Long-term trends in home advantage in professional team sports in North America and England (1876 – 2003)

Home advantage is quantitatively defined and calculated for each season since the start of the main professional sports in North America and England. Over 400,000 games are analysed. The leagues represented are the National League (1876?–?2002) and American League (1901?–?2002) for baseball, the National Hockey League (1917?–?2003) for ice hockey, the National Football League (1933?–?2002) for American football, the National Basketball Association (1946?–?2003) for basketball, and the four levels of professional football, formerly called the Football League, in England (1888?–?2003). Problems caused by unbalanced playing schedules are considered. The results are presented graphically to show long-term trends and sudden changes. The highest levels of home advantage for all sports were in their early years of existence. Home advantage in ice hockey, basketball and football in England has declined over the last two decades. In baseball there has been very little change over the last 100 years, with home advantage consistently lower than in other sports. There was a large drop in home advantage in football in England following the 7-year suspension of the league during the Second World War. The trends and changes provide some evidence that travel and familiarity contribute to home advantage, but little in support of crowd effects.     

Sport burnout inventory–Dual career form for student-athletes: Assessing validity and reliability in a Finnish sample of adolescent athletes

BackgroundThe pressure of pursuing an athletic career simultaneously with education may set adolescent student-athletes at risk for sport and school burnout. Although the 2 life domains of student-athletes are strongly intertwined, so far, there has not been an instrument for investigating sport burnout parallel to school burnout. The aim of the present study was to introduce a sport burnout measure for adolescents in a dual career context and investigate its validity and reliability by using confirmatory factor analysis.MethodsThe participants were 391 student-athletes (51% females) who filled in a questionnaire of sport burnout and background variables in the beginning of upper secondary school.ResultsA 3-factor model or a second-order-factor model described the data better and gave better reliability indices than a 1-factor model. The 3 dimensions of sport burnout were shown to be separate, but closely related constructs. Evidence for convergent and discriminant validity was obtained by correlating the 3 sport burnout dimensions with depressive symptoms, self-esteem, and sport task values.ConclusionThe results suggest that Sport Burnout Inventory–Dual Career Form (SpBI-DC) is a valid and reliable instrument for investigating sport burnout among adolescent student-athletes.     

Not playing the game: unionism in British professional sport 1870–1914

The coloured drawings and brick paintings discovered as a result of archaeological excavations along the Hexi Corridor on China's Silk Road represent certain historical phenomena. In this paper, sports and leisure activities depicted on the brick paintings and their symbolic meanings, set in the Wei–Jin historical environment, are examined. These paintings reflect both the facts and the essence of the sports culture in the Wei–Jin period (AD 220–420) in China, so as to make up for the deficiency of the surviving documents. It is apparent in the brick paintings found in Wei–Jin tombs on the Silk Road that sports and leisure activities were widely prevalent 1700 years ago. These paintings offer reliable evidence for research on the development of these ancient sports.     

Sprint and jump performances do not determine the promotion to professional elite soccer in Spain, 1994–2012

ABSTRACT

The aims of this study are (a) to describe the evolution of neuromuscular performance over an 18 year period within a Spanish elite reserve team; (b) to check if there were any relation between the playing position and sprint and jump performances and (c) to look into the alleged impact of this factor on the top playing level attained by the soccer players. We considered the physical tests (5 m and 15 m sprint times and countermovement jump (CMJ) height) made by 235 players enrolled in the reserve team of the Club from 1994 to 2012 and the highest competitive-level they achieved: Spanish first (n = 39) and second divisions (n = 36) and semi-professional (n = 160). Furthermore, the players were classified according to their playing positions. The main findings were a very-likely/most-likely lower neuromuscular performance (ES = 0.48–0.68, small to moderate) in the last six-season term (2006–2012) than in the first term (1994–2000); possibly/very-likely lower performances in sprinting and CMJ (ES = 0.22–0.55, small) by central defenders (CDs) and midfielders than by other playing positions; very-likely better performances in sprinting and jumping by first and second divisions central defenders than by semi-professional central defenders (ES = 0.90–1.02, moderate). Sprint and jump performances are not a relevant physical parameter to promote to the top level of soccer in Spain except for one in six of the playing positions: CDs.     

Specificity of Individual Differences of Relationship between Forearm “Strengths” and Speed of Forearm Flexion

Abstract

Forearm flexion strength of 65 college men was measured at two distances from the elbow at each of three angles of the forearm. The speed of forearm flexion movement was measured through an arc of 85°. Ebel intraclass reliabilities for strength and speed were high, i.e., .95 to .99. The extremely low correlations between limb strength and speed of movement, which ranged from —.06 to .14, are in agreement with the majority of the low correlations reported in earlier studies. The findings of this study support the theory of specificity in that individual differences in the speed of a limb involving a single joint are predominantly independent of strength measures associated with that limb and joint.     

