International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health

Editorial

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5 pages, 301 KiB

Open AccessEditorial

Sports Diagnostics—Maximizing the Results or Preventing Injuries

by Krzysztof Mackala, Kamil Michalik and Hubert Makaruk

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2023, 20(3), 2470; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph20032470 - 30 Jan 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1837

Abstract

Sports diagnostics is a comprehensive scientific concept and comprises an aspect of training monitoring and/or sports medicine [...] Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Training Modalities to Improve Sports Performance and Health)

Research

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15 pages, 970 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Differential Repeated Sprinting Training in Youth Basketball Players: An Analysis of Effects According to Maturity Status

by Jorge Arede, John F. T. Fernandes, Wolfgang I. Schöllhorn and Nuno Leite

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(19), 12265; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph191912265 - 27 Sep 2022

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2307

Abstract

The differential learning approach, which includes fluctuations that occur without movement repetitions and without corrections has received growing interest in the skill acquisition field. This study aimed to determine the effects of a 9-week training intervention involving differential repeated sprint training on a [...] Read more.

The differential learning approach, which includes fluctuations that occur without movement repetitions and without corrections has received growing interest in the skill acquisition field. This study aimed to determine the effects of a 9-week training intervention involving differential repeated sprint training on a series of physical tests in youth basketball players. A total of 29 participants with different maturity statuses (pre-peak height velocity (PHV), n = 7; mid-PHV, n = 6; post-PHV, n = 16) completed 2 sessions per week of differential repeated sprint training for a period of 9 weeks. Sessions consisted of 2 × 10 repetitions sprints of 20-m whereby participants were instructed to perform various additional fluctuations for each repetition. Before and after the training intervention, participants completed jumping tests (countermovement jump (CMJ), single-leg CMJs, the modified 505 agility test, and straight sprinting tests (0–10 splits time), and maturity status was evaluated as well. Within-group analysis showed improvement in CMJ asymmetries and changes in direction asymmetries and 10-m sprint performance for the pre-, mid-, and post-PHV groups, respectively (p < 0.05), with large to very large effects. Analysis of covariance demonstrated that changes in sprint time in post-PHV players were greater than in the pre- and mid-PHV groups (p < 0.05), with moderate effect. Adding random fluctuations during repeated sprint training appear to be a suitable and feasible training strategy for maintaining and enhancing physical performance in youth basketball players, irrespective of maturity status. Furthermore, the present findings encourage practitioners to implement the present approach in youth athletes to improve their physical performance, but they should be aware that training response can vary according to maturity status. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Training Modalities to Improve Sports Performance and Health)

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20 pages, 1212 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Learning Multiple Movements in Parallel—Accurately and in Random Order, or Each with Added Noise?

by Julius B. Apidogo, Johannes Burdack and Wolfgang I. Schöllhorn

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(17), 10960; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph191710960 - 2 Sep 2022

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 3066

Abstract

Traditionally, studies on learning have mainly focused on the acquisition and stabilization of only single movement tasks. In everyday life and in sports, however, several new skills often must be learned in parallel. The extent to which the similarity of the movements or [...] Read more.

Traditionally, studies on learning have mainly focused on the acquisition and stabilization of only single movement tasks. In everyday life and in sports, however, several new skills often must be learned in parallel. The extent to which the similarity of the movements or the order in which they are learned influences success has only recently begun to attract increased interest. This study aimed to compare the effects of CI in random practice order (high CI) with differential learning (DL) in learning three volleyball skills in parallel. Thirty-two advanced beginners in volleyball (mean age = 24, SD = 2.7) voluntarily participated in the study. Within a pre-, post-, retention test design, an intervention of six weeks and one week retention phase, the effects of three practice protocols of a CI, DL, and control (CO) group were compared. Three different volleyball skills (underhand pass, overhand pass, and overhand serve) were trained with emphasis on accuracy. Results showed statistically significant higher rates of improvement in the acquisition and learning phases for the DL group compared to the CI and CO groups. The differences were associated with moderate to high effect sizes in all individual skills and in the combined skills. The findings show more agreement with DL than with CI theory. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Training Modalities to Improve Sports Performance and Health)

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11 pages, 1264 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Effects of High-Intensity Power Training versus Traditional Resistance Training on Exercise Performance

by Yu-Hua Chang, Yi-Chen Chou, Yun-Chi Chang, Kok-Hwa Tan and Mei-Hsuan Wu

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(15), 9400; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19159400 - 31 Jul 2022

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 5348

Abstract

Background: High-intensity interval training (HIIT) features short, repeated bursts of relatively vigorous exercise with intermittent periods of rest or low-intensity exercise. High-intensity power training (HIPT), in combination with HIIT and traditional resistance training (TRT), is characterized as multijoint high-intensity resistance exercises with low [...] Read more.

