{"title":"Collegiate Male Soccer Players Reporting Their Perceived Exertion: Differences in Internal and External Intensity between Different RPE Values and Zones.","authors":"Zheng Li, Shenglei Qin, Xiaotian Li, Dingmeng Ren","doi":"10.5114/jhk/209543","DOIUrl":"10.5114/jhk/209543","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>This study aimed to: (1) investigate the association between subjective perception (RPE, sRPE) and objective metrics (TRIMP, average HR and peak HR both expressed as %HR<sub>max</sub>, total distance, PlayerLoad<sup>TM</sup>, acceleration distance > 1 m/s<sup>2</sup>, and running distance ≥14 km/h) in training monitoring using a repeated-measure design, and (2) assess the utility of RPE levels (values and zones) in differentiating among particular training intensities. This study used a longitudinal study design. Fifteen collegiate male soccer players (age 19.6 ± 0.8 years, body height 179.1 ± 5.4 cm, body mass 70.8 ± 4.9 kg, BMI 22.1 ± 1.7 kg/m<sup>2</sup>, body fat rate 10.9 ± 2.3%, HR<sub>rest</sub> 56.6 ± 8.0, HR<sub>max</sub> 194.9 ± 7.3) participated in the study. GPS-based wearable devices and the RPE scale were used to training monitoring. Based on 676 observations from 69 training sessions, a moderate to large correlation was found between the SRPE and internal/external loads (r ranges from 0.34 to 0.60, p < 0.001), while a small to moderate correlation was observed between the RPE and internal/external intensity (r ranges from 0.11 to 0.35, p < 0.001). When distributing training intensity, significant effects were found between RPE values and RPE zones (p < 0.05). Our study provides evidence for understanding the relationship between the subjective load assessment method (RPE and sRPE) and objective methods. Specific ranges of internal and external intensity variables can be divided between RPE value (1-9 AU) and the RPE zone (low, moderate, high).</p>","PeriodicalId":16055,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Human Kinetics","volume":"103 ","pages":"133-148"},"PeriodicalIF":4.0,"publicationDate":"2025-11-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13551355/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148911891","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Mehmet Vural, Mustafa Ozdal, Cemre Didem Eyipınar, Mete Berk Demiryol
{"title":"High-Dose Caffeine Mouth Rinse Is an Effective Strategy for Isokinetic Strength Generation in Soccer Players.","authors":"Mehmet Vural, Mustafa Ozdal, Cemre Didem Eyipınar, Mete Berk Demiryol","doi":"10.5114/jhk/208389","DOIUrl":"10.5114/jhk/208389","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Caffeine supplementation is one of the most commonly used ergogenic aids among soccer players. However, research shows conflicting results regarding the effects of different caffeine forms on muscle strength and power. This study investigated the impact of a high-dose caffeine mouth rinse on isokinetic knee extensor and flexor strength of the dominant leg at high (180°/s<sup>-1</sup>) and low (60°/s<sup>-1</sup>) angular velocities. Eight young male soccer players were randomly assigned to three conditions. Ten seconds before the isokinetic strength tests, participants either rinsed with an aspartame solution containing 750 mg of caffeine (Experimental), a calorie-free aspartame solution (Placebo) or did not use any solution (Control). Participants continued the mouth rinse for 10 s. Isokinetic strength measurements were performed at angular velocities of 60°/s<sup>-1</sup> (5 repetitions) and 180°/s<sup>-1</sup> (15 repetitions) in all interventions. Peak torque (Nm), the H/Q ratio, time to peak torque (ms), and average peak torque (Nm) in extension and flexion were analyzed. Data were tested for normality using the Shapiro-Wilk test, followed by one-way ANOVA and LSD post hoc tests (significance set at p < 0.05). According to the results, a significant difference was found in the H/Q ratio and time to peak torque at the angular velocity of 60°/s<sup>-1</sup> (p < 0.05, η<sup>2</sup> = 0.290; 0.306). At the angular velocity of 180°/s<sup>-1</sup>, no significant differences were found among the interventions (p > 0.05). These findings suggest that a high dose of the caffeine mouth rinse was effective at the lower angular velocity (60°/s<sup>-1</sup>), but had no effect on peak torque at the higher angular velocity (180°/s<sup>-1</sup>).</p>","PeriodicalId":16055,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Human Kinetics","volume":"103 ","pages":"107-120"},"PeriodicalIF":4.0,"publicationDate":"2025-11-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13551335/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148912258","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Jérémy Jusseaume, Charly Fornasier-Santos, Jean-Benoit Morin, Benjamin Millot, Gaël Guilhem, Jean Slawinski
