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Effects of Sports Training and Physical Conditioning on Human Health

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A special issue of International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health (ISSN 1660-4601). This special issue belongs to the section "Exercise and Health".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 March 2023) | Viewed by 41169

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Dr. Mon-López Daniel

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Facultad de Ciencias de la Actividad Física y del Deporte (INEF—Departamento de Deportes), Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, C/Martín Fierro 7, 28040 Madrid, Spain
Interests: human performance; sport training; training methodology; physical conditioning
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Dr. Diego Muriarte

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Facultad de Ciencias de la Actividad Física y del Deporte (INEF—Sports Department), Universidad Politécnica de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
Interests: soccer; sport training; team sports; human health; psychology

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Sports training has become an important factor in the field of public health and physical activity. Physical conditioning training has become a critical tool in the design of programs related to health and sports performance. The control and use of new technologies in the field of health and sport is currently raising notably in our society. Accordingly, it is essential to know the body effects of the latest trends and methods in fitness training. To know the methodology characteristics and the training load, can allow us to adapt the trainings to the need of the participants.

In addition, the sport training and the physical conditioning is linked to many physiological and psychological factors. In this line, sport training is related to the quality of life, moods, emotional intelligence, mental health and treatment of mental illness in athletes and general population. Moreover, physical conditioning seems to be critical in the prevention and treatment of injuries and an important aspect in the integral development of children and lower sports age categories.

Dr. Mon-López Daniel
Dr. Diego Muriarte
Guest Editors

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Keywords

instruments and technology used to control the training process
control methods to quantify the load in training and healthy programs
new training methodologies
physical conditioning and injuries
sport training and children development
sport training and physical conditioning effects on performance
psychological aspects related to sport training and physical conditioning

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Published Papers (9 papers)

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13 pages, 381 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Psychometric Properties of the Polish Version of the Sports Anxiety Scale-2 (SAS-2)

by Kanupriya Rawat, Aleksandra Błachnio and Krzysztof Suppan

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2023, 20(14), 6429; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph20146429 - 22 Jul 2023

Viewed by 2050

Abstract

The main aim of the study was to assess the psychometric properties of the Polish version of the Sports Anxiety scale-2 (SAS-2). The study covered 396 athletes, ages ranging from 18 years to 35 years. The task and ego orientation in sport questionnaire (TEOSQ) and State and Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) were used for validation of the scale. Cronbach’s alpha for the somatic anxiety subscale was 0.88, for the worry subscale was 0.95, and for the concentration disruption was 0.86, respectively. The three-factor model and hierarchical model fits perfectly as CFI > 0.95, TLI > 0.95, and RMSEA < 0.08. Satisfactory results in measurement invariance show the use of the tool for any gender or athlete (high-performance, recreational) group. The internal consistency (α = 0.86–0.95) and the test–retest reliability (ICC = 0.87–0.90) were satisfactory. There was a statistically significant negative correlation between task orientation and total anxiety along with its three subscales, and a weak positive correlation between ego orientation and worry subscale. Meanwhile, a weak to moderate positive correlation was exhibited between total anxiety and its subscales with the STAI-T and STAI-S. Additionally, female, recreational, and female recreational athletes’ groups had weak negative associations between worry and concentration disruption trait anxiety and task orientation, and a weak positive association between somatic anxiety and ego orientation. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Effects of Sports Training and Physical Conditioning on Human Health)

11 pages, 1028 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Should We Use the Men Load–Velocity Profile for Women in Deadlift and Hip Thrust?

by Raúl Nieto-Acevedo, Blanca Romero-Moraleda, Almudena Montalvo-Pérez, Agustín Valdés-Álvarez, Carlos García-Sánchez and Daniel Mon-López

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2023, 20(6), 4888; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph20064888 - 10 Mar 2023

