Physical and Anthropometric Characteristics Do Not Differ According to Birth Year Quartile in High-Level Junior Australian Football Players.
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SUBMITTER: Larkin P
PROVIDER: S-EPMC8402445 | biostudies-literature |
REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature
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Project description:BackgroundElite junior Australian football players experience high training loads across levels of competition and training. This, in conjunction with impaired wellness, can predispose athletes to injury.HypothesisElite junior Australian football players exposed to high loads with poor wellness are more likely to be at risk of injury than those with improved wellness.Study designLongitudinal prospective cohort study.Level of evidenceLevel 3.MethodsData were collected and analyzed from 280 players across the 2014 season. Internal load was measured via session rating of perceived exertion. Player wellness was reported according to ratings of sleep quality, fatigue, soreness, stress, and mood. Week- and month-based training load measures were calculated, representing a combination of absolute and relative load variables. Principal component analysis factor loadings, based on 17 load and wellness variables, were used to calculate summed variable covariates. Injury was defined as "any injury leading to a missed training session or competitive match." Associations between covariates and injury risk (yes/no) were determined via logistic generalized estimating equations.ResultsA significant interaction term between load and wellness on injury was found [odds ratio (OR) 0.76; 95% CI 0.62-0.92; P < 0.01), indicating that wellness acts as a "dimmer switch" of load on injury. Further, there was evidence of moderated mediation (OR 0.71; 95% CI 0.57-0.87; P < 0.01). When wellness was low, injury risk started to increase substantially at a 1-week load of 3250 au.ConclusionsSubjective measures of training load are associated with injury risk through a nonlinear relationship. This relationship is further influenced by player wellness, which can amplify the risk of injury. There is evidence that higher stress is linked with injury and that soreness and sleep mediate any stress-injury relationship.Clinical relevanceCoaching efforts to manage training load and player adaptive responses, including wellness, may reduce the risk of injury, with stress, soreness, and sleep particularly relevant at this level.
| S-EPMC9951000 | biostudies-literature
Project description:BackgroundSprint performance in junior Australian football (AF) players has been shown to be a differentiating quality in ability level therefore developing sprint characteristics via sprint-specific training methods is an important aspect of their physical development. Assisted sprint training is one training method used to enhance sprint performance yet limited information exists on its effect on sprint force-velocity characteristics. Therefore, the main aim of this study was to determine the influence of a combined sprint training intervention using assisted and maximal sprint training methods on mechanical characteristics and sprint performance in junior Australian football players.MethodsUpon completing familiarization and pre-testing, twenty-two male junior Australian football (AF) players (age 14.4 ± 0.3 years, body mass 58.5 ± 10.0 kg, and height 1.74 ± 0.08 m) were divided into a combined sprint training (CST) group (n = 14), and a maximal sprint training (MST) group (n = 8) based on initial sprint performance over 20-meters. Sprint performance was assessed during maximal 20-meter sprint efforts via a radar gun (36 Hz), with velocity-time data used to derive force-velocity characteristics and split times. All subjects then completed a 7-week in-season training intervention consisting of maximal sprinting (MST & CST groups) and assisted sprinting (CST only), along with their usual football specific exercises.ResultsModerate to large pre-post within group effects (-0.65 ≤ ES ≥ 0.82. p ≤ 0.01) in the CST group for relative theoretical maximal force (F0) and power (Pmax) were reflected in improved sprint performance from 0-20 m, thereby creating a more force-oriented F-v profile. The MST group displayed statistically significant pre-post differences in sprint performance between 10-20 m only (ES = 0.18, p = 0.04). Moderate to high relative reliability was achieved across all sprint variables (ICC = 0.65-0.91), except for the force-velocity slope (SFV) and decrement in ratio of forces (DRF) which reported poor reliability (ICC = 0.41-0.44), while the CST group exceeded the pre-post minimal detectable change (MDC) in most sprint variables suggesting a 'true change' in performance across the intervention.ConclusionIt is concluded that implementing a short-term, combined sprint training intervention consisting of assisted and maximal sprint training methods may enhance sprint mechanical characteristics and sprint performance to 20-meters in junior AF players.
