Hemodynamic Effects of Intermittent Pneumatic Compression on Athletes: A Double-Blinded Randomized Crossover Study.

PURPOSE: There are multiple postexercise recovery technologies available in the market based on the assumption of blood-flow enhancement. Lower-limb intermittent pneumatic compression (IPC) has been widely used, but the available scientific evidence supporting its effectiveness remains scarce, requiring a deeper investigation into its underlying mechanisms. The aim of this study was to assess the hemodynamic effects caused by the use of IPC at rest. METHODS: Twenty-two soccer and track and field athletes underwent two 15-minute IPC protocols (moderate- [80 mm Hg] and high-pressure [200 mm Hg]) in a randomized order. Systolic peak velocity, end-diastolic peak velocity, arterial diameter, and heart rate were measured before, during (at the eighth minute), and 2 minutes after each IPC protocol. RESULTS: Significant effects were observed between before and during (eighth minute) the IPC protocol for measures of systolic (P < .001) and end-diastolic peak velocities (P < .001), with the greater effects observed during the high-pressure protocol. Moreover, 2 minutes after each IPC protocol, hemodynamic variables returned to values close to baseline. Arterial diameter presented significant differences between pressures during the IPC protocols (P < .05), while heart rate remained unaltered. CONCLUSION: IPC effectively enhances transitory blood flow of athletes, particularly when applying high-pressure protocols.

Clustering technical approaches of elite and world-class pole vaulters based on 10 years of measurement during competitions.

Recently, a variety of technical approaches in world-class pole-vaulters' behaviour have been observed. The aim of this study was to investigate the presence of subgroups using different technical approaches and to compare biomechanical performance differences. Biomechanical analysis of performances over 5.00 metres from 99 athletes were clustered with K-means methodology based on the relative position of the top hand at take-off and the direction of the top of the pole from take-off to the maximal pole bending. Analysis revealed four subgroups that were distinguished by higher and lower direction angle and relative position values. Despite differences in technique, the analysis did not reveal significant differences between these four groups in performance, take-off speed, or athlete anthropometrics. Nevertheless, these clusters showcased variations in pole-athlete interactions and pole bending, suggesting different strategies and physical requirements associated with each approach. Cluster 2 characterised the classical technique with a high direction angle and a take-off position close to the vertical plane. Cluster 4 displayed a technique with a low take-off angle, suggesting the influence of athletes like Lavillenie, in deviating from the conventional model. Understanding and categorising athletes based on their preferred technique can aid coaches in providing tailored instructions, leading to performance improvements.

Athletic Performance Decline Over the Life Span: Cross-Sectional and Longitudinal Analyses of Elite and Masters Track-and-Field Data.

PURPOSE: Loss of muscle power has a significant impact on mobility in geriatric populations, so this study sought to determine the extent and time course of performance decline in power-centric events throughout the life span via retrospective analyses of masters and elite track-and-field data. METHODS: Four track-and-field events were selected based on maximal power output: the 100-m dash, long jump, high jump, and triple jump. Elite and masters athlete data were gathered from the World Masters Outdoor Championships and the International Amateur Athletic Federation World Athletics Championships (17,945 individual results). Data were analyzed by fitting individual and group results to quadratic and linear models. RESULTS: Average age of peak performance in all events was 27.8 (0.8) years for men and 28.3 (0.8) years for women. Athlete performance decline best matched a linear model for the 5 years following peak performance (mean R2 = .68 [.20]) and for ages 35-60, but best matched a quadratic model for ages 60-90 and 35-90 (mean R2 = .75 [.12]). The average rate of decline for the masters data ages 35-60 ranged from 0.55% per year for men's 100-m dash to 1.04% per year for women's long jump. A significant age × sex interaction existed between men and women, with men declining faster throughout life in all events except the 100-m dash. CONCLUSIONS: Performance decline begins in the early 30s and is linear through middle age. This pattern of decline provides a basis for further research on power-decline pathophysiology and preventive measures starting in the 30s.

Reliability of muscle thickness and muscle echo intensity evaluation of the posterior medial tibia in long-distance athletes using an ultrasound imaging device.

OBJECTIVE: We aimed to verify the reliability of muscle thickness and luminance evaluation of the deep leg muscles using an ultrasound device. DESIGN: Cohort study. SETTING: Track and field, Participants: high school track and field long distance athletes (N = 10, female: 50.0%, age = 16.0 ± 2.8 years, BMI = 18.2 ± 2.3 kg/m2) PARTICIPANTS: This study included Japanese high school track and long-distance field athletes. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The thickness and echo intensity of tibialis posterior, flexor digitorum longus, and soleus muscles in the posterior medial tibia were clarified. RESULTS: The echo intensity evaluation of the tibialis posterior muscle showed an additive error. CONCLUSION: The study suggested that the results could be clinically applied clinically, except for the evaluation of echo intensity of the posterior tibialis muscle.

Performance pathways in elite middle- and long-distance track and field athletes: The influence of a successful youth.