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2919

Abstract

Injuries are common in team sports and can impact both team and individual performance. In particular, hamstring strain injuries are some of the most common injuries. Furthermore, hamstring injury ratios, in number of injuries and total absence days, have doubled in the last 21 seasons in professional soccer. Weakness in hip extensor strength has been identified as a risk factor in elite-level sprinters. In addition, strength imbalances of the hamstring muscle group seem to be a common cause of hamstring strain injuries. In this regard, velocity-based training has been proposed to analyze deficits in the force–velocity profile. Previous studies have shown differences between men and women, since there are biomechanical and neuromuscular differences in the lower limbs between sexes. Therefore, the aim of this study was to compare the load–velocity profile between males and females during two of the most important hip extension exercises: the hip thrust and the deadlift. Sixteen men and sixteen women were measured in an incremental loading test following standard procedures for the hip thrust and deadlift exercises. Pearson’s correlation (r) was used to measure the strength of the correlation between movement velocity and load (%1RM). The differences in the load–velocity relationship between the men and the women were assessed using a 2 (sex) × 15 (load) repeated-measures ANOVA. The main findings revealed that: (I) the load–velocity relationship was always strong and linear in both exercises (R² range: 0.88–0.94), (II) men showed higher velocities for light loads (30–50%1RM; effect size: 0.9–0.96) than women for the deadlift, but no significant differences were found for the hip thrust. Based on the results of this study, the load–velocity equations seem to be sex-specific. Therefore, we suggest that using sex-specific equations to analyze deficits in the force–velocity profile would be more effective to control intensity in the deadlift exercise. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Effects of Sports Training and Physical Conditioning on Human Health)

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17 pages, 404 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Training Conditions and Psychological Health: Eating Behavior Disorders in Spanish High-Performance Women’s Olympic Wrestling Athletes—A Qualitative Study

by Marina Rueda Flores, Daniel Mon-López, Javier Gil-Ares and Javier Coterón

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2023, 20(3), 2441; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph20032441 - 30 Jan 2023

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2746

Abstract

(1) Background: the aim of this study was to determine the factors that affect the occurrence of behaviors related to possible eating disorders in Spanish high-performance Olympic wrestling athletes. (2) Methods: The sample consisted of 22 elite female wrestlers selected through purposive sampling with inclusion criteria of (i) having been a national champion, (ii) having been part of the Spanish team, and (iii) suffering or having suffered from an eating disorder. The semistructured interviews were conducted online and lasted between 20 and 40 min. A statistical analysis was performed with NVivo10 software. (3) Results: the athletes showed a series of issues grouped into three main themes, which were divided into the following categories—firstly, the reasons why wrestlers lose weight; secondly, the inadequate procedures they use; and, finally, the reference persons involved in the process. (4) Conclusions: The training conditions in high-performance sports have psychological and behavioral effects on wrestlers. Wrestlers have to move down to lower categories; however, they do not take into account how this practice influences their health when using inadequate procedures. Rapid and significant weight loss produces negative effects, especially in the female population, generating an incidence of eating disorders. The information obtained provided elements of interest for reflection on possible solutions to prevent existing eating disorders. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Effects of Sports Training and Physical Conditioning on Human Health)

12 pages, 395 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Physical Activity and Mental Health in Undergraduate Students

by Gabriel Rodríguez-Romo, Jorge Acebes-Sánchez, Sonia García-Merino, María Garrido-Muñoz, Cecilia Blanco-García and Ignacio Diez-Vega

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2023, 20(1), 195; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph20010195 - 23 Dec 2022

Cited by 29 | Viewed by 12118

Abstract

Most research support positive relationships between physical activity and mental health. However, possible moderating variables of these relationships have also been identified, such as age, gender, level of physical activity, and the scope of physical activity. This study aimed to analyze the relationships between physical activity and mental health levels in undergraduate students, assessing whether these associations can change depending on the level of physical activity (low, medium, or high) and the setting (occupational, commuting, or leisure time physical activity) in which it was performed. A descriptive and cross-sectional study was conducted. The sample comprised 847 undergraduate students. Physical activity and mental health were measured by the Global Physical Activity Questionnaire (GPAQv2) and the General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-12). We found relationships between students’ physical activity level and their mental health status. The higher the total physical activity, the better their mental health scores. High levels of commuting and leisure time physical activity is also associated with better mental health, while only moderate levels of occupational physical activity are associated with better mental health status. Regarding the possible associations between physical activity and vulnerability to mental health problems, with the fully adjusted regression model, leisure time and occupational physical activity remain protective of a poor state of mental health. Leisure time physical activity, performed at a high level, and moderate occupational physical activity seems to be the best combination of physical activity to reduce students’ vulnerability to potential mental health problems. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Effects of Sports Training and Physical Conditioning on Human Health)

15 pages, 1696 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Assessment of the Speed and Power of Push-Ups Performed on Surfaces with Different Degrees of Instability

by Moisés Marquina Nieto, Jesús Rivilla-García, Alfonso de la Rubia and Jorge Lorenzo-Calvo