| S-EPMC10024483 | biostudies-literature
Project description:Background Biomarkers that can objectively guide the diagnosis of sports-related concussion, and consequent return-to-play decisions, are urgently needed. In this study, we aimed to determine the temporal profile and diagnostic ability of serum levels of neurofilament light (NfL), ubiquitin carboxy-terminal hydrolase L1 (UCHL1), glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), and tau in concussed male and female Australian footballers. Methods Blood was collected from 28 Australian rules footballers (20 males, 8 females) at 2-, 6-, and 13-days after a diagnosed concussion for comparison to their levels at baseline (i.e. pre-season), and with 27 control players (19 males, 8 females) without a diagnosis of concussion. Serum concentrations of protein markers associated with damage to neurons (UCHL1), axons (NfL, tau), and astrocytes (GFAP) were quantified using a Simoa HD-X Analyzer. Biomarker levels for concussed players were compared over time and between sex using generalised linear mixed effect models, and diagnostic performance was assessed using area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC) analysis. Results Serum NfL was increased from baseline in male footballers at 6- and 13-days post-concussion. GFAP and tau were increased in male footballers with concussion at 2- and 13-days respectively. NfL concentrations discriminated between concussed and non-concussed male footballers at all time-points (AUROC: 2d = 0.73, 6d = 0.85, 13d = 0.79), with tau also demonstrating utility at 13d (AUROC = 0.72). No biomarker differences were observed in female footballers after concussion. Conclusions Serum NfL may be a useful biomarker for the acute and sub-acute diagnosis of concussion in males, and could inform neurobiological recovery and return-to-play decisions. Future adequately powered studies are still needed to investigate biomarker changes in concussed females. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s40364-020-00256-7.
| S-EPMC7797141 | biostudies-literature
Project description:BackgroundThe mechanisms underlying the relative age effect (RAE), a biased distribution of birth dates, in sport events have been investigated for more than two decades. The present study investigated the characteristics of the RAE in baseball and anthropometric data (height and weight) among recreational junior baseball players as well as elite players, using data extracted from national surveys.MethodsBirth and anthropometric data were obtained from 4464 Japanese students as elementary school, junior high school, and high school players.ResultsSignificant RAEs were noted in recreational junior high school and high school players, but not in elementary school players, and the effect size became larger with increasing grade (0.063 in elementary school players, 0.151 in junior high school players, and 0.227 in high school players). We also observed a significant RAE for elite elementary, junior high, and high school players. However, the effect size of elite players became smaller with increasing grade (0.563 in elementary school players, 0.358 in junior high school players, and 0.343 in high school players). Height and weight values were significantly larger in elite elementary and junior high school players than in recreational elementary and junior high school players, but height was almost the same between recreational and elite high school players.ConclusionThe characteristics of RAEs differed between recreational and elite junior baseball players. Anthropometric data were also different, depending on birth data, and between recreational and elite baseball players in elementary and junior high school students.
| S-EPMC6265376 | biostudies-literature
Project description:The current study aimed to determine whether previously identified candidate polymorphisms were associated with match performance in sub-elite Australian Rules Football (ARF) players. The genotypes of thirty players were analysed along with 3x1-kilometre time trial results, ARF-specific skill assessments (handball and kicking), and match performance (direct game involvements) per minute (DGIs/min) to investigate if there was a relationship between any of the variables. Results support previous findings that aerobic time trials are a significant predictor of DGIs/min in sub-elite ARF players. Significant associations were found for genotypes ADRB2 CC (p = .001), PPARGC1A AA (p = .001), PPARGC1A AG (p < .001), ACE ID (p < .001), COMT AA (p = .003), BDNF AG (p = .008), ADRB1 CC (p = .018) and ADRB3 CC (p = .010) and the 3x1-kilometre time trials (p < .001). In the current study, a variant in the DRD2 gene was a strong predictor of handball possessions during a match. Significance was seen for variants in the BDNF and COMT genes when the kicking and handball skill test results were combined and used in a linear mixed model to predict DGIs/min, suggesting a potential relationship with motor learning. The confirmation of genetic predictors of player performance in a team sport, such as ARF, suggests a portion of the physiological mechanisms of skill and ARF-specific talent may be explained by the expression of a specific number of genes.
| S-EPMC6353729 | biostudies-literature
Project description:This study aimed to investigate differences in anthropometric characteristics and physical capacities (1) between under (U) 17, 19, and 21 years old elite junior soccer players, and also (2) between starting and nonstarting players within each age group. Ninety-two male elite German junior field players were tested for height, mass, fat, and fat-free mass as well as aerobic endurance, squat (SJ) and counter movement jump (CMJ), linear sprint, core strength-endurance, and one repetition maximum (1RM) bench press performance. According to their age and competitive match playing times, the players were divided into the mentioned different groups. Magnitude-based inferences and effect sizes (ES) were computed for statistical analyses. The fat-free mass, SJ and CMJ, 1RM bench press, and linear sprinting performances increased likely to most likely from U17 to U21 players (ES: moderate to large), whereas the body fat, core strength-endurance, and aerobic endurance performances remain constant. The fat-free mass, 1RM bench press, and linear sprinting performances were likely to most likely higher in U21 starting compared to nonstarting players (ES: moderate to large). Our study shows that contrary to endurance, power associated capacities differ between different aged and starting-nonstarting elite junior soccer players. This outcome should be considered for training, testing, and talent selection procedures in elite junior soccer players.
