Gender effect on the relationship between talent identification tests and later world triathlon series performance

Background: We examined the explanatory power of the Spanish triathlon talent identification (TID) tests for later World Triathlon Series (WTS)-level racing performance as a function of gender. Methods: Youth TID (100 m and 1000 m swimming and 400 m and 1000 m running) test performance times for when they were 14–19 years old, and WTS performance data up to the end of 2017, were obtained for 29 female and 24 male “successful” Spanish triathletes. The relationships between the athletes’ test performances and their later best WTS ranking positions and performance times were modeled using multiple linear regression. Results: The swimming and running TID test data had greater explanatory power for best WTS ranking in the females and for best WTS position in the males (R2a = 0.34 and 0.37, respectively, p ≤ 0.009). The swimming TID times were better related to later race performance than were the running TID times. The predictive power of the TID tests for WTS performance was, however, low, irrespective of exercise mode and athlete gender. Conclusions: These results confirm that triathlon TID tests should not be based solely on swimming and running performance. Moreover, the predictive value of the individual tests within the Spanish TID battery is gender specific.Fundação para a Ciência e Tecnologia | Ref. UIDB / 00447/202

Análisis de la capacidad explicativa de las pruebas de detección de talento en el rendimiento en competición de jóvenes triatletas

El objetivo es establecer la relación entre las pruebas de detecciónde talentos de la federación española de triatlón (FETRI) y los resultadosobtenidos en el campeonato de España del mismo año. La muestrafue formada por 489 triatletas federados (342 hombres, 147 mujeres, 271junior y 218 cadetes). Las variables independientes han sido las pruebasque conforman el proceso de detección de talentos de la FETRI: 100m denatación estilo libre, 1000m de natación estilo libre, 400m lisos, 1000mlisos, y se ha utilizado como variable dependiente el puesto obtenido en elCampeonato de España de triatlón. Se implementó un análisis de componentesde varianza (p<0,05), usando procedimientos de mínimos cuadrados(Varcomp) y de máxima verosimilitud (GLM) y un análisis de generalizabilidad.Los resultados indican que el modelo es significativo (p=0,0251)y que tres variables resultan significativas para explicar el puesto obtenidoen el campeonato de España de triatlón (natación de 100 y 1000 metros ycarrera de 1000 metros), sin embargo ninguna de sus interacciones resultasignificativa, así como tampoco la carrera de 400 metros. El modelo presentaun excelente nivel de fiabilidad (e2 = 1) y de generalizabilidad (Φ = 1).En conclusión, el resultado en el Campeonato de España no encuentra unaexplicación satisfactoria a través de las pruebas de detección de talentosmarcadas por la FETRI por lo que una posible solución sería mantenerlas pruebas que han mostrado una alta capacidad explicativa, y sustituir aaquellas otras que no tienen esa capacidad por la realización de otras máscercanas al modelo de rendimiento del triatlón

Intrasession reliability of the tests to determine lateral asymmetry and performance in volleyball players

The development of lateral asymmetries in athletes could have an influence on performance or injuries. The aim of this study was to determine the within-day reliability of the symmetry tests and the performance tests, and explore the relationship between them. Eighteen male volleyball players (18.1 ± 2.1 years) participated in this study. Seven lateral symmetry assessments were used, namely: lateral symmetry through tensiomyography (LS), active knee extension (AKE), Y-balance test (YBT), muscular electrical activity in attack jump (MEA-AJ), single-leg squat jump (SLSJ), triple hop test for distance (THTD), and bilateral maximum repetition in leg press (1RMSL); and three volleyball performance tests, namely: the T-test, counter-movement jump (CMJ), and attack jump (AJ). Three in-day measurements were taken from each volleyball player after the recovery was completed. The reliability was calculated through the intraclass correlation coefficient and the coefficient of variation, and the relationship was calculated through Pearson’s bivariate correlation coefficient (p < 0.05). The results indicate that AKE, YBT, and LS are the symmetry tests with increased reproducibility. THTD correlates positively with the AKE test and 1RMSL test, and a greater symmetry in the YBT correlates with a greater performance in the CMJ and AJ performance tests. In conclusion, AKE, LS, and YBT are the best tests to determine, with reliability, the asymmetries in volleyball players, and a greater symmetry in the YBT seems to influence the height of bilateral vertical jump