{"title":"Kinematic and Kinetic Comparison of Sprint-Specific Exercises: Impact on Maximal Sprint Acceleration Training.","authors":"Jérémy Jusseaume, Charly Fornasier-Santos, Jean-Benoit Morin, Benjamin Millot, Gaël Guilhem, Jean Slawinski","doi":"10.5114/jhk/211899","DOIUrl":"10.5114/jhk/211899","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Sprint-specific exercises (SSEs) are believed to train force, power and/or velocity qualities involved in the acceleration phase of sprinting. However, the kinetics and the kinematics of such exercises have never been explored. The aim of this study was to compare mechanical variables (horizontal and vertical forces, horizontal velocity of the centre of mass and the ratio of force) between SSEs and an all-out 40-m sprint acceleration (Sref). These variables were measured over each situation (Sref and 14 SSE) using six track-embedded force plates. The horizontal forces and velocities were either lower or equal to those of the Sref (SSE grand average deviation from FVP ~ -0.29 N∙kg<sup>-1</sup> for force; SSE grand average from Sref ~ -0.14 m∙s<sup>-1</sup> for velocity), while vertical force output was mostly greater in the SSE than the Sref (SSE mean deviation from Sref ~0.49 N∙kg<sup>-1</sup>). The ratio of force was lower or equal for the SSE compared to Sref. Despite large inter-individual variability, these SSEs seem useful to stimulate vertical force production, and not horizontal as hypothesised by coaches. These results suggest the importance of analysing the SSE used during training, from a force-velocity point of view, to better characterize their effectiveness.</p>","PeriodicalId":16055,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Human Kinetics","volume":"99 ","pages":"191-205"},"PeriodicalIF":2.8,"publicationDate":"2025-10-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12612812/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145541009","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Ratakorn Aimkosa, Oren Tirosh, Charlotte Genderton, Doa El-Ansary, Roger Adams, Jia Han
{"title":"Effects of Soccer Boot Insoles on Muscle Activity and Ankle Inversion Proprioception in Drop Landing Tasks in Patients with and without Chronic Ankle Instability.","authors":"Ratakorn Aimkosa, Oren Tirosh, Charlotte Genderton, Doa El-Ansary, Roger Adams, Jia Han","doi":"10.5114/jhk/205685","DOIUrl":"10.5114/jhk/205685","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Chronic ankle instability (CAI) poses challenges in sports. Textured insoles are a promising intervention for optimizing ankle muscle activity and enhancing ankle proprioceptive ability in individuals with CAI. This study investigated the effects of different types of insoles on ankle muscle activity and ankle inversion proprioception during drop-landing tasks. Thirty-two soccer players (16 CAI, 16 non-CAI) participated in the study. Electromyographic (EMG) activity of the tibialis anterior (TA), medial gastrocnemius (MG), and peroneus longus (PL) muscles was recorded during drop-landing tasks using the ankle inversion discrimination apparatus for landing (AIDAL) with textured insoles (TI) and standard flat insoles (SI). Ankle inversion proprioception was assessed using the AIDAL. Muscle activity was analyzed for pre- and initial contact phases. CAI players showed significantly reduced TA activity compared to non-CAI players during both pre-initial (2.62 ± 1.86 vs. 5.53 ± 5.15; p = 0.04) and initial contact phases (18.7 ± 13.6 vs. 29.9 ± 20.6; p = 0.01). CAI players also exhibited greater MG activity during pre-initial (16 ± 6.15 vs. 12.5 ± 6.38; p = 0.03) and initial contact phases (60.8 ± 32.5 vs. 41.5 ± 14.8; p = 0.004), and higher PL activity during the pre-initial contact phase (7.39 ± 4.75 vs. 4.28 ± 2.83; p = 0.003). No significant CAI/insole main effects or interactions (p > 0.05) were observed in AIDAL proprioceptive scores. Overall, CAI players showed significant alterations in ankle muscle activity during drop-landing tasks. Increased PL activity during the pre-initial contact phase may serve as a compensatory strategy to enhance ankle stability, while reduced TA and increased MG activation during pre-initial and initial contact phases may contribute to the high incidence of recurrent ankle sprains in CAI individuals. Additionally, the lack of immediate effects from insoles on muscle activity suggests that their influence on sensory input and foot positioning may require prolonged use to induce measurable neuromuscular adaptations.</p>","PeriodicalId":16055,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Human Kinetics","volume":"103 ","pages":"27-41"},"PeriodicalIF":4.0,"publicationDate":"2025-10-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13551330/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148912270","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Joachim D'Hondt, Mara Vanhoudt, Maluta Dani, Laurent Chapelle, Dirk Aerenhouts