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(21), 13739; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph192113739 - 22 Oct 2022

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2133

Abstract

(I) Training in unstable conditions, with different elements, platforms, or situations, has been used because there is a significant increase in muscle activation, balance, proprioception, and even sports performance. However, it is not known how the devices used are classified according to performance variables, nor the differences according to instability experience. (II) This study aims to analyze the differences in power and speed in push-ups with different situations of instability in trained and untrained male subjects. Power and speed in push-up exercise were analyzed in 26 untrained and 25 trained participants in 6 different situations (one stable and five unstable) (1) stable (PS), (2) monopodal (PM), (3) rings (PR), (4) TRX^® (PT), (5) hands-on Bosu^® (PH) (6) feet on Bosu^® (PF). The variables were analyzed using a linear position transducer. (III) The best data were evidenced with PS, followed by PR, PM, PT, PH and PF. The trained subjects obtained better results in all the conditions analyzed in mean and maximum power and speed values (p < 0.001). The decrease in these variables was significantly greater in the untrained subjects than in the trained subjects in the PR situation (8% and 18% respectively). In PF there were differences between groups (p < 0.001), reaching between 32–46% in all variables. The difference between the two groups was notable, varying between 12–58%. (IV) The results showed a negative and progressive influence of instability on power and speed in push-ups. This suggests that instability should be adapted to the subject’s experience and is not advisable in untrained subjects who wish to improve power. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Effects of Sports Training and Physical Conditioning on Human Health)

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12 pages, 1974 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Physiological Responses at 15 Minutes of Recovery after a Session of Functional Fitness Training in Well-Trained Athletes

by José Luis Maté-Muñoz, Mihai Budurin, Salvador González-Lozano, Juan Ramón Heredia-Elvar, Ana María Cañuelo-Márquez, Manuel Barba-Ruiz, Diego Muriarte, Manuel Vicente Garnacho-Castaño, Juan Hernández-Lougedo and Pablo García-Fernández

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(14), 8864; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19148864 - 21 Jul 2022

Cited by 9 | Viewed by 2718

Abstract

Background: the aim of this study was to analyse muscle fatigue and metabolic stress at 15 min of recovery after performing two independent sessions of functional fitness training (FFT): a session of strength functional fitness training (FFTstrength) and a session of endurance functional fitness training (FFTendurance). Methods: eighteen well-trained men conducted two protocols, separated by one week of rest: FFTstrength (3 sets of 21, 15 and 9 repetitions of Thruster with bar + Pull ups) and FFTendurance (3 sets × (30 kcal rowing + 15 kcal assault air bike)). Neuromuscular fatigue and metabolic stress were measured right before, right after and at 10 and 15 min after completing the FFT workout, as well as the mean heart rate (HRmean) and the rating of perceived exertion (RPE) at the end of the FFT. Results: FFTendurance recovered the velocity loss values after 15 min of recovery. On the other hand, FFTstrength only recovered velocity in the 1 m·s⁻¹ Tests in squat (SQ), since the velocity levels were 7% lower in the 1 m·s⁻¹ Tests in military press exercise (MP) after 15 min. Conclusions: These data indicate that there are specific recovery patterns not only as a function of the exercise and the body regions involved, but also regarding the recovery of neuromuscular and metabolic factors, since both FFT workouts obtained high blood lactate concentrations. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Effects of Sports Training and Physical Conditioning on Human Health)

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24 pages, 2935 KiB

Open AccessSystematic Review

Influence of Strength Training Variables on Neuromuscular and Morphological Adaptations in Prepubertal Children: A Systematic Review

by Alberto Sánchez Pastor, Carlos García-Sánchez, Moisés Marquina Nieto and Alfonso de la Rubia

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2023, 20(6), 4833; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph20064833 - 9 Mar 2023