Accuracy,intra- and inter-unit reliability,and comparison between GPS and UWB-based position-tracking systems used for time–motion analyses in soccer

There is interest in the accuracy and inter-unit reliability of position-tracking systems to monitor players. Research into this technology, although relatively recent, has grown exponentially in the last years, and it is difficult to find professional team sport that does not use Global Positioning System (GPS) technology at least. The aim of this study is to know the accuracy of both GPS-based and Ultra Wide Band (UWB)-based systems on a soccer field and their inter- and intra-unit reliability. A secondary aim is to compare them for practical applications in sport science. Following institutional ethical approval and familiarization, 10 healthy and well-trained former soccer players (20?±?1.6 years, 1.76?±?0.08?cm, and 69.5?±?9.8?kg) performed three course tests: (i) linear course, (ii) circular course, and (iii) a zig–zag course, all using UWB and GPS technologies. The average speed and distance covered were compared with timing gates and the real distance as references. The UWB technology showed better accuracy (bias: 0.57–5.85%), test–retest reliability (%TEM: 1.19), and inter-unit reliability (bias: 0.18) in determining distance covered than the GPS technology (bias: 0.69–6.05%; %TEM: 1.47; bias: 0.25) overall. Also, UWB showed better results (bias: 0.09; ICC: 0.979; bias: 0.01) for mean velocity measurement than GPS (bias: 0.18; ICC: 0.951; bias: 0.03).     

Eccentric torque–velocity and power–velocity relationships in men and women

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate the eccentric torque–velocity and power–velocity relationships of the elbow flexors. Forty recreationally trained individuals (20 men, 20 women) performed maximal eccentric actions at each of five different velocities (1.04 rad · s^?1, 2.09 rad · s^?1, 3.14 rad · s^?1, 4.18 rad · s^?1, and 5.23 rad · s^?1, in random order) and maximal isometric actions on a Biodex isokinetic dynamometer. A 2×6 (sex×velocity) mixed-factor repeated-measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to assess peak elbow flexor torque during the eccentric and isometric actions. There was no interaction, but there were significant main effects for sex and velocity. Pairwise comparisons demonstrated that values for men were significantly (P<0.05) higher than those for women at all speeds. Furthermore, torques for both sexes were significantly less at 3.14 rad · s^?1 (men: 103.94±28.28 N · m; women: 49.24±11.69 N · m) than at 4.18 rad · s^?1 (men: 106.39±30.23 N · m; women: 52.77±11.31 N · m) and 5.23 rad · s^?1 (men: 108.75±28.59 N · m; women: 53.3±11.67 N · m), while isometric torque was significantly less than at all other speeds (men: 98.66±28.0 N · m; women: 45.25±11.15 N · m). A 2×5 (sex×velocity) mixed-factor repeated-measures ANOVA was used to assess peak eccentric elbow flexor power. There were significant main effects for sex and velocity. Pairwise comparisons demonstrated that values for men were significantly higher than those for women at all speeds. Pairwise comparisons for velocity indicated that peak eccentric power increased across all speeds from 1.04 rad · s^?1 (men: 110.44±32.56 W; women 54.36±13.05 W) to 5.23 rad · s^?1 (men: 569.46±149.73 W; women: 279.10±61.10 W). These results demonstrate that an increase in velocity had little or no effect on eccentric elbow flexor torque, while eccentric elbow flexor power increased significantly with increases in velocity.     

Modeling the dose–response rate/associations between VO2max and self-reported Physical Activity Questionnaire in children and adolescents

BackgroundThis study sought to explore the dose–response rate/association between aerobic fitness (VO_2max) and self-reported physical activity (PA) and to assess whether this association varies by sex, age, and weight status.MethodsVO_2max was assessed using the 20-m shuttle-run test. PA was assessed using the Physical Activity Questionnaire (PAQ) for Adolescents (aged >11 years, PAQ-A) or for Children (aged ≤11 years, PAQ-C). The associations between VO_2max and PAQ were analyzed using analysis of covariance (ANCOVA), adopting PAQ and PAQ² as covariates but allowing the intercepts and slope parameters of PAQ and PAQ² to vary with the categorical variables sex, age group, and weight status.ResultsANCOVA identified a curvilinear association between VO_2max and PAQ, with positive linear PAQ terms that varied for both sex and weight status but with a negative PAQ² term of −0.39 (95% confidence interval (CI): –0.57 to –0.21) that was common for all groups in regard to age, sex, and weight status. These curvilinear (inverted U) associations suggest that the benefits of increasing PA (same dose) on VO_2max is greater when children report lower levels of PA compared to children who report higher levels of PA. These dose–response rates were also steeper for boys and were steeper for lean children compared to overweight/obese children.ConclusionHealth practitioners should be aware that encouraging greater PA (same dose) in inactive and underweight children will result in greater gains in VO_2max (response) compared with their active and overweight/obese counterparts.     