{"title":"Does a Muscle Fatigue-Inducing Protocol Alter the Magnitude of Jump Inter-Limb Asymmetry in Healthy Adolescents?","authors":"Joachim D'Hondt, Mara Vanhoudt, Maluta Dani, Laurent Chapelle, Dirk Aerenhouts","doi":"10.5114/jhk/205705","DOIUrl":"10.5114/jhk/205705","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>This study examined changes in jump asymmetry in adolescents over a 72-hour period following a muscle fatigue-inducing protocol. Single-leg 10-s hop jump (SL10J), single-leg countermovement jump (SLCMJ), and single-leg horizontal jump (SLHJ) asymmetries were measured at baseline, immediately post-exercise, and at 24, 48, and 72 h post-exercise in 7 female and 16 male adolescents aged 12-18 years. The bioelectrical impedance analysis derived segmental phase angle and ECW/TBW were used as indicators of muscle damage for each leg, while the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) assessed muscle soreness and the bilateral countermovement jump (BCMJ) and the bilateral horizontal jump (BHJ) indicated changes in absolute jump performance. A significant increase in SL10J asymmetry was observed 48 hours post-exercise (p < 0.001), while no significant changes were detected immediately post-exercise or at 24 and 72 h. No significant changes were found in SLCMJ or SLHJ asymmetry at any time point. BIA did not indicate significant muscle damage, though a significant increase in muscle soreness (VAS), peaking at 48 h post-exercise, was recorded. The kappa values indicated slight to moderate agreement for task specificity and slight to substantial agreement for time specificity, with the highest consistency between 24 and 48 h post-exercise for both the SLCMJ and the SL10J. To conclude, asymmetry significantly increased only for the SL10J at 48 h post-exercise, suggesting that repeated jump tests may be more sensitive to fatigue-induced asymmetry than single-jump tests. The substantial kappa values at 24 and 48 h highlight the potential to offer a more robust assessment of asymmetry when recovering from a fatigue-inducing event.</p>","PeriodicalId":16055,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Human Kinetics","volume":"103 ","pages":"57-68"},"PeriodicalIF":4.0,"publicationDate":"2025-10-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13551332/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148911979","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"The Effect of Sport Motivation on Burnout in Adolescent Athletes-Chain Mediating Effect of Life Satisfaction and Mental Toughness.","authors":"Hongli Zhang, Hongtao Ma","doi":"10.5114/jhk/201433","DOIUrl":"10.5114/jhk/201433","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>This study explored the effects of sport motivation on athlete burnout among adolescent athletes and examined the mediating roles of life satisfaction and mental toughness. A total of 638 adolescent athletes (mean age = 15.64 ± 2.28 years) were assessed using the athletic motivation scale, the satisfaction with life scale, the adolescent mental toughness scale, and the athlete burnout questionnaire. Data were analyzed using SPSS Process for chain mediation analysis. Results indicated that sport motivation negatively predicted athlete burnout in both male (r = -0.523) and female athletes (r = -0.491). For male athletes, the total effect of sport motivation on athlete burnout was -0.374, with direct and indirect effects of -0.188 and -0.186, respectively. For female athletes, the total effect was -0.601, with direct and indirect effects of -0.363 and -0.238, respectively. Male athletes showed indirect effects through mental toughness (effect = -0.174; share = 46.52%) and the chain mediation of life satisfaction and mental toughness (effect = -0.072; share = 19.25%). Female athletes exhibited indirect effects through life satisfaction (effect = -0.043; share = 7.15%), mental toughness (effect = -0.151; share = 25.12%), as well as the chain mediation of life satisfaction and mental toughness (effect = -0.044; share = 7.32%). This study highlights the role of sport motivation in reducing athlete burnout. For female athletes, burnout was influenced by all three mediating pathways (life satisfaction, mental toughness, and their chain mediation). For male athletes, the effects were predominantly mediated through mental toughness and the chain mediation of life satisfaction along with mental toughness.