OBJECTIVES: There is limited information on the performance progression of athletics endurance athletes from junior-to-senior status and the determinants of success in adulthood. This study aimed to quantify the youth-to-senior transition rate, the likelihood of success and the relationship between youth and senior performance amongst world-class athletes competing in middle- and long-distance disciplines. DESIGN: Retrospective design examining public data between 2000 and 2019. METHODS: The performances of 4678 international athletes (45.3 % female) were analysed. World's all-time top 50 athletes were identified for U18 and Senior categories (age ≥ 20 years). Youth-to-senior transition rate and transition probabilities were calculated. Correlations between best U18 and Senior performances were determined to assess the stability of the performance. RESULTS: The youth-to-senior transition rate for top U18 athletes was low for males and females (~19 % and 21 %). Nevertheless, the probability of transition to a top senior was ~7 times higher for top U18 athletes than for non-top U18 athletes. The correlations between youth and senior best performances were low-to-high. CONCLUSIONS: Few top U18 athletes maintained top world ranking status during their senior careers. Still, they are more likely to become top senior athletes than those who did not perform at the top level in U18. The association between youth and senior performance is stronger when comparing the same discipline or when athletes competed over longer distances in their senior compared to U18 career. Being a successful youth athlete may represent a small advantage for future success, however, it does not guarantee advancement to the senior top level.

Sex Differences in Track and Field Elite Youth.

PURPOSE: To understand athletic performance before and after puberty, this study determined 1) the age at which the sex difference increases among elite youth track and field athletes for running and jumping events, and 2) whether there is a sex difference in performance before ages associated with puberty among elite youth athletes. METHODS: Track and field records of elite US male and female youth (7-18 yr) across 3 yr (2019, 2021, and 2022) were collected from an online database ( athletic.net ). The top 50 performances were recorded for 100-, 200-, 400-, and 800-m track running, long jump, and high jump. RESULTS: Males ran faster than females at every age in the 100, 200, 400 and 800 m ( P < 0.001). When combining all running events, the sex difference (%) was 4.0% ± 1.7% between 7 and 12 yr and increased to 6.3% ± 1.1% at 13 yr and 12.6% ± 1.8% at 18 yr ( P < 0.001). Similarly, males jumped higher and farther than females at every age ( P < 0.001). For long jump, the sex difference was 6.8% ± 2.8% between 7 and 12 yr, increasing to 8.5% ± 1.7% at 13 yr and 22.7% ± 1.4% at 18 yr ( P < 0.001). For high jump, the sex difference was 5.3% ± 5.2% between 7 and 12 yr, increasing to 12.4% ± 2.9% at 15 yr and 18.4% ± 2.04% at 18 yr ( P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Before 12 yr of age in elite youth track and field athletes, there was a consistent and significant sex difference of ~5%, such that males ran faster and jumped higher and farther than females. The magnitude of the sex difference in performance increased markedly at 12-13 yr for running and long jump and 14 yr for high jump and thus was more pronounced after ages associated with puberty.

Novel track field test to determine Vpeak, relationship with treadmill test and 10-km running performance in trained endurance runners.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to determine the peak running velocity on the track field (Vpeak_TF) based on the laboratory treadmill test (Vpeak_T), and relate the Vpeak values as well as their correlation with the 10-km running performance in trained endurance runners. METHOD: Twenty male trained endurance runners (age: 29.5 ± 5.3 years; V̇O2max: 67.5±17.6 ml · kg-1·min-1) performed three maximum incremental tests to determine the Vpeak: one for Vpeak_T determination and two to obtain Vpeak_TF on the official track field (400 m), and a 10-km running performance. During the incremental tests, maximum heart rate (HRmax), maximal rating of perceived exertion (RPEmax), and peak lactate concentration (LApeak) were determined. RESULTS: The results showed significant difference between the Vpeak_TF and Vpeak_T (18.1 ± 1.2 vs. 19.2 ± 1.5 km·h-1, respectively), as well as the total time of the tests, the distance traveled and the RPEmax determined during the tests. A high correlation was observed between the Vpeak values (r = 0.94), and between Vpeak_TF and Vpeak_T with 10-km running performance (r = -0.95 vs. r = -0.89, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: The good agreement and association with Vpeak_T and high correlation with 10-km running performance demonstrate that the novel track field test is efficient for Vpeak_TF determination.

Curved Approach in High Jump Induces Greater Jumping Height without Greater Joint Kinetic Exertions than Straight Approach.