A detección e selección de talentos en triatlón : análise e proposta

Objetivo: Este trabajo tiene como objetivos explorar la capacidad predictiva del rendimiento de las pruebas de detección de talentos realizadas por la Federación Española de Triatlón (FETRI) y realizar una propuesta de pruebas físicas con las que se pretende obtener una mayor capacidad explicativa. Método: La muestra para cumplir estos objetivos se seleccionó entre triatletas femeninas y masculinos de categoría cadete y junior (15-19 años) participantes en las Tomas de Tiempos de la FETRI entre los años 2009 y 2016, en esas tomas se realizan unas pruebas de 400m y 1000m lisos de carrera y 100m y 1000m libre de natación. Para determinar la capacidad predictiva de estas pruebas respecto al rendimiento en Campeonatos de España y Series Mundiales se utilizaron análisis de regresión lineal múltiple, de varianza y de generalizabilidad. Resultados: Los resultados muestran una discreta capacidad explicativa del rendimiento a través de las pruebas de la Toma de Tiempos tanto al cuantificarlo en Campeonatos de España, como en competiciones de las Series Mundiales, observándose una mayor capacidad explicativa en las pruebas más relacionadas con los factores de rendimiento en triatlón. En cuanto al modelo propuesto se observó una mayor capacidad explicativa que la obtenida con las Tomas de Tiempo de la FETRI, especialmente a través de las pruebas de natación (200m y 800m con 1´ de descanso), obteniéndose también una alta capacidad predictiva del rendimiento en natación a través de valores medidos en saltos sin contramovimiento. Conclusión: Se comprueban las hipótesis que apuntaban hacia una baja capacidad explicativa del rendimiento a través de las pruebas FETRI y parece necesaria una revisión de las pruebas que componen el programa

Elite Triathlete Profiles in Draft-Legal Triathlons as a Basis for Talent Identification

Draft-legal triathlons are the main short-distance races worldwide and are those on which talent-identification programs are usually focused. Performance in these races depends on multiple factors; however, many investigations do not focus on elite triathletes. Therefore, the aim of this narrative review was to carry out a systematic literature search to define the elite female and male triathlete profiles and their competition demands in draft-legal triathlons. This will allow us to summarize the main determinant factors of high-level triathletes as a basis for talent detection. A comprehensive review of Web of Science and Scopus was performed using the search strategy: Triathl* and (performance or competition or profile) and (elite or professional or &ldquo;high performance&rdquo; or &ldquo;high level&rdquo; or talent). A total of 1325 research documents were obtained, and after screening following the criteria, only 83 articles were selected. After data synthesis, elite triathlete aspects such as age, physiological, anthropometric, and psychosocial profile or competition demands were studied in the scientific literature. Thus, it is essential that when implementing talent identification programs, these factors must be considered. However, constant updating is needed due the continuous regulatory changes and the need of triathletes to adapt to these new competition demands

Gender Effect on the Relationship between Talent Identification Tests and Later World Triathlon Series Performance

Background: We examined the explanatory power of the Spanish triathlon talent identification (TID) tests for later World Triathlon Series (WTS)-level racing performance as a function of gender. Methods: Youth TID (100 m and 1000 m swimming and 400 m and 1000 m running) test performance times for when they were 14&ndash;19 years old, and WTS performance data up to the end of 2017, were obtained for 29 female and 24 male &ldquo;successful&rdquo; Spanish triathletes. The relationships between the athletes&rsquo; test performances and their later best WTS ranking positions and performance times were modeled using multiple linear regression. Results: The swimming and running TID test data had greater explanatory power for best WTS ranking in the females and for best WTS position in the males (R2a = 0.34 and 0.37, respectively, p &le; 0.009). The swimming TID times were better related to later race performance than were the running TID times. The predictive power of the TID tests for WTS performance was, however, low, irrespective of exercise mode and athlete gender. Conclusions: These results confirm that triathlon TID tests should not be based solely on swimming and running performance. Moreover, the predictive value of the individual tests within the Spanish TID battery is gender specific