</p>","PeriodicalId":16055,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Human Kinetics","volume":"99 ","pages":"239-252"},"PeriodicalIF":2.8,"publicationDate":"2025-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12612805/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145540864","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Diogo Mendes, Diogo V Martinho, Bruno Travassos, Élvio R Gouveia, Nestor Ordoñez Saavedra, Hugo Sarmento
{"title":"Talent Selection in Portuguese National Futsal Teams.","authors":"Diogo Mendes, Diogo V Martinho, Bruno Travassos, Élvio R Gouveia, Nestor Ordoñez Saavedra, Hugo Sarmento","doi":"10.5114/jhk/199379","DOIUrl":"10.5114/jhk/199379","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>This study investigated the talent selection processes implemented in youth and adult national futsal teams. The initial database provided by the Portuguese Football Federation included 668 male futsal players, and statistical analysis was conducted with varying sample sizes. Binary logistic regressions were performed to determine the influence of futsal participation on the likelihood of achieving international status at the adult level. Subsequently, the age of first registration was plotted against the national team in which the first international appearance was recorded. Finally, the selection, re-selection, and de-selection of players from the under-17 youth national team to the adult team were described using frequencies and percentages. For the total sample, the results indicated that an earlier age at first registration, participation in the 1<sup>st</sup> Division, involvement in foreign competitions, and engagement with multiple clubs increased the likelihood of being selected for the international team. The analysis also considered the year in which youth national teams were developed. Before 1999, players demonstrated earlier registration ages; however, the timing of starting futsal practice became less relevant to attaining international adult status after 1999. Furthermore, a negligible percentage of youth national team players progressed to the senior national team, highlighting the collectivist approach employed by futsal national coaches. The findings of this study suggest that the transition of talent from youth to adult national teams warrants further investigation. Coaches should develop strategies to promote the development of youth talent as they progress towards adult-level status.</p>","PeriodicalId":16055,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Human Kinetics","volume":"99 ","pages":"253-261"},"PeriodicalIF":2.8,"publicationDate":"2025-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12612822/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145540844","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Impact of Load Variation on Lower Limb Joint Torque during Overhead Squats.","authors":"Yusuke Ikeda, Masaki Kawabe, Tetsuya Hisamitsu","doi":"10.5114/jhk/195877","DOIUrl":"10.5114/jhk/195877","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The purpose of this study was to examine the kinematic and kinetic changes in overhead squats (OHSs) with increasing loads and clarify the relationship between OHS movement and shoulder joint flexibility. Fourteen male college students randomly performed OHSs using 20% of their body mass (BM), 40% of their BM, and a plastic pipe (no load). The motion and ground reaction forces during OHSs were recorded. The relative peak torque of the hip under the 20% and 40% BM conditions during both negative and positive phases of the OHS was significantly greater than that under the no-load condition, while the relative peak torque of the knee did not increase. The relative peak torque of the hip was negatively correlated with the angles of the lower trunk at the lowest point of the center of mass (CM). In relation to the movement of the OHS and shoulder joint flexibility, a correlation was observed between the angle of the lower trunk at the lowest point of the CM and the shoulder flexibility test score (r = 0.561-0.598, p < 0.05), suggesting that a flexible shoulder joint could lead to the lower trunk leaning forward during the OHS. These results reveal that in the overhead squat, where the relative load to body weight is smaller compared to the normal squat, an increase in the load leads to an increase in hip torque without a corresponding increase in knee torque. Furthermore, the increase in hip torque is influenced by the angle of the lower trunk.