Background: High-intensity interval training (HIIT) features short, repeated bursts of relatively vigorous exercise with intermittent periods of rest or low-intensity exercise. High-intensity power training (HIPT), in combination with HIIT and traditional resistance training (TRT), is characterized as multijoint high-intensity resistance exercises with low interset rest periods. HIPT requires people to finish the exercise as fast as possible, which increases acute physiological demands. The aim of the study was to investigate the differences between eight-week HIPT or TRT on exercise performance. Methods: Twenty-four college students were recruited and randomly assigned to either the HIPT or TRT group in a counterbalanced order. The power of upper and lower limbs (50% 1RM bench press and vertical jump) and anaerobic power were tested before and after the training (weeks 0 and 9). The results were analyzed by two-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) or Friedman’s test with a significance level of α = 0.05 to compare the effects of the intervention on exercise performance. Results: There were significant differences in the explosive force of the upper and lower limbs between the pretest and post-test in both the HIPT and TRT groups (p < 0.05). However, only the HIPT group showed a significant difference in the mean power on the Wingate anaerobic test between the pretest and post-test (p < 0.05). Conclusions: Both HIPT and TRT can improve upper and lower limb explosive force. HIPT is an efficient training protocol, which took less time and produced a better improvement in mean anaerobic power. Full article

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10 pages, 487 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Analysis of Physical Demands in Four Tug of War World Indoor Championships (2010–2016)

by Ruth Cayero, Asier Zubillaga, Valentín Rocandio, Arkaitz Castañeda-Babarro, Ignacio Refoyo, Julio Calleja-González and Inmaculada Martínez de Aldama

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(8), 4871; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19084871 - 17 Apr 2022

Viewed by 1958

Abstract

Background: Tug-of-war (TOW) is one of the oldest sports in current existence and is an internationally played activity that includes professional and amateur sport athletes, played according to the rules laid out by the Tug of War International Federation (TWIF). In this type [...] Read more.

Background: Tug-of-war (TOW) is one of the oldest sports in current existence and is an internationally played activity that includes professional and amateur sport athletes, played according to the rules laid out by the Tug of War International Federation (TWIF). In this type of competition, the two teams of eight members each pull against one another on a rope. The team that pulls the opposing team towards a centerline for a distance of 4 m in two pulls out of three is considered the winning team in an international competition. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, no previous scientific articles have described data during a follow-up period of Championships in TOW. Therefore, the main aim of this study was to analyze the duration of the matches, differentiating between the first (T1) and second pull (T2) of each match. Methods: The pulls were compared in the qualification point phase and the final phase, as well as in each weight category. In addition, any differences between the statistics for each of the four World Championships studied were analyzed. Finally, the total volume of pulls in each weight category was studied, both in the open club competition and in the national team competition. Data were collected from four World Indoor Championships (2010–2016). A total of 1862 matches were registered (3724 pulls), differentiating the first (T1) and second (T2) pull. The data were expressed as means (M) ± standard deviations (SD). Results: (1) The second pull is shorter than the first: T1 < T2, p < 0.001, (Es = 0.452; small effect); (2) T1 and T2 times were longer in the final phase than the qualifying phase: T1 phase2 > T1 phase1, p < 0.05 (ES = 0.469; small effect) and T2 phase2 > T2 phase1, (p < 0.05), (ES = 0.486; small effect); (3) there are statistical differences (p < 0.005) in T1 and T2 at all weights, except for T1 at 500 kg and T2 at 640 kg; (4) the comparison among World Championships does not present significant changes in the duration of the pulls; (5) however, in females, significant differences (p < 0.05) between the 2010 World Championships and the remainder in T1 are observed; (6) the volumes that we should take into account when designing the preparation should be those obtained when 11 teams compete against each other, considering the maximum volume that we could find in the competition. Conclusion: This first aspect of the reality of TOW indoor competitions, specifically the duration of the matches, leads to a better understanding of the demands of the sport and the type of effort required. These ideas may help coaches in the design of training plans, maximizing their specificity and their effectiveness. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Training Modalities to Improve Sports Performance and Health)