Elite triathlete profiles in draft-legal triathlons as a basis for talent identification

Draft-legal triathlons are the main short-distance races worldwide and are those on which talent-identification programs are usually focused. Performance in these races depends on multiple factors; however, many investigations do not focus on elite triathletes. Therefore, the aim of this narrative review was to carry out a systematic literature search to define the elite female and male triathlete profiles and their competition demands in draft-legal triathlons. This will allow us to summarize the main determinant factors of high-level triathletes as a basis for talent detection. A comprehensive review of Web of Science and Scopus was performed using the search strategy: Triathl* and (performance or competition or profile) and (elite or professional or “high performance” or “high level” or talent). A total of 1325 research documents were obtained, and after screening following the criteria, only 83 articles were selected. After data synthesis, elite triathlete aspects such as age, physiological, anthropometric, and psychosocial profile or competition demands were studied in the scientific literature. Thus, it is essential that when implementing talent identification programs, these factors must be considered. However, constant updating is needed due the continuous regulatory changes and the need of triathletes to adapt to these new competition demands

Análise do poder explicativo dos testes de deteçao de talento no desempenho en competiçao de jovens triatletas

El objetivo es establecer la relación entre las pruebas de detección de talentos de la federación española de triatlón (FETRI) y los resultados obtenidos en el campeonato de España del mismo año. La muestra fue formada por 489 triatletas federados (342 hombres, 147 mujeres, 271 junior y 218 cadetes). Las variables independientes han sido las pruebas que conforman el proceso de detección de talentos de la FETRI: 100m de natación estilo libre, 1000m de natación estilo libre, 400m lisos, 1000m lisos, y se ha utilizado como variable dependiente el puesto obtenido en el Campeonato de España de triatlón. Se implementó un análisis de componentes de varianza (p<0,05), usando procedimientos de mínimos cuadrados (Varcomp) y de máxima verosimilitud (GLM) y un análisis de generalizabilidad. Los resultados indican que el modelo es significativo (p=0,0251) y que tres variables resultan significativas para explicar el puesto obtenido en el campeonato de España de triatlón (natación de 100 y 1000 metros y carrera de 1000 metros), sin embargo ninguna de sus interacciones resulta significativa, así como tampoco la carrera de 400 metros. El modelo presenta un excelente nivel de fiabilidad (e2 = 1) y de generalizabilidad (Φ = 1). En conclusión, el resultado en el Campeonato de España no encuentra una explicación satisfactoria a través de las pruebas de detección de talentos marcadas por la FETRI por lo que una posible solución sería mantener las pruebas que han mostrado una alta capacidad explicativa, y sustituir a aquellas otras que no tienen esa capacidad por la realización de otras más cercanas al modelo de rendimiento del triatlón.ABSTRACT: The aim of this study is determine the relationship between the talent detection tests conducted by the Spanish Federation of Triathlon (FETRI) and the results in the Spanish Championship of the same year. The sample was composed by 489 federated triathletes (342 men, 147 women, 271 junior y 218 cadet). The independent variables were the four test included in the talent detection program conducted by the FETRI: 100 metres freestyle swimming, 1000m freestyle swimming, 400m running and 1000m running and the dependent variable were the place finish in the Spanish Championship of Triathlon. An analysis of variance components (p<0.05), by least squares procedure (Varcomp) and maximum likelihood (GLM) was implemented, and an analysis of generalizability was performed. The results show a significant model (p=0.0251) and three variables are significant in explaining of the final position in the Spanish Championship of Triathlon (100 and 1000 metres swimming and 1000 metres running), yet none of their interactions is significant, well as the 400 metres running. The levels of reliability (e2 = 1) and generalizability (Φ = 1) of the model are excellent. In conclusion, the result in the Spanish Championship not find a satisfactory explanation through the talent detection tests conducted by the Spanish Federation a possible solution would be to keep the tests have shown a high explanatory power, and replace those that don´t have that ability by performing other test closer to the model of triathlon performance.RESUMO: O objetivo deste estudo é determinar a relação entre os testes de detecção de talentos realizado pela Federação Espanhola de Triatlo (FETRI) e os resultados no campeonato de Espanha do mesmo ano. A amostra foi composta por 489 triatletas federados (342 homes, 147 mulleres, 271 junior y 218 cadetes). As variáveis independentes foram as provas incluídos no programa de detecção de talentos realizado pela FETRI: 100 metros nado livre, 1000m nado livre, 400m de corrida e 1000m de corrida e a variável dependente foi a posição no Campeonato de Espanha de Triatlo. Foi implementada a análise de componentes de variância (p <0,05), utilizando procedimentos mínimos quadrados (Varcomp) e máxima verossimilhança (GLM) e uma análise de generalização. Os resultados indicam que o modelo é significativo (p = 0,0251) e que três variáveis são significativas na explicação da posição final no Campeonato de Espanha de Triatlo (100 e 1000 metros de natação e 1000 metros de corrida), mas nenhuma das suas interações é significativo, nem os 400 metros em execução. O modelo proporciona um excelente nível de confiabilidade (e2 = 1) e generalização (Φ = 1). Em conclusão, os resultados do Campeonato de Espanha não encontrar uma explicação satisfatória através dos testes de detecção de talentos realizado pela Federação Espanhola de uma possível solução seria a de manter os testes demonstraram alto poder explicativo, e substituir aqueles que não tem essa capacidade através da realização de outro teste mais próximo do modelo de desempenho triatlo

