Sustainable Sport Development: The Influence of Competitive-Grouping and Relative Age on the Performance of Young Triathletes

Competitive-grouping by chronological age is a common organizational strategy in competition which may unintentionally promote relative age effects, for the benefit of older individuals within the same competitive-group, especially in young athletes. This work presents the aim of analyzing differences in young triathletes on their performance within each competitive group. A total of 1243 entries of both sexes, both children—13–14 years old—and cadets—15–17 years old—participated. Firstly, we identified the year in the competitive group and relative-age semester for all the triathletes who competed in a total of six seasons from 2013 to 2018. Secondly, the performance indicator was calculated in all the segments in a triathlon competition for all triathletes. The Kruskal-Wallis Test and U Mann Whitney Test was applied. It was observed that all cadet triathletes born in the first semester of the year (S1, born in January–June) were faster; for both boys and girls. Likewise, it was observed that older triathletes who competed within the same category were faster, but only in males and for both competitive groups: children (p < 0.0083), and cadet (p < 0.0033). In conclusion, families, coaches and sports political agencies need a greater knowledge and understanding of the effects of relative age and competitive grouping to understand the important role of age in the development of sports talent demonstrated in this study

Growth rate and TRI5 gene expression profiles of Fusarium equiseti strains isolated from Spanish cereals cultivated on wheat and barley media at different environmental conditions

Fusarium equiseti is a toxigenic species that often contaminates ce real crops from diverse climatic regions such as Northern and Southern Europe. Previous results suggested the existence of two distinct populations within this species with differences in toxin pro file which largely corresponded to North and South Europe (Spain). In this work, growth rate profiles of 4 F. equiseti strains isolated from different cereals and distinct Spanish regions were determined on wheat and barley based media at a range of temperatures (15, 20, 25, 30, 35 and 40 °C) and water potentialregimens(−0.7,−2.8,−7.0,and −9.8MPa,correspondingto 0.99,0.98,0.95 and 0.93aw values).Growth was observed at all temperatures except at 40 °C, and at all the solute potential values except at−9.8 MPa when combined with 15 °C. Optimal growth was observed at 20– 30 °C and −0.7/−2.8 MPa. The effect of these factors on trichothecene biosynthesis was examined on a F. equiseti strain using a newly developed real time RT-PCR protocol to quantify TRI5 gene expression at 15, 25 and 35 °C and −0.7, −2.8, − 7.0 and −9.8 MPa on wheat and barley based media. Induction of TRI5 expression was detected between 25 and 35 °C and −0.7 and − 2.8 MPa, with maximum values at 35 °C and −2.8 MPa being higher in barley than in wheat medium. These results appeared to be consistent with a population well adapted to the present climatic conditions and predicted scenarios for Southern Europe and suggested some differences depending on the cereal considered. These are also discussed in relation to other Fusarium species co-occurring in cereals grown in this region and to their significance for prediction and control strategies of toxigenic risk in future scenarios of climate change for this region

Within-subject variation in the Cognitive Timed Up and Go test as an explanatory variable in fall risk in patients with Parkinson’s disease