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10 pages, 3686 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Comparison of the Field-Based Intermittent Running Fitness Test 30-15 and the Treadmill Multistage Incremental Test for the Assessment of Cardiorespiratory Fitness in Elite Handball Players

by Uros Mohoric, Marko Sibila, Ensar Abazovic, Sasa Jovanovic and Armin H. Paravlic

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(6), 3535; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19063535 - 16 Mar 2022

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 3377

Abstract

The aim of the present study was to investigate whether the physiological parameters indicative of cardiorespiratory fitness obtained during the 30-15 intermittent fitness (30-15_IFT) test and the multistage laboratory treadmill endurance (TR) test differ. Nineteen elite handball players were recruited for [...] Read more.

The aim of the present study was to investigate whether the physiological parameters indicative of cardiorespiratory fitness obtained during the 30-15 intermittent fitness (30-15_IFT) test and the multistage laboratory treadmill endurance (TR) test differ. Nineteen elite handball players were recruited for the current study and assigned in a cross-over manner to one of two tests to be performed 48 h apart at each visit to the testing facility. The results showed that VO_2max (percentage difference [PC] = 6.1%; p = 0.004) and maximal running velocity (V) (PC = 19.4%; p < 0.001) were significantly higher for the 30-15_IFT test than that obtained during the TR test. Furthermore, the onset of blood lactate accumulation was shown to be significantly higher for all measures considered to predict it during 30-15_IFT compared to TR as follows: VO_2max (PC = 12.6%; p = 0.001), running speed (PC = 33.9%; p < 0.001), and maximal heart rate (PC = 7.5%; p < 0.001). The current study highlights the importance of sport-specific testing, particularly for measuring individual cardiorespiratory fitness in elite handball players, as TR may underestimate crucial variables used for both diagnostics and training prescription. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Training Modalities to Improve Sports Performance and Health)

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12 pages, 369 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Temporal and Spatial Characteristics of Pacing Strategy in Elite Women’s 400 Meters Hurdles Athletes

by Janusz Iskra, Krzysztof Przednowek, Jarosław Domaradzki, Milan Coh, Paweł Gwiazdoń and Krzysztof Mackala

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(6), 3432; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19063432 - 14 Mar 2022

Viewed by 3118

Abstract

The main objective of the study was to assess the pacing strategy of running 400 m hurdles of the world-level female athletes over the past 40 years based on the functional asymmetry -temporal and spatial characteristics. The data were collected from 1983 to [...] Read more.

The main objective of the study was to assess the pacing strategy of running 400 m hurdles of the world-level female athletes over the past 40 years based on the functional asymmetry -temporal and spatial characteristics. The data were collected from 1983 to 2019 using the review of scientific literature. Over the 35 years of the study, 37 top-level competitions with 283 finalists-competitors were included. The analysis of the 400 m hurdle covered mainly spatial and temporal factors of the run, related to those technical skills, the level of motor skills, and somatic structure. In addition to the basic statistics, the ANOVA analysis of variance, regression analysis, Pearson correlation, the principal component analysis (PCA), and Kaiser’s criterion was used for the multivariate analysis. The final result in the 400 mH run is determined not by the simple sum of the individual temporal and/or spatial characteristics of the run (the number of steps, the type of attacking leg, but their interaction in the area of functional asymmetry. The decisive factor in the 400 mH run strategy is the second curve, where the emphasis is on the optimal setting of the stride pattern in the context of minimizing the loss of running speed. Additionally, the application of multidimensional statistical methods is a valuable tool that allows to significantly deepen the interpretation of the obtained results, and thus optimize a strategy for a 400 mH run. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Training Modalities to Improve Sports Performance and Health)

13 pages, 1482 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effects of Six Weeks of Flywheel Single-Leg Romanian Deadlift Training on Speed, Jumping and Change of Direction Performance

by Esther Morencos, Pablo González-Frutos, Carlos Rivera and Santiago Veiga

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(3), 1200; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19031200 - 21 Jan 2022

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 4024

Abstract

Several studies have confirmed the efficacy of flywheel training, mainly in the bilateral half-squat exercise. The aim of the present study was to analyze the effects of single-leg Romanian deadlift flywheel training on speed, jumping and change of direction performance. Seventeen young healthy [...] Read more.

