Frontiers in Sports and Active Living最新文献

{"title":"The impact of transcranial direct current stimulation on the neuro-muscular control strategies of penalty kicks in soccer players.","authors":"Haoyang Wang, Hongxiang Zhang, Xin Li, Jinbang Zhu","doi":"10.3389/fspor.2025.1649809","DOIUrl":"10.3389/fspor.2025.1649809","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objective: </strong>This study aims to investigate the effects of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) on the neuromuscular control of penalty kicks in soccer players. It also analyzes the relationship between neuromuscular control and the stability of motor performance following the intervention.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Wireless surface electromyography (EMG) data were synchronously collected from 20 national first-level athletes during penalty kicks using a wireless EMG acquisition device. To obtain spinal-level motor output, the EMG signal envelopes were inversely mapped to the <i>α</i>-motor neuron pools across various spinal segments. Muscle synergy characteristics were analyzed using non-negative matrix factorization and K-Means clustering.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>During the stance foot contact phase, tDCS led to more concentrated and less variable activation of lower limb muscle synergy, enhancing control of support and force transfer. In the kicking leg swing phase, muscle synergy was activated earlier and decayed more rapidly, maintaining swing velocity and ball striking accuracy while reducing energy expenditure. Additionally, anticipatory synergy adjustments appeared before movement transitions, indicating improved anticipatory action and adjustment capabilities after the intervention. As a result, neuromuscular control optimized the spatiotemporal structure of synergy, improving coordination and yielding more stable penalty kick performance.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Transcranial direct current stimulation can enhance neuromuscular control efficiency by optimizing spinal motor output and improving the spatiotemporal structure of muscle synergy. This results in more stable and effective kicking actions. Reasonably adjusting the timing of tDCS intervention can help improve soccer players' kicking performance.</p>","PeriodicalId":12716,"journal":{"name":"Frontiers in Sports and Active Living","volume":"7 ","pages":"1649809"},"PeriodicalIF":2.6,"publicationDate":"2025-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12433942/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145075181","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"A qualitative examination of the evolving role of sports technology in collegiate coaching.","authors":"Mollie Brewer, Kevin Childs, Celeste Wilkins, Zachary R Smith, Spencer Thomas, Kristy Elizabeth Boyer, Jennifer A Nichols, Garrett F Beatty, Daniel P Ferris","doi":"10.3389/fspor.2025.1644099","DOIUrl":"10.3389/fspor.2025.1644099","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Coaches play a central role in shaping athlete performance and development. In collegiate sports, coaches must balance competitive goals with the broader needs of student-athletes. As technology becomes more available in sports, it is becoming increasingly embedded in the workflows and decision-making processes of coaching staff. While many recognize the growing presence of these tools in sports, there is limited understanding about how coaching staff select and integrate these tools into their professional practice. This study addresses this gap by investigating (1) the types of technologies that collegiate coaching staff use; (2) how coaches integrate those technologies into key coaching domains such as baseline testing, practice planning, and injury management; and (3) what motivates or hinders technology adoption in this environment. We conducted five semi-structured focus groups with 17 coaching staff members from National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division I sports teams in the United States, representing men's American football, men's basketball, women's basketball, women's soccer, and women's volleyball. Participants included coaches, athletic trainers, strength and conditioning staff, dietitians, sports scientists, and administrative staff. We provide an inventory of technologies in active use to support key aspects of coaching. Our findings show that when aligned with coaching goals, technology offers valuable support for decision-making, individualized student-athlete management, and coach-athlete communication. These findings also point to the importance of supporting coaching staff in managing the growing demands of technology use. By highlighting how collegiate coaching staff apply technology, this study deepens understanding of what technology integration in coaching looks like in real-world practice. The insights may offer valuable direction for scholars, coaches, and organizations who aim to strengthen coaching practice and athlete outcomes through thoughtful integration of technology.</p>","PeriodicalId":12716,"journal":{"name":"Frontiers in Sports and Active Living","volume":"7 ","pages":"1644099"},"PeriodicalIF":2.6,"publicationDate":"2025-09-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12434470/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145075120","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Athletes' and spectators' expenditures during a medium-sized sport event: the case study of the Italian National University Sport Championship.","authors":"Luca Rossini, Lavinia Falese, Alexandro Andrade, Arthur Dutra, Marco Giglio, Daniela Federici","doi":"10.3389/fspor.2025.1528503","DOIUrl":"10.3389/fspor.2025.1528503","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>The present study investigates the economic impact of the 2022 Italian National University Sport Championship (CNU), held in Cassino, Italy, with particular emphasis on the spending patterns of athletes, technical staff, and spectators.