</p>","PeriodicalId":16055,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Human Kinetics","volume":"99 ","pages":"5-18"},"PeriodicalIF":2.8,"publicationDate":"2025-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12612806/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145540946","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"The Reliability and Validity of the Leg Lateral Reach Test in Adolescent Tennis Players.","authors":"Elif Aygun-Polat, Sevim-Beyza Olmez, Zeynep Hazar","doi":"10.5114/jhk/197429","DOIUrl":"10.5114/jhk/197429","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Regular assessment of clinical measurements of trunk rotation flexibility that are valid and reliable is necessary to minimize the risk of injury and optimize performance in tennis players who perform repetitive trunk rotation. The objectives of this study were to investigate: (1) the intra-rater, inter-rater, and test-retest reliability of the leg lateral reach test (LLRT) in tennis players; (2) the minimum detectable change in the leg lateral reach test in tennis players; and (3) the correlation between leg lateral reach and seated rotation tests in tennis players. Twenty-four adolescent tennis players were recruited for the study. To ascertain the reliability of the leg lateral reach test, two designated raters (rater 1 and rater 2) evaluated each participant with the test 5-7 days apart (session 1 and session 2). The leg lateral reach distances and the seated rotation angle from session 1 were correlated to evaluate the validity. The intra-rater and inter-rater analysis found almost perfect reliability (ICC ≥ 0.835, SEM ≤ 2.47 cm; ICC ≥ 0.881, SEM ≤ 2.02 cm, respectively). The correlation between the distance of the lateral leg reach for the dominant and non-dominant sides and the angle of seated rotation was fair (r 0.441 and 0.406, respectively). This study demonstrates the leg lateral reach test as a reliable and valid screening tool, accurately predicting the range of thoraco-lumbo-pelvic rotation in adolescent tennis players.</p>","PeriodicalId":16055,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Human Kinetics","volume":"99 ","pages":"183-190"},"PeriodicalIF":2.8,"publicationDate":"2025-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12612819/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145540837","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Demetrio Lozano, Antonio Cartón-Llorente, Virgilio Gilart-Iglesias, Diego Marcos-Jorquera, Carmen Manchado
{"title":"Physical Demands of Handball Referees: A Big Data Analysis between the EHF Men's and Women's EUROs 2022.","authors":"Demetrio Lozano, Antonio Cartón-Llorente, Virgilio Gilart-Iglesias, Diego Marcos-Jorquera, Carmen Manchado","doi":"10.5114/jhk/202371","DOIUrl":"10.5114/jhk/202371","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Handball referees face significant physical demands during the games that can influence the accuracy of their decisions. The aim of this study was to compare the movement profile of the referees during the men's and women's EHF 2022 EUROs. A total of 60 referees were evaluated using a local positioning system which provided data on their total distance, pace, accelerations, decelerations, and time spent in different speed zones. To automate the proposed methodology, a system was designed based on three phases: 1) capture of information on the activities and the context of the match through sensor networks, the LPS system and WebScraping techniques; 2) information processing based on Big Data Analytics; 3) extraction of results based on a descriptive analytics approach. The analysis revealed that referees in the women's tournament covered greater total and high-speed distances, but the accelerations were greater in the men's championship. Despite these differences, the referees' running pace, analyzed in fixed 5-min time intervals, followed a similar pattern across tournaments, identifying the first 10 min of play as the most demanding scenarios. These findings highlight the importance of adapting physical training of referees according to the specific demands of each competition.</p>","PeriodicalId":16055,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Human Kinetics","volume":"99 ","pages":"171-181"},"PeriodicalIF":2.8,"publicationDate":"2025-10-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12612826/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145540056","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}