Normative reference and cut-offs values of maximal aerobic speed-20 m shuttle run test and maximal oxygen uptake for Tunisian adolescent (elite) soccer players

This study aimed to develop reference curves of aerobic parameters of 20 m shuttle run test for Tunisian soccer players. The study was conducted in the 2022/2023 pre-season. The reference curves of the maximal aerobic speed (MAS) and the maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max) were developed according to the Lambda, Mu and Sigma (LMS) method, using data from 742 Tunisian premier league soccer players aged 11–18 years. Measured variables included: weight, height, body mass index and maximal heart rate (HRmax). HRmax was measured when the participants completed the maximal aerobic speed. VO2max was estimated using the 20 m shuttle run test protocol (speed increment every minute). Our results presented the smoothed percentiles (3rd, 10th, 25th, 50th, 75th, 90th and 97th) of MAS (km/h) and VO2max (ml/kg•min⁻1) according to age. In addition, raw data showed that VO2 max was positively correlated with age (r = 0.333; P < 0.001), height (cm) (r = 0.279; P < 0.001), weight (kg) (r = 0.266; P < 0.001), practice period (years) (r = 0.324; P < 0.001) and BMI (kg/m2) (r = 0.10; P < 0.05). However, it was negatively correlated to HRmax (bpm) (r = 0.247; P < 0.001). Only the measurements within the age group [12–12.99] are significantly higher (p < 0.001; ES = 0.63) compared with the previous age group [11–11.99]. Finally, regarding prevalence, our findings showed that 15.5 % of the players in our sample had VO2max values above the 87.7th percentile cut-off, while only 0.3 % exceeded the 99.18th percentile. The development of normative curves could help coaches and physical trainers to more accurately detect weaknesses in the aerobic performance of their players in order to sustain high-intensity repetitive actions during a soccer match.info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersio

Efeito do encorajamento verbal do professor nas respostas psicofisiológicas durante jogos reduzidos de futebol

Uno de los factores importantes que mejoran la capacidad de los jugadores de fútbol para participar más en la actividad física es el estímulo verbal. El propósito del estudio fue investigar el efecto del estímulo verbal del profesor en los partidos de fútbol en espacios reducidos sobre los parámetros psicofisiológicos. Catorce estudiantes universitarios varones, especialidad fútbol, completaron aleatoriamente cuatro sesiones(S1-S4)de juegos reducidos con (SSGE) o sin estímulo verbal (SSGN). Se registraron la frecuencia cardíaca, el estado de ánimo y el RPE. La alteración del estado de ánimo total disminuye significativamente en las sesiones con SSGE (S1: P < 0,05; S3: P < 0,001). Además, el RPE mejoró significativamente en SSGE (S1: P = 0,035; S3: P = 0,02) en comparación con SSGN. Sin embargo, no se encontraron diferencias significativas entre las condiciones para la frecuencia cardíaca máxima durante las SSG. El estímulo verbal del maestro es un método beneficioso para aumentar la motivación, mejorando así la participación física de los estudiantes universitarios en los partidos de fútbol a pequeña escalaOne of the important factors that improve soccer player's ability toengage more in the physical activity is verbal encouragement. The purpose of the study was to investigate the effect of the teacher's verbal encouragement in football small-sided games on psycho-physiological parameters. Fourteen male college students, soccer specialty, completed randomly four sessions(S1-S4)of small-sided games with (SSGE) or without verbal encouragement (SSGN). Heart rate, mood state and RPE were recorded. Total mood disturbance decreases significantly in sessions with SSGE (S1: P < 0.05; S3: P < 0.001). Also, RPE was improved significantly in SSGE (P = 0.035; P = 0.02) compared to SSGN. However, no significant differences between conditions were found for maximal heart rate during SSGs. Teacher’s verbal encouragement is a beneficial method of increasing motivation, thereby improving the physical engagement of college students in small-scale football matchesUm dos fatores importantes que melhoram acapacidade do jogador de futebol de se engajar mais na atividade física é o incentivo verbal. O objetivo do estudo foi investigar o efeito do encorajamento verbal do professor em jogos reduzidos de futebol sobre parâmetros psicofisiológicos. Quatorze universitários do sexo masculino, especialidade futebol, completaram aleatoriamente quatro sessões(S1-S4)de jogos reduzidos com (SSGE) ou sem incentivo verbal (SSGN). Frequência cardíaca, estado de humor e RPE foram registrados. A perturbação total do humor diminui significativamente nas sessões com SSGE (S1: P < 0,05; S3: P < 0,001). Além disso, o RPE melhorou significativamente no SSGE (P = 0,035; P = 0,02) em comparação com o SSGN. No entanto, não foram encontradas diferenças significativas entre as condições para frequência cardíaca máxima durante SSGs. O encorajamento verbal do professor é um método benéfico de aumentar a motivação, melhorando assim o envolvimento físico de estudantes universitários em partidas de futebol de pequena escal