Several studies have confirmed the efficacy of flywheel training, mainly in the bilateral half-squat exercise. The aim of the present study was to analyze the effects of single-leg Romanian deadlift flywheel training on speed, jumping and change of direction performance. Seventeen young healthy males underwent two periods of 3-week training based on two weekly sessions of 3 sets × 7 repetitions or 4 sets × 7 repetitions of single-leg Romanian deadlifts (0.037 kg/m² moment inertia) with their dominant and non-dominant leg. After the first three weeks of the program, the CMJ, the 10 m, 30 m and total sprint times, as well as the COD-90 test, presented likely substantial beneficial effects and a small decrease in the relationship between the sprint and COD-90 test performance. After the second period of the three-week training, likely detrimental effects were observed in some of the change of direction conditions and an increase in the relationship between the sprint and the COD-180 performance. It could be hypothesized that most of the flywheel training effects reported in the traditional protocols lasting a minimum of 5–6 weeks would occur in the first weeks of training. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Training Modalities to Improve Sports Performance and Health)

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12 pages, 1452 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Patterns of Injury in the Spanish Football League Players

by Iván Prieto-Lage, Juan Carlos Argibay-González, Adrián Paramés-González, Alexandra Pichel-Represas, Diego Bermúdez-Fernández and Alfonso Gutiérrez-Santiago

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(1), 252; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19010252 - 27 Dec 2021

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 3559

Abstract

Background: The study of football injuries is a subject that concerns the scientific community. The problem of most of the available research is that it is mainly descriptive. The objective of this study is to discover and analyse the patterns of injury in [...] Read more.

Background: The study of football injuries is a subject that concerns the scientific community. The problem of most of the available research is that it is mainly descriptive. The objective of this study is to discover and analyse the patterns of injury in the Spanish Football League (2016–2017 season). Methods: The sample data consisted of 136 given injuries identified by the official physicians of the football clubs. The analysis was performed by using traditional statistic tests, T-pattern detection and polar coordinate analysis. Results: The analysis revealed several patterns of injury: (a) The defender suffered a rupture of the hamstring muscles after a sprint, (b) knee sprains happened due to a received tackle, (c) fibrillar adductor rupture appeared mostly among defenders and (d) fibrillar ruptures took place mostly throughout the first part. Conclusions: There is a marked shift in the tendency regarding the player who gets more injured, from the midfielder to the defender. The most common injury was fibrillar rupture. The most common scenario in which this injury occurred was that in which the player injured himself after a sprint (24%). A week without competing seems to be insufficient as a prevention mechanism for injuries. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Training Modalities to Improve Sports Performance and Health)

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11 pages, 1621 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Relationships between Strength and Step Frequency with Fatigue Index in Repeated Sprint Ability

by Pablo González-Frutos, Millán Aguilar-Navarro, Esther Morencos, Javier Mallo and Santiago Veiga

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(1), 196; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19010196 - 24 Dec 2021

Cited by 5 | Viewed by 4077

Abstract

Force−velocity profile (FVP) and repeated-sprint ability (RSA) tests are indicators of physical capacities in most team sport players. The purpose of this study was to examine the stride kinematics during a repeated-sprint ability (RSA) test and to analyze the relationship between Bosco’s force−velocity [...] Read more.