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A cross-sectional survey was employed during the event to collect data from 963 participants, separated into two different groups: athletes/staff (Group A), and spectators (Group B). The survey addressed participants' spending patterns, satisfaction levels, and event experiences. The DEC (Direct Economic Impact Calculator) tool was employed to estimate the total economic contributions, while further analyses explored the differences in spending according to participant satisfaction and attributes.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The total direct economic impact of the event was estimated at €1,323,572, including €50,000 in organizer expenditures, which contributed to the support of 22 local jobs. Non-local spectators had a notable economic impact, with an average daily expenditure of €223, compared to €124 by athletes and staff. Satisfaction with public transport, the possibility to purchase local products, and positive interactions with the staff working at the event are among the key factors positively influencing spending. In contrast, engagement in ceremonial activities and feelings of nervousness were associated with lower spending levels.</p><p><strong>Discussion: </strong>These results underscore the significant economic influence of medium-sized sports events on local economies, highlighting the importance of improving visitor experiences to maximize economic benefits. The findings offer significant implications for event organizers and policymakers who seek to enhance the economic and social outcomes associated with these events.</p>","PeriodicalId":12716,"journal":{"name":"Frontiers in Sports and Active Living","volume":"7 ","pages":"1528503"},"PeriodicalIF":2.6,"publicationDate":"2025-08-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12426268/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145064338","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"The relative age effect among female basketball players in the Israeli Premier League.","authors":"Simcha Avugos, Michal Malul","doi":"10.3389/fspor.2025.1644415","DOIUrl":"10.3389/fspor.2025.1644415","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>In sports, the term <i>relative age effect</i> refers to the asymmetrical distribution of athletes based on their birth dates relative to an arbitrary cut-off date. Some studies indicate that athletes who were born shortly after this cut-off tend to have higher representation in elite sports leagues compared to those who were born later in the year. Yet the literature presents inconsistencies in empirical support for this effect. The aim of this study, therefore, was to examine the relative age effect in female basketball players from the Israeli Premier League, while distinguishing between domestic and foreign players (<i>n</i> = 215, M_age = 24.08 years, SD = 5.17; and <i>n</i> = 120, M_age = 30.33 years, SD = 3.68, respectively), and examining two alternative cut-off dates (January 1 and September 1). Data were collected over six seasons, 2018-2024. Chi-square values and odds ratios were calculated to examine the distribution of birth quarters compared to uniform distribution in general, and to Israeli and U.S. live birth data. The findings reveal that the relative age effect was insignificant among the players, regardless of their nationality. While a higher number of players were found to have been born in the second quarter of the year, this difference was statistically insignificant, regardless of whether a uniform distribution of births or normative population values were applied. As such, the findings of the current study do not support the existence of selection bias among coaches based on the birth dates of female professional basketball players in Israel.</p>","PeriodicalId":12716,"journal":{"name":"Frontiers in Sports and Active Living","volume":"7 ","pages":"1644415"},"PeriodicalIF":2.6,"publicationDate":"2025-08-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12426048/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145064281","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Case Report: Effect of a graded task-oriented throwing training on throwing accuracy and kinematic variability in a baseball player with the yips.","authors":"Toshiyuki Aoyama, Rinri Uematsu, Satoshi Shibata, Kazumichi Ae, Takashi Kawamura, Yutaka Kohno","doi":"10.3389/fspor.2025.1636650","DOIUrl":"10.3389/fspor.2025.1636650","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Despite the high prevalence of the yips, a task-specific movement disorder in athletes, effective exercise therapy remains elusive. This case report aimed to evaluate the impact of task-oriented training on throwing accuracy and kinematic variability in a baseball player with the yips. This study included a 21-year-old baseball player with a 7-year history of the yips. Approximately 50% of the player's typical throws were erratic and uncatchable. However, the frequency of erratic throwing varied depending on the throwing task and its contexts. To address these symptoms, graded task-oriented throwing training was implemented twice a week for 5 weeks. A three-dimensional motion capture system and high-speed camera were employed to assess throwing accuracy and kinematic variability. After the intervention, the frequency of subjective yips symptoms during throwing decreased by approximately one-third. Moreover, the intervention improved the accuracy of the ball arrival position and reduced variability in the ball release angle and shoulder internal rotation angle at ball release. Treating the yips remains challenging owing to concerns regarding doping and side effects. Nonetheless, this study suggests that low-risk physical therapy may have potential clinical utility as a management approach for athletes with the yips.