Efeito do encorajamento verbal do professor nas respostas psicofisiológicas durante um jogo específico de futebol reduzido.

One of the important factors that improve soccer player's ability to engage more in the physical activity is verbal encouragement from the coach during exercise. The purpose of the study was to investigate the effect of the coach's verbal encouragement in football small-sided games on psycho-physiological parameters. Fourteen male students, soccer specialty, completed four sessions of small-sided games (SSG). Two sessions (S1 and S3) conducted with verbal encouragement (SSGE), and the other two sessions (S2 and S4) without VE (SSGN). Mood state was recorded before and after each training session using the profile of mood-state (POMS). Rating of perceived exertion (RPE) was measured after each training session. Heart rate was continuously recorded. Total mood disturbance decreases significantly in sessions with SSGE (S1: P &lt; 0.05; S3: P &lt; 0.001). RPE scores in sessions S1 and S4 (SSGE) have significantly higher (P = 0.035; P = 0.02) compared to session S2 (SSGN).In contrast, no significant differences between the two conditions were found for maximal heart rate during SSG. Teacher’s verbal encouragement is a beneficial method of increasing motivation, thereby improving the physical engagement of students in small-scale football matches.Uno de los factores importantes que mejoran la capacidad de los jugadores de fútbol para participar más en la actividad física es el estímulo verbal del entrenador durante el ejercicio. El propósito del estudio fue investigar el efecto del estímulo verbal del entrenador en los partidos de fútbol en espacios reducidos sobre los parámetros psicofisiológicos. Catorce alumnos varones, especialidad fútbol, ​​completaron cuatro sesiones de juegos reducidos (SSG). Dos sesiones (S1 y S3) realizadas con estímulo verbal (SSGE), y las otras dos sesiones (S2 y S4) sin VE (SSGN). El estado de ánimo se registró antes y después de cada sesión de entrenamiento utilizando el perfil de estado de ánimo (POMS). La calificación del esfuerzo percibido (RPE) se midió después de cada sesión de entrenamiento. La frecuencia cardíaca se registró continuamente. La alteración del estado de ánimo total disminuye significativamente en las sesiones con SSGE (S1: P &lt; 0,05; S3: P &lt; 0,001). Las puntuaciones de RPE en las sesiones S1 y S4 (SSGE) son significativamente más altas (P = 0,035; P = 0,02) en comparación con la sesión S2 (SSGN). Por el contrario, no se encontraron diferencias significativas entre las dos condiciones para la frecuencia cardíaca máxima durante la SSG. El estímulo verbal del maestro es un método beneficioso para aumentar la motivación, mejorando así la participación física de los estudiantes en los partidos de fútbol a pequeña escala.Um dos fatores importantes que melhoram a capacidade do jogador de futebol de se engajar mais na atividade física é o incentivo verbal do treinador durante o exercício. O objetivo do estudo foi investigar o efeito do encorajamento verbal do treinador em jogos reduzidos de futebol em parâmetros psicofisiológicos. Quatorze estudantes do sexo masculino, especialidade de futebol, completaram quatro sessões de jogos reduzidos (SSG). Duas sessões (S1 e S3) realizadas com estímulo verbal (SSGE), e as outras duas sessões (S2 e S4) sem EV (SSGN). O estado de humor foi registrado antes e após cada sessão de treinamento usando o perfil de estado de humor (POMS). A avaliação do esforço percebido (PSE) foi medida após cada sessão de treinamento. A frequência cardíaca foi registrada continuamente. A perturbação total do humor diminui significativamente nas sessões com SSGE (S1: P &lt; 0,05; S3: P &lt; 0,001). Os escores de PSE nas sessões S1 e S4 (SSGE) foram significativamente maiores (P = 0,035; P = 0,02) em comparação com a sessão S2 (SSGN). Em contraste, não foram encontradas diferenças significativas entre as duas condições para a frequência cardíaca máxima durante a SSG. O encorajamento verbal do professor é um método benéfico para aumentar a motivação, melhorando assim o envolvimento físico dos alunos em partidas de futebol de pequena escala