Objective: To explore the use of within-subject variation in the Cognitive Timed Up and Go test (Cognitive TUGwsv) as an explanatory variable in fall risk in the Parkinson’s disease population. Design: Cross-sectional study. Methods: Fifty-three patients with Parkinson’s disease completed 3 trials of the Cognitive TUGwsv. Within-subject variation was calculated using the standard deviation of an individual’s repeated measurements, and compared on the basis of the fall history reported in the previous 6 months. Participants who reported < 2 falls were classified as “non-recurrent fallers” (n = 31) and those who reported ≥ 2 falls were classified as “recurrent fallers” (n = 22). Univariate and a multivariate logistic regression were used to investigate the statistical impact of the Cognitive TUGwsv as an explanatory variable in fall risk. Discriminative ability and cut-off score were determined based on receiver operating characteristic analysis. Results: There was a significant difference between groups in the Cognitive TUGwsv (p = 0.002). Univariate logistic regression indicated a significant association between Cognitive TUGwsv and fall risk (χ2=12.365, p < 0.001), with an odds ratio of 2.5 (95% confidence interval (95% CI) = 1.34–4.65). Multivariate logistic regression showed that body mass index (BMI), Falls Efficacy Scale-International (FES-I), Cognitive TUGwsv, and the mean velocity of the centre of foot pressure (Closed Eyes) (Velocity COP (CE)) were significant explanatory variables in fall risk. Cognitive TUGwsv was the most important independent variable. Receiver operating characteristic analysis revealed an acceptable discriminative power (area under the curve (AUC) = 0.757, 95% CI = 0.619–0.864, p < 0.001) and a cut-off point of 1.53 s. Conclusion: A higher Cognitive TUGwsv correlated with higher fall risk. Thus, diagnostic tests and exercise programmes could consider Cognitive TUGwsv when assessing fall risk in the Parkinson’s disease population.Sergio Sebastiá-Amat participated in this study supported by a pre-doctoral grant (ACIF/2018/209) from the Generalitat Valenciana, Spain

A Short-Term Body Jump® Training Program Improves Physical Fitness and Body Composition in Young Active Women

(1) Background: Body Jump® is a novel group fitness program with musical support, which is performed rebounding in a minitrampoline. Although the number of practitioners has increased exponentially in recent years, this activity’s short-term effects on physical fitness and body composition in women have not yet been studied. (2) Methods: 27 healthy young women were randomly divided into a Body Jump® group (BJ) and a control group (CG). BJ performed three classes per week for one month. The week before and after the intervention, the anthropometric assessments were carried out to estimate the body composition, and different performance tests were performed to assess the jumping capacity (countermovement jump (CMJ) and squat jump (SJ) tests), the muscular strength (1RM test) and the aerobic fitness (UKK test). (3) Results: VO2 max (p = 0.001), CMJ flight height (p = 0.023), SJ flight height (p = 0.003) and the 1RM value in the half-squat exercise (p = 0.009) were significantly increased in BJ. In CG, there were no statistically significant differences after the intervention period. Regarding the changes in body composition, a significant enhancement in several parameters were found in BJ, such as the sum of skinfolds (p = 0.003) and the percentage of fat mass (p = 0.002), while no changes were found in any of the anthropometric variables in CG. (4) Conclusions: carrying out the Body Jump® program three days per week for one month had positive effects on physical fitness and body composition in a group of healthy young women. This training program can be an effective option for enhancing, in the short term, these fitness parameters and the body composition of these recreational users into the fitness centers.This research was partially supported by project EAC1-16I

The Effects of Tissue Flossing on Perceived Knee Pain and Jump Performance: A Pilot Study

Background: Tissue compression and partial vascular occlusion using band flossing results in reperfusion of blood to the muscle tissue that may ultimately reduce joint pain and increase range of motion, enhancing prevention from or rehabilitation of injury. However, the extent of research examining the effect of tissue flossing in an athletic setting is currently very limited, and the effects of band flossing on knee pain and jump performance have not yet been investigated and remain unclear. Purpose: To investigate the effect of band flossing on perceived knee pain and vertical jump performance in recreational athletes with knee pain. Methods: Five young male recreational athletes with previously reported knee pain took part in this study (age 22±0.5; height 184±6.8cm; weight 79±1.5kg; BMI 23.34±1.2 kg/m2). Participants performed a number of tests pre and post intervention, with the application of a floss band on the knee joint. The experimental protocol consisted in the performance of countermovement jump (CMJ) tests (without occlusion, with occlusion, and after occlusion). Pre and Post intervention measures included a perceived knee pain -by visual analogue scale (VAS)- and CMJ performance -by force platform-. Results: The application of flossing bands in knee joint resulted in enhancements in all test measures pre to post intervention (10% jump height; 4.5% time in the air; 5% jump velocity; 13% jump power; 7.5% jump force). Participants reported a 3.5-point pain enhancement in AVS during performance of CMJ tests. Conclusion: Flossing bands caused a reduction in perceived knee pain and improved vertical jump performance in young male recreational athletes

