people (n = 54) between the age of 65 to 80 years will participate in this trial. The testing protocol comprises tests for the assessment of static / dynamic steady-state balance (i.e., Sharpened Romberg Test, instrumented gait analysis), proactive balance (i.e., Functional Reach Test; Timed Up and Go Test), reactive balance (i.e., perturbation test during bipedal stance; Push and Release Test), strength (i.e., hand grip strength test; Chair Stand Test), and power (i.e., Stair Climb Power Test; countermovement jump). Further, body composition will be analysed using a bioelectrical impedance analysis system. In addition, questionnaires for the assessment of psychosocial (i.e., World Health Organisation Quality of Life Assessment-Bref), cognitive (i.e., Mini Mental State Examination), and fall risk determinants (i.e., Fall Efficacy Scale -International) will be included in the study protocol. Participants will be randomized into two intervention groups or the control / waiting group. After baseline measures, participants in the intervention groups will conduct a 12-week balance and strength / power exercise intervention 3 times per week, with each training session lasting 30 min. (actual training time). One intervention group will complete an extensive supervised training program, while the other intervention group will complete a short version (` 3 times 3') that is home-based and controlled by weekly phone calls. Post-tests will be conducted right after the intervention period. Additionally, detraining effects will be measured 12 weeks after program cessation. The control group / waiting group will not participate in any specific intervention during the experimental period, but will receive the extensive supervised program after the experimental period.
Discussion: It is expected that particularly the supervised combination of balance and strength / power training will improve performance in variables of balance, strength / power, body composition, cognitive function, psychosocial well-being, and falls self-efficacy of older adults. In addition, information regarding fall risk assessment, dose-response-relations, detraining effects, and supervision of training will be provided. Further, training-induced health-relevant changes, such as improved performance in activities of daily living, cognitive function, and quality of life, as well as a reduced risk for falls may help to lower costs in the health care system. Finally, practitioners, therapists, and instructors will be provided with a scientifically evaluated feasible, safe, and easy-to-administer exercise program for fall prevention.
Effects of resistance training in youth athletes on muscular fitness and athletic performance
(2016)
During the stages of long-term athlete development (LTAD), resistance training (RT) is an important means for (i) stimulating athletic development, (ii) tolerating the demands of long-term training and competition, and (iii) inducing long-term health promoting effects that are robust over time and track into adulthood. However, there is a gap in the literature with regards to optimal RT methods during LTAD and how RT is linked to biological age. Thus, the aims of this scoping review were (i) to describe and discuss the effects of RT on muscular fitness and athletic performance in youth athletes, (ii) to introduce a conceptual model on how to appropriately implement different types of RT within LTAD stages, and (iii) to identify research gaps from the existing literature by deducing implications for future research. In general, RT produced small -to -moderate effects on muscular fitness and athletic performance in youth athletes with muscular strength showing the largest improvement. Free weight, complex, and plyometric training appear to be well -suited to improve muscular fitness and athletic performance. In addition, balance training appears to be an important preparatory (facilitating) training program during all stages of LTAD but particularly during the early stages. As youth athletes become more mature, specificity, and intensity of RT methods increase. This scoping review identified research gaps that are summarized in the following and that should be addressed in future studies: (i) to elucidate the influence of gender and biological age on the adaptive potential following RT in youth athletes (especially in females), (ii) to describe RT protocols in more detail (i.e., always report stress and strain based parameters), and (iii) to examine neuromuscular and tendomuscular adaptations following RT in youth athletes.
Background: Cross-sectional studies detected associations between physical fitness, living area, and sports participation in children. Yet, their scientific value is limited because the identification of cause-and-effect relationships is not possible. In a longitudinal approach, we examined the effects of living area and sports club participation on physical fitness development in primary school children from classes 3 to 6.
Methods: One-hundred and seventy-two children (age: 9-12 years; sex: 69 girls, 103 boys) were tested for their physical fitness (i.e., endurance [9-min run], speed [50-m sprint], lower- [triple hop] and upper-extremity muscle strength [1-kg ball push], flexibility [stand-and-reach], and coordination [star coordination run]). Living area (i.e., urban or rural) and sports club participation were assessed using parent questionnaire.
Results: Over the 4 year study period, urban compared to rural children showed significantly better performance development for upper- (p = 0.009, ES = 0.16) and lower-extremity strength (p < 0.001, ES = 0.22). Further, significantly better performance development were found for endurance (p = 0.08, ES = 0.19) and lower-extremity strength (p = 0.024, ES = 0.23) for children continuously participating in sports clubs compared to their non-participating peers.
Conclusions: Our findings suggest that sport club programs with appealing arrangements appear to represent a good means to promote physical fitness in children living in rural areas.
Background: The aim of the present study was to verify concurrent validity of the Gyko inertial sensor system for the assessment of vertical jump height. - Methods: Nineteen female sub-elite youth soccer players (mean age: 14.7 ± 0.6 years) performed three trials of countermovement (CMJ) and squat jumps (SJ), respectively. Maximal vertical jump height was simultaneously quantified with the Gyko system, a Kistler force-plate (i.e., gold standard), and another criterion device that is frequently used in the field, the Optojump system. - Results: Compared to the force-plate, the Gyko system determined significant systematic bias for mean CMJ (−0.66 cm, p < 0.01, d = 1.41) and mean SJ (−0.91 cm, p < 0.01, d = 1.69) height. Random bias was ± 3.2 cm for CMJ and ± 4.0 cm for SJ height and intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) were “excellent” (ICC = 0.87 for CMJ and 0.81 for SJ). Compared to the Optojump device, the Gyko system detected a significant systematic bias for mean CMJ (0.55 cm, p < 0.05, d = 0.94) but not for mean SJ (0.39 cm) height. Random bias was ± 3.3 cm for CMJ and ± 4.2 cm for SJ height and ICC values were “excellent” (ICC = 0.86 for CMJ and 0.82 for SJ). - Conclusion: Consequently, apparatus specific regression equations were provided to estimate true vertical jump height for the Kistler force-plate and the Optojump device from Gyko-derived data. Our findings indicate that the Gyko system cannot be used interchangeably with a Kistler force-plate and the Optojump device in trained individuals. It is suggested that practitioners apply the correction equations to estimate vertical jump height for the force-plate and the Optojump system from Gyko-derived data.