Emotional Intelligence:A Systematic Comparison Between Young Athletes and Non-athletes, Gender and Age Groups

Background: Emotional intelligence (EI) and emotional competence (EC) are considered as multidimensional strategies for dealing with various complex situations. There are conflicting results regarding the effect of age, gender and sports status on EI and EC dimensions. Objectives: In the present study, we compared the EI between young athletes and non-athletes, as well as in terms of both genders and different age groups. Methods: Four hundred seventy-nine young individuals (239 athletes, 240 non-athletes) aged 12 - 18 years old participated in this study. They were classified according to their age (12 - 15 years and 16 - 18 years) and gender (239 male, 240 female). All participants completed the Profile of Emotional Competence (PEC); for assessing the intra- and interpersonal EC and global EI. Results: Athletes had significantly higher values of global EI and altogether the intra- and interpersonal EC dimensions (all, P < 0.001). The comparison between genre and age groups highlighted those males and younger participants showed significantly higher components for both inter- and intrapersonal EC and global EI than females and older participants respectively (0.05 < P < 0.001). Conclusions: Based on the result of the current study, we conclude that engagement and involvement in sports can be considered as a key factor for developing adequate EI. Psychologists and sport-scientists need to be aware about the specific-related psychological skills for both age and gender requirements, particularly EI

Effect of Verbal Encouragement on Physical Fitness, Technical Skill and Physiological Response during Small-Sided Soccer Games

This study aimed to determine the impact of teacher verbal encouragement on physical fitness performance, technical skill, and physiological responses during small-sided soccer games (SSGs) of adolescent female students’ during a physical education session. Fifty-two adolescent female students were divided into a verbal encouragement group (VEG, 15.57 ± 0.50 years) and a contrast group (CG, 15.50 ± 0.51 years). Anthropometric measurements, soccer-specific cardiorespiratory endurance (Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery Test Level 1; YYIRT1), muscle power (countermovement jump (CMJ); 5-jump-test (5JT), agility (t-test), sprint speed (30 m)), technical skill, and heart rate (HR) responses during SSG were measured. Additionally, heart rate (HR) was recorded throughout the SSG, and video analysis was used to quantify technical actions. The independent samples Student’s t-test was used to compare the difference between the verbal encouragement group and the CG. There was no difference between the verbal encouragement group and the CG in anthropometric characteristics and 30 m speed (p > 0.05). The total distance measured with YO-YOIRT level 1, t-test performance, CMJ, and 5JT performance results of the verbal encouragement group were considerably higher than the CG (p = 0.001, ES = 1.8, large; p = 0.001, ES = 1.09, large; and p = 0.001, ES = 1.15, large, respectively). Furthermore, the ball contacts, successful balls, and average heart rate were higher in the verbal encouragement group compared with the CG (p = 0.001, ES = 3.69, large; p = 0.001, ES = 5.25, large; and p = 0.001, ES = 5.14, large, respectively). These results could inform teachers of the usefulness of verbal encouragement in the teaching-learning process in the school setting during small-sided soccer games

Cross-cultural adaptation and validation of an Arabic version of the Cognitive-Affective Mindfulness Scale (CAMS-R)