</p>","PeriodicalId":12716,"journal":{"name":"Frontiers in Sports and Active Living","volume":"7 ","pages":"1636650"},"PeriodicalIF":2.6,"publicationDate":"2025-08-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12426106/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145064328","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Physical, psychosocial and dual-career loads as risk factors for injuries and illnesses in elite handball players: a 45-week prospective cohort study.","authors":"Kristina Drole, Armin Paravlic, Kathrin Steffen, Mojca Doupona","doi":"10.3389/fspor.2025.1664247","DOIUrl":"10.3389/fspor.2025.1664247","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>While training and competition load are well-documented risk factors for injury, the influence of dual-career loads, life stressors and overall load on both injury and illness remain less clear. The aim of this study was to investigate whether injury/illness occurrence is influenced by the training, competition, academic and work loads, as well as the overall load (sum of academic/work, training and competition loads) and life events in elite male handball players.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>In this 45-week prospective cohort study, 189 elite male handball players weekly reported their load across training, competition, academic, and work domains. We derived an \"overall load\" variable as the sum of training, competition, academic and work hours. Health problems, including acute non-contact, overuse injuries and illnesses, were recorded using OSTRC-H2-SLO, while psychosocial load was assessed using the LESCA questionnaire. Multivariate logistic regression and non-parametric tests were used to identify risk factors and group differences.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Injured athletes reported significantly higher training (MD = 2.6 h; <i>p</i> < 0.001), and overall loads (MD = 2.9 h; <i>p</i> = 0.042), but lower academic loads (MD = 2.5 h; <i>p</i> = 0.001) than non-injured athletes. Similarly, ill athletes had higher training load (MD = 1.55 h; <i>p</i> = 0.026) and competition loads (MD = 0.23 h; <i>p</i> < 0.001) but lower academic loads (MD = 2.24 h; <i>p</i> = 0.001). Training load emerged as a significant predictor of both injury (OR = 1.33) and illness (OR = 1.23), and competition load strongly predicted illness (OR = 37.00). Academic and work loads were not significant predictors. Higher LESCA total scores were associated with increased injury (<i>p</i> = 0.041) and illness risk (<i>p</i> = 0.017), while negative scores were associated with increased illness risk (<i>p</i> = 0.012).</p><p><strong>Discussion: </strong>Training and competition loads are key modifiable risk factors for injury and illness, while dual career might serve as a protective factor. While negative life events appear to be associated with illness, the overall volume of life changes-regardless of whether they are positive or negative-emerges as a significant factor in injury risk. Our results support the development of an integrated biopsychosocial model of athlete's health, where sports- and non-sports-related loads, together with life events shape an athlete's vulnerability to injury and illness.</p>","PeriodicalId":12716,"journal":{"name":"Frontiers in Sports and Active Living","volume":"7 ","pages":"1664247"},"PeriodicalIF":2.6,"publicationDate":"2025-08-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12426247/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145064275","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Comparisons of angular momentum at takeoff in six types of jumps in women's figure skating.","authors":"Mizuki Yamaguchi, Shinji Sakurai","doi":"10.3389/fspor.2025.1597598","DOIUrl":"10.3389/fspor.2025.1597598","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>In figure skating, various types of multirotational jumps are becoming increasingly important. Based on mechanical considerations, the angular momentum of the entire body at takeoff can increase the number of rotations in the air. This study aimed to compare and characterize the angular momentum of the entire body and each body part during six different jumps.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Seven female figure skaters performed six double jumps on the ice. The positions of the markers, which were attached to anatomical landmarks, were recorded using a three-dimensional motion analysis system. The angular momenta of the entire body and each body part (trunk, arms, and legs) at takeoff were calculated. The angular momentum was further divided into the transfer term generated by the motion of the body part around the body's center of mass and a local term generated by the rotational motion of the body part itself. A paired t-test was performed to compare all jumps, and multiple comparisons were performed using Holm's method.</p><p><strong>Results and discussion: </strong>The angular momentum of the entire body at takeoff was similar for all jumps. Although the trunk generated a large local term that was similar in all the jumps, the arms and free leg generated large transfer terms with different patterns. This suggests that different strategies may be used to generate angular momentum at takeoff depending on the jump type.