Associations between prolonged sedentary time and breaks in sedentary time with cardiometabolic risk in 10–14-year-old children: The HAPPY study

This study examines the association between prolonged sedentary time and breaks in sedentary time with cardiometabolic risk in 10–14-year-old children. This cross-sectional design study analysed accelerometry-determined sedentary behaviour and physical activity collected over 7 days from 111 (66 girls) UK schoolchildren. Objective outcome measures included waist circumference, fasting lipids, fasting glucose, blood pressure, and cardiorespiratory fitness. Logistic regression was used for the main data analysis. After adjustment for confounders, the odds of having hypertriglyceridaemia (P = 0.03) and an increased clustered cardiometabolic risk score (P = 0.05) were significantly higher in children who engaged in more prolonged sedentary bouts per day. The number of breaks in sedentary time per day was not associated with any cardiometabolic risk factor, but longer mean duration of daily breaks in sedentary time were associated with a lower odds of having abdominal adiposity (P = 0.04) and elevated diastolic blood pressure (P = 0.01). These associations may be mediated by engagement in light activity. This study provides evidence that avoiding periods of prolonged uninterrupted sedentary time may be important for reducing cardiometabolic disease risk in children.     

Shooting motion in high school,collegiate, and professional men’s lacrosse players

The purposes of this research were to quantify the kinematics of the lacrosse shot, based on arm dominance and player experience level. Male players (N = 39; 14–30 years; high school [n = 24], collegiate [n = 9], professional [n = 6]), performed overhead shots using dominant and non-dominant sides. Motion was captured using a high-speed, 12-camera optical system and high-speed filming. Body segment rotational velocities and joint angles were determined at key points in the shot cycle from foot contact (0% of shot) to ball release (100% of shot). All players shot with less anterior trunk lean, less transverse shoulder rotation, and slower trunk-shoulder rotational velocities with the non-dominant side than the dominant side (all p < 0.05). Professional players produced crosse angular velocities 21% faster than high school or collegiate players (p < 0.05). Transverse shoulder rotation range of motion on both dominant and non-dominant and trunk rotation sides was highest in the professional players (p < 0.05). These kinematic features enable professional players to produce faster ball speeds than younger players (138 ± 7 km/h vs. 112 ± 15 km/h, respectively; p < 0.05). Less anterior lean or suboptimal rotation sequence could increase proximal shoulder forces that could contribute to injury as in other throwing sports.     

Differences in Resting Metabolic Rate between BodyMetrix™ and Indirect Calorimetry in South African Adults

Accurate assessment of resting metabolic rate (RMR) is necessary for calorie-based recommendations in diet and exercise training interventions. BodyMetrix? is an ultrasound-based device that provides an estimate of RMR based on body composition, but has not been proven valid or reliable. Therefore, we evaluated the agreement between Katch–McArdle prediction equation used by BodyMetrix?, with indirect calorimetry, Harris–Benedict, WHO, and Sabounchi prediction equations of RMR. In total, 32 men and 22 women were measured for body composition via BodyMetrix? and RMR via indirect calorimetry. All prediction equations demonstrated significantly lower RMR values (p < .001) relative to indirect calorimetry. Katch–McArdle equation strongly correlated with other prediction equations (p < .001), and had a moderate (r = .658, p < .001) correlation with indirect calorimetry. There was a tendency toward underestimation for obese individuals. Therefore, we suggest that estimates from BodyMetrix? may be used as a relative, rather than an absolute measure of RMR.     

Cortical and trabecular bone analysis of professional dancers using 3D-DXA: a case–control study

Given the lack of relevant data, the aim of this study was to examine femur cortical and trabecular bone in female and male professional ballet dancers. 40 professional ballet dancers and 40 sex- and age-matched non-exercising controls volunteered. Femoral bone density was scanned by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) scan. A 3D-DXA software was used to analyse trabecular and cortical bone. Anthropometry, maturation (Tanner staging), menstrual parameters (age at menarche and primary amenorrhea), energy availability and nutritional analysis (3-day record) were also assessed.Compared to non-exercising participants, dancers exhibited significantly higher volumetric density for integral, cortical and trabecular bone, and thicker cortex at the femur. Ballet dancers demonstrated lower body weight compared to controls (p < 0.01). Female dancers had their menarche later than controls, and the prevalence of primary amenorrhea were significantly higher in dancers than controls (p < 0.01). Dancer’s energy availability was below the normal range (<30 kcal/kgFFM/day). Despite the presence of certain osteoporosis risk factors such as low energy availability, primary amenorrhoea and lower body weight, professional ballet dancers revealed higher bone density for both cortical and trabecular bone compartments compared to controls.     