Divergence of the IGS rDNA in Fusarium proliferatum and Fusarium globosum reveals two strain specific non-orthologous types

A phylogenic analysis of Fusarium proliferatum and closely related species was performed using the most variable part within the intergenic spacer of the nuclear ribosomal DNA (IGS) and compared with a previously reported phylogeny performed in the same group of samples with a partial region of the nuclear single copy gene encoding the elongation factor 1α (EF-1α). The phylogenies from both genomic sequences were not concordant and revealed the presence of two nonorthologous IGS types, named types I and II, in F. proliferatum and Fusarium globosum. Two specific PCR assays designed to amplify either IGS type I or type II revealed that only one IGS type was present in each individual in these two species. The presence of both IGS types at the species level indicates that homogenization has not been achieved yet. This might be retarded if panmictic sexual reproduction was affected by certain levels of clonal reproduction and/or by the diverse hosts that these species are able to colonize. This study indicates that taxonomic studies carried out with the IGS rDNA, which has been widely used in Fusarium, should be undertaken with caution

Aula invertida en educación física: aprendizaje, motivación y tiempo de práctica motriz

Flipped Learning (FL) methodology is emerging as a pedagogical and innovative approach, enriching the teaching-learning process through the use of ICT. This study aims to evaluate the effects derived from its practical application in PE Secondary Education classes. For that purpose, the same teaching unit about Valencian ball was developed in 7 different groups of 1ºESO, applying two different methodologies: FL approach (FLIP) or traditional approach (TRAD). The level of learning, motivation and motor practice time were evaluated pre and post intervention. Results showed no significant differences between both methodologies, regarding motivation and level of learning (p = 0,633). However, the motor practice time of FLIP groups was higher than TRAD groups (p = 0,034). In conclusion, FL approach students achieved a higher motor time during PE classes despite having the same levels of learning and motivation.La metodología Flipped Learning (FL) está emergiendo como un enfoque pedagógico innovador que enriquece el proceso de enseñanza-aprendizaje mediante el uso de las TIC. Este estudio pretende evaluar los efectos de su aplicación práctica en las clases de EF de ESO. Para ello, se desarrolló la misma Unidad didáctica sobre Pelota Valenciana en 7 grupos de 1º ESO, aplicando dos metodologías diferentes: FL (FLIP) o tradicional (TRAD). Se evaluaron los niveles de aprendizaje, motivación y tiempo de práctica motriz pre y post intervención. Los resultados no mostraron diferencias significativas entre ambas metodologías, con respecto a la motivación y al nivel de aprendizaje (p = 0,633). Sin embargo, los tiempos de práctica motriz de FLIP fueron mayores en comparación con TRAD (p = 0,034). En conclusión, obteniendo similares niveles de aprendizaje y motivación, el enfoque FL logró un mayor tiempo de práctica motriz en los estudiantes durante las clases de EF

The Effect of Cranio-Cervical Position on Core Muscle Activation during the Prone Plank Exercise

This study aimed to investigate the influence of head position on the electromyographical activity of the core muscles during the prone plank exercise. Twenty healthy participants were enrolled in this study. Muscle activation was registered using surface electromyography in the rectus abdominis, external oblique, internal oblique, and the lumbar portion of erector spinae. Three plank conditions were randomly evaluated, varying the position of the cranio-cervical segment during the plank performance (neutral, flexion and extension). The activation of each individual examined muscle and the overall core muscle activity (Total Intensity), as well as the ratings of perceived exertion were analysed with statistical significance set at p 0.90). The rectus abdominis presented larger activation in flexion compared to the other variations (p 0.70). Flexion elicited a greater response for both sides of external oblique when compared to neutral and extension, and also for both sides of internal oblique compared to the other conditions (p 0.70). Both flexion and extension reported higher exertion rating values compared to neutral (p 0.90). Head position influenced the electromyographical activation of core musculature, showing highest values when performing the plank in a head flexion.This research was funded by Consellería de Educación, Investigación, Cultura y Deporte de la Generalitat Valenciana, and European Social Fund (European Union), Grant Project Number ACIF/2016/048