Force−velocity profile (FVP) and repeated-sprint ability (RSA) tests are indicators of physical capacities in most team sport players. The purpose of this study was to examine the stride kinematics during a repeated-sprint ability (RSA) test and to analyze the relationship between Bosco’s force−velocity profile (FVP) and RSA performance in elite female field hockey players. Thirteen elite-female players performed both RSA (six 30 m maximal sprints) and jumping (CMJ weighted and body weight) tests. Sprinting time fatigue indexes during a 30 m RSA test were correlated with step frequency fatigue indexes (r > 0.7; p < 0.01). CMJ50 showed a large relationship with sprint time fatigue indexes. FV50 showed a very large relationship with sprint time fatigue indexes (r > 0.7; p < 0.01), and a large relationship with the step frequency fatigue indexes (r > 0.5; p < 0.05). This study highlighted two possible ways to improve fatigue indexes in RSA, with the aim of maximizing the distances covered at high-intensities during the matches: (a) strength training and (b) focusing on step frequency during speed training. Full article

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11 pages, 362 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Impact of Reduced Training Activity of Elite Kickboxers on Physical Fitness, Body Build, and Performance during Competitions

by Tadeusz Ambroży, Łukasz Rydzik, Zbigniew Obmiński, Andrzej T. Klimek, Natalia Serafin, Artur Litwiniuk, Robert Czaja and Wojciech Czarny

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(8), 4342; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18084342 - 20 Apr 2021

Cited by 26 | Viewed by 5081

Abstract

Background: Kickboxing is a combat sport where athletes require constant supervision of a coach. The outbreak of the pandemic caused by SARS-CoV-2 has led to a crisis in many sectors, including sport. Global efforts to limit the spread of the pathogen resulted in [...] Read more.

Background: Kickboxing is a combat sport where athletes require constant supervision of a coach. The outbreak of the pandemic caused by SARS-CoV-2 has led to a crisis in many sectors, including sport. Global efforts to limit the spread of the pathogen resulted in temporary lockdowns that limited sporting activity, thus deteriorating athletes’ physical fitness. Methods: The participants included 20 kickboxers competing at the international level. Their physical fitness was evaluated based on the test developed by the International Committee on the Standardization of Physical Fitness Test (ICSPFT) and their body build was assessed using Tanita BC601 body composition monitor and a body height meter. Differences between physical fitness before the COVID-19 outbreak and during the pandemic after re-opening sports facilities were evaluated. Results: Temporary closing of sports clubs has led to the increase in body mass of the participants by 2.65 kg on average and significantly deteriorated physical fitness. Conclusions: Temporary closing of sports clubs and restrictions on physical activity aimed at containing the spread of COVID-19 caused a significant reduction in physical fitness and increased body mass of the participants. This is likely to cause worse performance in the nearest competitions and have a negative impact on the athletes’ health status and immunity to diseases. Full article

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13 pages, 1754 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Effects of 15 or 30 s SIT in Normobaric Hypoxia on Aerobic, Anaerobic Performance and Critical Power

by Hakan Karabiyik, Mustafa Can Eser, Ozkan Guler, Burak Caglar Yasli, Goktug Ertetik, Aysegul Sisman, Mitat Koz, Tomasz Gabrys, Karol Pilis and Raci Karayigit

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(8), 3976; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18083976 - 9 Apr 2021

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 3017

Abstract

Sprint interval training (SIT) is a concept that has been shown to enhance aerobic-anaerobic training adaptations and induce larger effects in hypoxia. The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of 4 weeks of SIT with 15 or 30 s in [...] Read more.

Sprint interval training (SIT) is a concept that has been shown to enhance aerobic-anaerobic training adaptations and induce larger effects in hypoxia. The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of 4 weeks of SIT with 15 or 30 s in hypoxia on aerobic, anaerobic performance and critical power (CP). A total of 32 male team players were divided into four groups: SIT with 15 s at FiO₂: 0.209 (15 N); FiO₂: 0.135 (15 H); SIT with 30 s at FiO₂: 0.209 (30 N); and FiO₂: 0.135 (30 H). VO_2max did not significantly increase, however time-to-exhaustion (TTE) was found to be significantly longer in the post test compared to pre test (p = 0.001) with no difference between groups (p = 0.86). Mean power (MPw.kg) after repeated wingate tests was significantly higher compared to pre training in all groups (p = 0.001) with no difference between groups (p = 0.66). Similarly, CP was increased in all groups with 4 weeks of SIT (p = 0.001) with no difference between groups (p = 0.82). This study showed that 4 weeks of SIT with 15 and 30 s sprint bouts in normoxia or hypoxia did not increased VO_2max in trained athletes. However, anerobic performance and CP can be increased with 4 weeks of SIT both in normoxia or hypoxia with 15 or 30 s of sprint durations. Full article