Isokinetic imbalance of adductor–abductor hip muscles in professional soccer players with chronic adductor-related groin pain

This study aims to compare the isokinetic profile of hip abductor and adductor muscle groups between soccer players suffering from chronic adductor-related groin pain (ARGP), soccer players without ARGP and healthy volunteers from general population. Study included 36 male professional soccer players, who were randomly selected and followed-up over two years. Of the 21 soccer players eligible to participate in the study, 9 players went on to develop chronic ARGP and 12 players did not. Ten healthy male volunteers were randomly selected from the general population as a control group. Comparison between the abductor and adductor muscle peak torques for players with and without chronic ARGP found a statistically significant difference on the dominant and non-dominant sides (p?p?p?=?.008). The adductor muscle strength was also significantly decreased on the affected side. This imbalance appears to be a risk factor for adductor-related groin injury. Therefore, restoring the correct relationship between these two agonist and antagonist hip muscles may be an important preventative measure that should be a primary concern of training and rehabilitation programmes.     

The relationships between step count and all-cause mortality and cardiovascular events: A dose–response meta-analysis

BackgroundA goal of 10,000 steps per day is widely advocated, but there is little evidence to support that goal. Our purpose was to examine the dose–response relationships between step count and all-cause mortality and cardiovascular disease risk.MethodsCochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, EMBASE, OVID, PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases were systematically searched for studies published before July 9, 2021, that evaluated the association between daily steps and at least 1 outcome.ResultsSixteen publications (12 related to all-cause mortality, 5 related to cardiovascular disease; and 1 article contained 2 outcomes: both all-cause death and cardiovascular events) were eligible for inclusion in the meta-analysis. There was evidence of a nonlinear dose–response relationship between step count and risk of all-cause mortality or cardiovascular disease (p = 0.002 and p = 0.014 for nonlinearity, respectively). When we restricted the analyses to accelerometer-based studies, the third quartile had a 40.36% lower risk of all-cause mortality and a 35.05% lower risk of cardiovascular event than the first quartile (all-cause mortality: Q1 = 4183 steps/day, Q3 = 8959 steps/day; cardiovascular event: Q1 = 3500 steps/day, Q3 = 9500 steps/day; respectively).ConclusionOur meta-analysis suggests inverse associations between higher step count and risk of premature death and cardiovascular events in middle-aged and older adults, with nonlinear dose–response patterns.     

Force– and power–time curve comparison during jumping between strength-matched male and female basketball players

The purpose of this study was to compare force– and power–time curve variables during jumping between Division I strength-matched male and female basketball athletes. Males (n?=?8) and females (n?=?8) were strength matched by testing a one-repetition maximum (1RM) back squat. 1RM back squat values were normalised to body mass in order to demonstrate that strength differences were a function of body mass alone. Subjects performed three countermovement jumps (CMJ) at maximal effort. Absolute and relative force– and power–time curve variables from the CMJs were analysed between males and females. Average force– and power–time curves were generated for all subjects. Jump height was significantly greater (p?≤?.05) in males than females. Absolute force was higher in males during the concentric phase, but not significantly different (p?≥?.05) when normalised to body mass. Significance was found in absolute concentric impulse between sexes, but not when analysed relative to body mass. Rate of force development, rate of power development, relative peak force, and work were not significantly different between sexes. Males had significantly greater impulse during the eccentric phase as well as peak power (PP) during the concentric phase of the CMJ than did females in both absolute and relative terms. It is concluded that sex differences are not a determining factor in measured force during a CMJ when normalised to body mass between strength-matched subjects. However, eccentric phase impulse and concentric phase PP appear to be influenced by sex differences independent of matching strength levels.     

Predicting spectators’ behavioural intentions in professional football: The role of satisfaction and service quality

The present study aimed to examine the relationships among service quality, satisfaction and spectators’ behavioural intentions, in the context of professional football. Using Gronroos’ (1984) theoretical framework, service quality was conceptualized in terms of technical (outcome) and functional (process-related) quality. Outcome quality was measured with two dimensions: game quality and team performance, while five dimensions were used to measure functional quality (tangibles, responsiveness, reliability, access and security). Three hundred and fifty (N = 350) spectators of a professional football game in Greece participated in the study. The results provided support of the two total service quality model used. Furthermore, outcome quality was shown to have a stronger influence on spectators’ satisfaction levels than functional quality; finally, satisfaction was shown to partially mediate the relationship between service quality and spectators’ behavioural intentions. These results contribute to our theoretical understanding of the factors that predict spectators’ loyalty in professional football. Sport marketing implications are also discussed.