AbstractNo Arabic version of the Revised Cognitive-Affective Mindfulness Scale (CAMS-R) was found, prompting this study’s threefold objectives: first, to validate an Arabic translation of CAMS-R among Tunisian students; second, to assess its factor structure and reliability; and third, to explore its validity by investigating the relationship between CAMS-R scores, grit, and academic success. Cross-sectional online data were collected from 705 university physical education students (mean age 21.62 ± 1.38 years) in two distinct time periods, with participants divided into exploratory and confirmatory samples. The 12-item CAMS-R scale underwent both exploratory factor analysis and confirmatory factor analysis (CFA), confirming a second-order structure (χ2 (53) = 77.997, p = 0.014; χ2/df = 1.47; Comparative fit index (CFI) = 0.995; CFI = 0.994; RMSEA (90% confidence interval [CI] 0–0.013–0.042) = 0.029. Strong internal consistency was indicated by Cronbach α indices ranging from 0.865 to 0.880 for all subscales. Results from ROC curve analysis revealed the Arabic CAMS-R’s ability to distinguish effectively between students with low and high-grade point averages (GPA; area under the curve [AUC] = 0.782, CI 95%: 0.726–0.838, p < 0.001), confirming its sensitivity. Convergent and discriminant validity were supported by the average variance extracted (AVE) of the four scale factors and adherence to the Fornell and Larcker discriminant validity criterion. Additionally, CAMS-R scores displayed positive associations with GPA and grit scores, establishing the concurrent validity of the scale. In conclusion, these findings collectively suggest that the Arabic version of CAMS-R is a recommended self-report assessment tool for mindfulness in Tunisia and other Arabic countries

Effects of Date Palm Waste Compost Application on Root Proteome Changes of Barley (Hordeum vulgare L.)

Proteomic analysis was performed to investigate the differentially abundant proteins (DAPs) in barley roots during the tillering stage. Bioinformatic tools were used to interpret the biological function, the pathway analysis and the visualisation of the network amongst the identified proteins. A total of 72 DAPs (33 upregulated and 39 downregulated) among a total of 2580 proteins were identified in response to compost treatment, suggesting multiple pathways of primary and secondary metabolism, such as carbohydrates and energy metabolism, phenylpropanoid pathway, glycolysis pathway, protein synthesis and degradation, redox homeostasis, RNA processing, stress response, cytoskeleton organisation, and phytohormone metabolic pathways. The expression of DAPs was further validated by qRT-PCR. The effects on barley plant development, such as the promotion of root growth and biomass increase, were associated with a change in energy metabolism and protein synthesis. The activation of enzymes involved in redox homeostasis and the regulation of stress response proteins suggest a protective effect of compost, consequently improving barley growth and stress acclimation through the reduction of the environmental impact of productive agriculture. Overall, these results may facilitate a better understanding of the molecular mechanism of compost-promoted plant growth and provide valuable information for the identification of critical genes/proteins in barley as potential targets of compost

The Ethical Compass: Establishing ethical guidelines for research practices in sports medicine and exercise science

Objective: Research in sports medicine and exercise science has experienced significant growth over recent years. With this expansion, there has been a concomitant rise in ethical challenges specific to these disciplines. While various ethical guidelines exist for numerous scientific fields, a comprehensive set tailored specifically for sports medicine and exercise science is lacking. Aiming to bridge this gap, this paper proposes a comprehensive, updated set of ethical guidelines specifically targeted at researchers in sports medicine and exercise science, providing them with a thorough framework to ensure research integrity. Methods: A collaborative approach was adopted, involving contributions from a diverse group of international experts in the field. A thorough review of existing ethical guidelines was conducted, followed by the identification and detailed examination of 15 specific ethical topics relevant to the discipline. Each topic was discussed in terms of its definition, consequences, and preventive measures. Results: The research in sports medicine and exercise science has grown significantly, bringing to the fore ethical challenges unique to these disciplines. Our comprehensive review identifies 15 key ethical challenges: plagiarism, data falsification, role of artificial intelligence chatbots in academic writing, overstating results, excessive/strategic self-citation, duplicate publications, non-disclosure of conflicts of interest, image manipulation, misuse of peer review, ghost and gift authorship, inadequate data retention, data fabrication, falsification of IRB approvals, lack of informed consent, and unethical human or animal experimentation. For each identified challenge, we propose practical solutions and best practices, enriched by the diverse perspectives of our collaborative international expert panel. This endeavor aims to offer a foundational set of ethical guidelines tailored to the nuanced needs of sports medicine and exercise science, ensuring research integrity and promoting ethical responsibility across these vital fields. Conclusion: This article represents a seminal contribution to the establishment of essential ethical guidelines specifically designed for the fields of sports medicine and exercise science. This article charts a clear course for researchers, clinicians, and policymakers by integrating these ethical principles at the heart of our scholarly and clinical activities. Consequently, it envisions a future where the principles of research integrity and ethical responsibility consistently inform every scientific discovery and every clinical engagement