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Review

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36 pages, 1186 KiB

Open AccessReview

Always Pay Attention to Which Model of Motor Learning You Are Using

by Wolfgang I. Schöllhorn, Nikolas Rizzi, Agnė Slapšinskaitė-Dackevičienė and Nuno Leite

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(2), 711; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19020711 - 9 Jan 2022

Cited by 19 | Viewed by 9136

Abstract

This critical review considers the epistemological and historical background of the theoretical construct of motor learning for a more differentiated understanding. More than simply reflecting critically on the models that are used to solve problems—whether they are applied in therapy, physical education, or [...] Read more.

This critical review considers the epistemological and historical background of the theoretical construct of motor learning for a more differentiated understanding. More than simply reflecting critically on the models that are used to solve problems—whether they are applied in therapy, physical education, or training practice—this review seeks to respond constructively to the recent discussion caused by the replication crisis in life sciences. To this end, an in-depth review of contemporary motor learning approaches is provided, with a pragmatism-oriented clarification of the researcher’s intentions on fundamentals (what?), subjects (for whom?), time intervals (when?), and purpose (for what?). The complexity in which the processes of movement acquisition, learning, and refinement take place removes their predictable and linear character and therefore, from an applied point of view, invites a great deal of caution when trying to make generalization claims. Particularly when we attempt to understand and study these phenomena in unpredictable and dynamic contexts, it is recommended that scientists and practitioners seek to better understand the central role that the individual and their situatedness plays in the system. In this way, we will be closer to making a meaningful and authentic contribution to the advancement of knowledge, and not merely for the sake of renaming inventions. Full article

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15 pages, 337 KiB

Open AccessReview

Analysis of Tug of War Competition: A Narrative Complete Review

by Ruth Cayero, Valentín Rocandio, Asier Zubillaga, Ignacio Refoyo, Julio Calleja-González, Arkaitz Castañeda-Babarro and Inmaculada Martínez de Aldama

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(1), 3; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19010003 - 21 Dec 2021

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 5791

Abstract

Tug-of-war (TOW) is an internationally played activity including professional and amateur athletes, defined as early as 4000 years ago (as a rope-less version) in the artwork on Egyptian tomb engravings, and is played as per the rules laid out by TWIF, which has [...] Read more.

Tug-of-war (TOW) is an internationally played activity including professional and amateur athletes, defined as early as 4000 years ago (as a rope-less version) in the artwork on Egyptian tomb engravings, and is played as per the rules laid out by TWIF, which has 73 member countries and administrative headquarters in the USA. Typically, two teams of “pullers” participate and apply enormous contra directional forces on the pulling rope. Originally, two types of competition are used: knockout and points. This narrative review describes the scientific state of the art of TOW. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, no previous information has been published on this topic. Anthropometric parameters for competitors are near 83.6, lean body mass 69.4, and body fat 16. The VO_2MAX is 55.8 mL/kg/min. In terms of relative strength, the dynamic leg power is 4659.8 N. Endurance TOW elicits minimal muscle damage. Injured strains and sprains comprised over half of all injuries: back (42%), shoulder–upper limb (23%) and knee (17%). Pulling movement in TOW contests can be divided into three phases, namely the “drop”, “hold” and “drive” phases. The maximal pulling force was 1041.6 ± 123.9 N. The percentage of dynamic pulling force in the static maximal pulling force was 75.5 ± 14.4% and the dynamic ranged from 106.4 to 182.5%. There are two gripping styles: indoor and outdoor. The friction characteristics between surface and shoe in TOW is important in determining a suitable shoe for indoor TOW. A waist belt might be a useful piece of equipment for TOW sport. The EMG technique in TOW entails a high degree of dorsal muscle activity during the pulling. The factor of force vanishing was the coordination among athletes. The force vanishing percentage goes from 8.82 ± 5.59 for two contenders to 19.74 ± 2.22 for eight athletes, 6.4% in the sum of two pullers. However, in the drop phase, for female elite TOW team, only the 0.5% of the pulling force was wasted. Future studies are need in order to understand better this historical sport activity. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Training Modalities to Improve Sports Performance and Health)

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