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 7022

Abstract

Strength training in prepubertal children is one of the topics that has aroused the most interest and controversy among training professionals in recent years. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to analyze the available scientific evidence on the influence of strength training variables on morphological and/or neuromuscular adaptations in healthy prepubertal populations with no previous experience in this type of training according to the descriptive sample characteristics. According to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis, 22 studies were selected after a systematic search and selection process using four electronic databases: Google Scholar, PubMed, Scopus, and SPORT Discus. Furthermore, the internal validity of the studies included was assessed using the modified PEDro scale. The sample consisted of 604 prepubertal children (age, 10.02 ± 0.75 years), of whom 473 were boys and 131 were girls, with 104 strength training programs recorded. Strength training resulted in a significant increase in jumping (n = 29) and sprinting (n = 13) abilities. Moreover, muscle strength was increased in 100% of the cases. Morphologically, strength training resulted in a decrease in body fat percentage (n = 19) and an increase in lean body mass (n = 17). With regard to gender, increases in general sport skills and basic physical abilities were significant in males but not in females. Thus, the results are more heterogeneous in girls due to the small number of studies carried out. Therefore, this research provides practical applications for coaches to design and implement more effective training programs to maximize adaptations, enhance physical performance, and reduce injury risk. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Effects of Sports Training and Physical Conditioning on Human Health)

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30 pages, 2755 KiB

Open AccessSystematic Review

Physical Demands during Official Competitions in Elite Handball: A Systematic Review

by Carlos García-Sánchez, Rafael Manuel Navarro, Claude Karcher and Alfonso de la Rubia

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2023, 20(4), 3353; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph20043353 - 14 Feb 2023

Cited by 27 | Viewed by 5186

Abstract

An understanding of physical demands during official competitions is essential to achieving the highest performance in handball. The aim of this systematic review was to summarise the available scientific evidence associated with physical demands during official competitions in elite handball according to playing positions, competition level and gender. Following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines, 17 studies were selected after a systematic search and selection process of three digital databases: PubMed, Web of Science and Sport Discus. The quality of the selected studies was evaluated using the Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology checklist; the average score was 18.47 points. The sample consisted of 1175 handball players, of whom 1042 were men (88.68%) and 133 were women (11.32%). The results show that an elite handball player covered on average 3664.4 ± 1121.6 m during a match. The average running pace was 84.8 ± 17.2 m∙min⁻¹. The total distance covered was largely greater in national competitions (4506.7 ± 647.9 m) compared with international competitions (2190.3 ± 1950.5 m) (effect size (ES) = 1.2); however, the running pace did not present any significant difference between the international or national level (ES = 0.06). In regard to gender, the total distance covered was moderately greater in female competitions (4549.1 ± 758.6 m) compared with male competitions (3332.6 ± 1257.7 m) (ES = 0.9), and the running pace was largely greater in female competitions (110.5 ± 7.2 m∙min⁻¹) compared with male competitions (78.4 ± 19.7 m∙min⁻¹) (ES = 1.6). In relation to playing position, backs and wings covered a moderately greater total distance (ES = 0.7 and 0.6) and slightly more meters per minute (ES = 0.4 and 0.2) than pivots. Moreover, the technical activity profile differed between playing positions. Backs performed moderately more throws than pivots and wings (ES = 1.2 and 0.9), pivots exhibited largely more body contact than backs and wings, and wings performed moderately more fast breaks (6.7 ± 3.0) than backs (2.2 ± 2.3) (ES = 1.8). Therefore, this research study provides practical applications for handball coaches and strength and conditioning professionals with respect to designing and implementing more individualised training programmes to maximise performance and reduce injury risk. Full article

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22 pages, 839 KiB

Open AccessSystematic Review

Effects of Exercise Programs on Psychoemotional and Quality-of-Life Factors in Adult Patients with Cancer and Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation or Bone Marrow Transplantation: A Systematic Review

by Erica Morales Rodríguez, Jorge Lorenzo Calvo, Miriam Granado-Peinado, Txomin Pérez-Bilbao and Alejandro F. San Juan

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(23), 15896; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph192315896 - 29 Nov 2022

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2609

Abstract

This review analyzed the effects of an exercise program on psychoemotional and quality-of-life (QoL) factors in adult patients with cancer and hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) or bone marrow transplantation (BMT). Studies were identified from the PubMed and Web of Science databases (from inception to 24 August 2022), according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) checklist. The methodological quality of the included studies was assessed with the Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro) scale, based in turn on the Delphi list. A total of 20 randomized controlled studies were included with 1219 participants. The main result of this systematic review is that exercise program interventions produce improvements on psychoemotional and QoL factors in adult patients with cancer and HSCT or BMT. Moreover, exercise programs may have a beneficial effect on health, maintaining or increasing the patient’s QoL. Further, it has a positive effect on the prevention and control of transplant complications in combination with medical treatment. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Effects of Sports Training and Physical Conditioning on Human Health)

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