</p>","PeriodicalId":12716,"journal":{"name":"Frontiers in Sports and Active Living","volume":"7 ","pages":"1597598"},"PeriodicalIF":2.6,"publicationDate":"2025-08-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12426178/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145064325","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Editorial: Advancing performance: biomechanics in paralympic and adapted sports.","authors":"Lorenzo Rum, Rafael Kons","doi":"10.3389/fspor.2025.1683091","DOIUrl":"10.3389/fspor.2025.1683091","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":12716,"journal":{"name":"Frontiers in Sports and Active Living","volume":"7 ","pages":"1683091"},"PeriodicalIF":2.6,"publicationDate":"2025-08-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12426176/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145064293","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Player archetypes within basketball: optimizing roster composition to create a championship team.","authors":"Luke S J Penner","doi":"10.3389/fspor.2025.1639431","DOIUrl":"10.3389/fspor.2025.1639431","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The present study assessed the feasibility of grouping university and professional basketball players across different leagues based on their playing styles to optimize championship team construction, moving beyond traditional positional constraints towards a positionless approach. A comprehensive dataset of 22,500 elite professional and university athletes from 110 leagues, sourced from EuroBasket, RealGM, and USportsHoops, was analyzed. Player performance was quantified using 13 standardized box score statistics converted to per 48 min. Utilizing the k-means algorithm, players were clustered 1nto 9 distinct player archetypes. Multiple linear regression models were then developed for each archetype, predicting \"points per minute\" to facilitate player ranking, further refined by a data-driven league quality weighting system. Optimal player cluster proportions were derived from analyses of 2018/19 NBA lineups and 2014-2018 1nternational medal-winning teams to create the most effective team line-ups. The model's utility was demonstrated by selecting a hypothetical Team Canada roster for the 2019 FIBA World Cup, which showed effectiveness 1n 1dentifying a robust team composition and predicting the rise of future high-potential players. Additionally, the model's effectiveness was evaluated by comparing 1ts results to the composition of the 2000 and 2024 Canadian National Olympic teams. The findings revealed 9 unique player clusters, demonstrating the model's potential as a 5aluable tool for guiding coaching decisions 1n drafting and signing future players to fit their roster composition effectively. The model proved to be a novel method for talent identification due to 1ts evaluation of players across leagues and 1ts usage of readily accessible data for coaches and scouts alike. Despite limitations related to data sources and subjective weighting, this research provides a sophisticated analytical tool for players, coaches, scouts, and general managers, offering a comprehensive league strength metric and a nuanced player ranking system to enhance roster development alongside the expertise of coaches 1n the evolving global basketball landscape.</p>","PeriodicalId":12716,"journal":{"name":"Frontiers in Sports and Active Living","volume":"7 ","pages":"1639431"},"PeriodicalIF":2.6,"publicationDate":"2025-08-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12426101/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145064298","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Health and productivity benefits of a multicomponent workplace program by gender in small companies.","authors":"Víctor Jiménez Díaz-Benito, Jose Bonal, Alvaro Fernandez-Luna, Pablo Burillo, Ricardo Macías, Jairo León-Quismondo","doi":"10.3389/fspor.2025.1672619","DOIUrl":"10.3389/fspor.2025.1672619","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Physical inactivity is a major public health concern, with persistent gender disparities and growing sedentary behavior in modern workplaces. Small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), despite employing most of the workforce, often lack structured health programs. Workplace physical activity interventions show promise but yield mixed results, especially when gender differences are not considered. This study addresses these gaps by evaluating a supervised exercise program through a sex-disaggregated analysis in SMEs from diverse sectors.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>We conducted a 12-week multicomponent physical activity program in three SMEs, using a mixed factorial design to assess changes by time, gender, and company. Physically inactive employees with sedentary jobs participated in supervised exercise sessions and health-promotion activities. The study included employees from three sectors: Training and Consulting, Insurance and Technology, and Digital Engineering, with a total sample of 49 participants (41 women and 8 men). Pre-and post-intervention measures included anthropometrics, perceived health, cardiorespiratory fitness, and productivity.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Cardiovascular fitness improved significantly in both sexes, and diastolic blood pressure decreased over time across companies. Quality-of-life scores did not improve globally. Productivity costs due to presenteeism decreased significantly, with <i>post hoc</i> differences by company and sex (<i>p</i> < .001).</p><p><strong>Discussion: </strong>A tailored three-month supervised exercise program, delivered onsite or online three times per week, appears to improve health outcomes among SME administrative staff and reduce productivity losses, especially when combining aerobic and strength training with activation routines, workshops, and gamified challenges.</p>","PeriodicalId":12716,"journal":{"name":"Frontiers in Sports and Active Living","volume":"7 ","pages":"1672619"},"PeriodicalIF":2.6,"publicationDate":"2025-08-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12425920/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145064363","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}