Intrasession Reliability of the Tests to Determine Lateral Asymmetry and Performance in Volleyball Players

The development of lateral asymmetries in athletes could have an influence on performance or injuries. The aim of this study was to determine the within-day reliability of the symmetry tests and the performance tests, and explore the relationship between them. Eighteen male volleyball players (18.1 &plusmn; 2.1 years) participated in this study. Seven lateral symmetry assessments were used, namely: lateral symmetry through tensiomyography (LS), active knee extension (AKE), Y-balance test (YBT), muscular electrical activity in attack jump (MEA-AJ), single-leg squat jump (SLSJ), triple hop test for distance (THTD), and bilateral maximum repetition in leg press (1RMSL); and three volleyball performance tests, namely: the T-test, counter-movement jump (CMJ), and attack jump (AJ). Three in-day measurements were taken from each volleyball player after the recovery was completed. The reliability was calculated through the intraclass correlation coefficient and the coefficient of variation, and the relationship was calculated through Pearson&rsquo;s bivariate correlation coefficient (p &lt; 0.05). The results indicate that AKE, YBT, and LS are the symmetry tests with increased reproducibility. THTD correlates positively with the AKE test and 1RMSL test, and a greater symmetry in the YBT correlates with a greater performance in the CMJ and AJ performance tests. In conclusion, AKE, LS, and YBT are the best tests to determine, with reliability, the asymmetries in volleyball players, and a greater symmetry in the YBT seems to influence the height of bilateral vertical jump

Is asymmetry different depending on how it is calculated?

This study aimed to (1) determine the magnitude and direction of asymmetry in volleyball players, (2) establish asymmetry thresholds, and (3) explore differences depending on the test used and the players’ category. Twenty-nine junior and senior male volleyball players were assessed through a muscle asymmetry battery test: active knee extension test (AKE), single-leg countermovement jump (SL-CMJ), single-leg squat jump (SL-SJ), triple hop test for distance (THTD), modified 20-yard shuttle run, Y-balance test, single-leg one-repetition maximum in leg press test (1RM-SL), and lateral symmetry in radial muscle belly displacement through Tensiomyography in the biceps femoris and rectus femoris. A two-way ANOVA alongside an individual analysis of asymmetry thresholds was used to analyze the test and categorize the influence on the magnitude and the direction of asymmetry. The 1RM-SL, SL-SJ, and the lateral symmetry in radial muscle belly displacement showed a clear asymmetry towards the non-dominant side, while the AKE, SL-CMJ, and THTD showed an asymmetry towards the dominant side. The magnitude of the asymmetry was highly variable between tests (1.46–30.26%). The individualized asymmetry thresholds revealed that the percentage of asymmetrical players varied depending on the type of test used. In conclusion, the type of test used determines the magnitude and direction of asymmetry in well-trained volleyball players