Functional movement screen differences between male and female young judokas athletes

Background and Study Aim: The Functional Movement Screen (FMS) test has been used in different sports to identify the alterations and asymmetries in the basic movement patterns of the athletes, although it has not been analysed as widely in children population, and even less in judo. The cognitive objective of this study was knowledge about the basic motor competence and the probability of injury in children practicing judo through the evaluation of fundamental movement patterns using the FMS test, and to establish a comparison between genders. Material and Methods: Thirty young judokas (16 girls and 14 boys) participated in the study. The performance of each participant was digitally recorded by two cameras, one in each plane (front and sagittal), and was later analysed jointly by two evaluators who are experts in the use of FMS. Results: The girls obtained higher scores on the sum of the seven tests, compared to boys (16.00 ±1.79 vs. 13.57 ±2.59; p = 0.005). In particular, girls scored significantly better than boys in the deep squat, the rotary stability and the active straight leg raise tasks (p<0.05). The boys scored statistically significantly higher than girls in the trunk stability push up task (p<0.05). Conclusions: The girls scored higher on most tasks, indicating better fundamental movement patterns. In addition, most girls scored above 14 points, while most boys scored at or below 14 points, which may indicate decreased motor competence and increased risk of injury in boys

Electromyographical responses of the lumbar, dorsal and shoulder musculature during the bent-over row exercise: a comparison between standing and bench postures (a preliminary study)

Rowing exercises are widely used in resistance training. However, from an efficacy and safety standpoint, few science-based recommendations about proper ergonomics performing different rowing variations are currently available. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to examine the electromyographical (EMG) differences between four variations during the dynamic performance of the bent-over row (BOR) exercise: BOR in inclined bench with 90º shoulder abduction (B/AB); BOR in inclined bench with maximum shoulder adduction (B/AD); standing BOR with 90º shoulder abduction (S/AB); standing BOR with maximum shoulder adduction (S/AD). A cross-sectional preliminary study of repeated measures was designed. three young and healthy participants with previous experience in resistance training were recruited from university students of Sport Sciences Degree (mean ± SD age: 21.67 ± 1.21 years; body mass: 75.13 ± 7.00 kg; IMC: 26.15 ± 1.63 kg/m2; % body fat= 9.72 ± 2.41% height: 1.69 ± 9.43 m; training experience: 4.64 ± 1.39 years). Muscle activity was measured using surface EMG in six lumbar, dorsal, and shoulder muscles: posterior deltoid (PD), latissimus dorsi (LD), upper trapezius (UT), middle trapezius (MT), lumbar portion of erector spinae (LES) and thoracic portion erector spinae (TES). Results showed that the two variations based on standing postures (S/AB and S/AD) caused greater EMG responses both on shoulder and lumbar and dorsal muscles. However, importantly, participants had the highest EMG activity on target muscles (deltoid and trapezius muscles) when performing the BOR in a shoulder abduction position (B/AB and S/AB), independent of whether they were, or were not, working with the bench. Thus, considering that the mild activity showed from the lumbar and dorsal back muscles when performing the bench variations would denote lower spine loads, we can conclude that, from an ergonomic standpoint, the use of the bench should be indicated when performing the BOR exercise. However, this is only a preliminary conclusion and the subject needs future analysis.This research was funded by Consellería de Educación, Investigación, Cultura y Deporte de la Generalitat Valenciana, and European Social Fund (European Union), grant project number ACIF/2016/048