| S-EPMC7188207 | biostudies-literature
Project description:Objectives:To explore the association between depressive symptoms and recent head-related trauma (diagnosed concussion, subconcussive impacts) in semiprofessional male Australian Football (AF) players. Methods:Sixty-nine semiprofessional male players from a West Australian Football League (WAFL) club participated in the study (Mage=21.81, SD=2.91 years). Depressive symptoms were measured using the Centre for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale. Injuries and potential confounding variables (eg, pre-existing mental health condition; alcohol or drug hangovers; experiencing a stressful event) were self-reported anonymously using the WAFL Injury Report Survey. Both tools were administered every 2-weeks over the first 22-weeks of the WAFL season. Controlling for potential confounding variables and other injuries, a repeated measures generalised estimating equations model assessed the risk of clinically relevant depressive symptoms occurring, when diagnosed concussion or subconcussive impacts were experienced. Results:A total of 10 concussions and 183 subconcussive impacts were reported. Players who experienced a concussion were almost nine times more likely to experience clinically relevant depressive symptoms (OR 8.88, 95% CI 2.65 to 29.77, p<0.001). Although elevated, depressive symptoms following subconcussive impacts were not statistically significant (OR 1.13, 95% CI 0.67 to 1.92, p=0.641). Conclusion:These findings indicate that semiprofessional AF athletes may be at risk of experiencing depressive symptoms after concussion. Severity (concussion vs subconcussive impacts) and dose (number of impacts) appear to have an important relationship with depressive symptom outcomes in this cohort and should be considered for further research and management of player welfare.
| S-EPMC7061895 | biostudies-literature
Project description:Limited information is available on the morphological characteristics of adult female footballers, therefore the aim of this article was to examine if there are position-specific differences in the morphological characteristics of sub-elite female football players and to establish normative standards for this level of female football players. The morphological features of 101 sub-elite female football players (age: 21.8 ± 2.7 years) were assessed. Twenty anthropometric sites were measured for body composition and somatotype. The average value of body fat percentage was 20.8 ± 5.7%. The somatotype of the overall group was 4.0-2.4-2.1. Significant (p ≤ 0.05) differences were found between goalkeepers and outfield players in morphological characteristics. Goalkeepers were taller (166.2 ± 8.4 cm), heavier (66.5 ± 5.1 kg), possessed the highest body fat percentage (17.2 ± 6.2%) and showed higher values for all skinfold (sum of 6 skinfolds = 125.6 ± 45.9 cm), breadth, girth and length measurements. However, there were very few practically worthwhile differences between the outfield positions. Positional groups did not differ (p ≤ 0.05) in somatotype characteristics either. The study suggests that at sub-elite level there are mainly differences between goalkeepers and outfield players, but outfield players are homogeneous when comparing morphological characteristics. These results may serve as normative values for future comparisons regarding the morphological characteristics of female football players.
| S-EPMC8036279 | biostudies-literature
Project description:Concussion incidence rates in professional Australian football may be underreported due to the injury classification definition. A myriad of factors contribute to concussion risk; however, there is limited long-term surveillance in Australian football. This study analysed concussion in one Australian football team over an extended period.Match-play concussion injuries in one team (n = 116 participants) were diagnosed and treated by the team physician over 14 years. Analysis of factors related to concussion including matches played, time of day and season, and return to play provided an insight into occurrence and recurrence rates.140 concussions were recorded (17.6 per 1000 player match hours). A strong relationship was evident between matches played and concussion incidence (r = 0.70) and match conditions did not negatively affect the concussion rate. Whether an athlete returned to play in the same match or suffered a loss-of-consciousness concussion (p = 0.84), their ensuing rate of concussion was not affected.Concussion in professional Australian football was related to the number of matches played. Further, neither previous incidence nor loss of consciousness affected future concussion risk. This study provides ecologically valid evidence of the concussion incidence rate in professional Australian football and has implications for the management of athletes sustaining concussion injuries.
| S-EPMC5540267 | biostudies-other
Project description:BackgroundDifferences in kinanthropometric and physical fitness performance between boys and girls usually start during adolescence, as a result of the changes in the hormonal environment that occur with the advance of age and biological maturation; Methods: A total of 96 1st Regional Division players adolescent volleyball players, 48 males, (age = 14.17 ± 1.00 years-old) and 48 females (age = 14.41 ± 1.21 years-old) underwent a kinanthropometric assessment, were asked to perform different physical fitness test and to complete a questionnaire. Chronological age, maturity offset, age at peak height velocity (APHV), and birth quartile were calculated; Results: Statistical differences were observed between male and female players in the APHV (p < 0.001). Male players showed higher values in the bone and muscle-related variables (p < 0.001-0.040), as well as in the strength and power production-related physical tests (p < 0.001-0.012), while the female showed higher values in the fat-related variables (p = 0.003-0.013), and performed better in the flexibility tests. Age, maturity offset, and birth quartile showed to have statistical influence in the differences found between sex groups; Conclusions: There is a clear influence of age and biological maturation on the differences found between sexes in adolescent volleyball players that could be taken into account regarding grouping in early stages.
| S-EPMC8774601 | biostudies-literature