PURPOSE: The most height-specific jumping mode, the athletic high jump, is characterized as a running single-leg jump (RSLJ) from a curved approach. The main advantage of a curved approach is believed to be facilitation of bar clearance. However, the effect of a curved approach on center-of-mass (CoM) height generation has not been clarified. Here, we show that the curved RSLJ (C-RSLJ) is more suitable than the straight RSLJ (S-RSLJ) for CoM height generation. METHODS: We collected data using motion capture from 13 male high jumpers (personal best, 2.02-2.31 m) that performed C-RSLJ and S-RSLJ. We then compared the energy generation contributing to CoM height (Evert) in each approach. RESULTS: All participants attained greater CoM height in C-RSLJ than in S-RSLJ (difference, 0.055 ± 0.024 m). Three-dimensional joint kinematics and kinetics were similar between both approaches, except for the ankle plantar-flexion torque, which was smaller in C-RSLJ. The sum of positive work was comparable between the approaches, whereas the sum of negative work in C-RSLJ was significantly smaller than in S-RSLJ. The shank forward rotation induced a larger difference in Evert generation between C-RSLJ and S-RSLJ (0.80 ± 0.36 J·kg-1) than any other segment (≤0.36 J·kg-1). CONCLUSIONS: Compared with a straight approach, a curved approach induces greater CoM height without increasing joint kinetic exertions during takeoff. The curved approach changes the initial condition of the takeoff and promotes the transformation of horizontal kinetic energy into Evert. This study provides novel practical perspectives for high jumpers and highlights the importance of segment biomechanics in human motor performance.

Running performance of non-professional female runners from different Brazilian states: the role of environmental characteristics

Abstract Aims: (i) to compare the running performance of non-professional female runners from different Brazilian states; (ii) to estimate the relationship between environmental state-related variables and running performance; and (iii) to analyze the mediation role of training commitment in the relationship between the environment and running performance. Methods: A total of 418 non-professional female runners were sampled from the five Brazilian regions. An online questionnaire was used for data collection and included self-reported information about age, body weight, body height, place of residence, training volume, and running pace. Environmental characteristics were based on the Census 2010 and included percentages of public illumination, asphalt, sidewalks, and green areas for state capital cities. Linear regression, Pearson correlation, and mediation analysis were performed using SPSS 26, at a 95% confidence interval. Results: The fastest women were from the Rio Grande do Sul. Significant differences were observed between Rio Grande do Sul and Rio Grande do Norte (β= 45.79; 95%CI = 16.86 − 74.73), Distrito Federal (β = 34.55; 95%CI = 1.87−67.24), and Sergipe (β = 35.34; 95%CI = 14.09−56.60). A negative relationship was observed between running pace with green areas (r = −0.206; 95%CI = −0.305 − −0.110) and training volume (r = −0.343; 95%CI = −0.427−0.167). Training volume explained 23% of the relationship between the percentage of green areas and running performance. Conclusion: The fastest runners were from the Rio Grande do Sul. Higher percentages of green areas can favor performance, which is partly mediated by increased training volume.

Training Load, Heart Rate Variability, Direct Current Potential and Elite Long Jump Performance Prior and during the 2016 Olympic Games.

The primary objective of this investigation was to investigate the relationships between training load (TL), heart rate variability (HRV) and direct current potential (DC) with elite long jump performance prior to and during the 2016 Olympics Games. Sessional ratings of perceived exertion (sRPE), training duration, HRV and DC were collected from four elite athletes (26.4 ± 1.4 years, height 1.83 ± 0.05 m, weight 68.9 ± 5.0 kg) for a 16-week period in qualification for and competition at the 2016 Olympic Games. Acute and chronic TL, training stress balance and differential load were calculated with three different smoothing methods. These TL measures along with HRV and DC were examined for their relationship to intra-athlete performance using repeated measure correlations and linear mixed models. Successful compared to unsuccessful intra-athlete performances were characterised by a higher chronic TL (p < 0.01, f2 = 0.31) but only when TL was exponentially smoothed. There were also negative correlations between HRV and performance (r = -0.55, p < 0.01) and HRV was significantly lower for more successful performances (p < 0.01, f2 = 0.19). Exponentially smoothed chronic TL was significantly higher and HRV was significantly lower for successful intra-athlete performances prior and during the 2016 Olympics Games in an elite group of long jump athletes. Monitoring sRPE and HRV measures and manipulating TL prior to competition seems worthwhile for elite long jump athletes.

Surmising synchrony of sound and sight: Factors explaining variance of audiovisual integration in hurdling, tap dancing and drumming.

Auditory and visual percepts are integrated even when they are not perfectly temporally aligned with each other, especially when the visual signal precedes the auditory signal. This window of temporal integration for asynchronous audiovisual stimuli is relatively well examined in the case of speech, while other natural action-induced sounds have been widely neglected. Here, we studied the detection of audiovisual asynchrony in three different whole-body actions with natural action-induced sounds-hurdling, tap dancing and drumming. In Study 1, we examined whether audiovisual asynchrony detection, assessed by a simultaneity judgment task, differs as a function of sound production intentionality. Based on previous findings, we expected that auditory and visual signals should be integrated over a wider temporal window for actions creating sounds intentionally (tap dancing), compared to actions creating sounds incidentally (hurdling). While percentages of perceived synchrony differed in the expected way, we identified two further factors, namely high event density and low rhythmicity, to induce higher synchrony ratings as well. Therefore, we systematically varied event density and rhythmicity in Study 2, this time using drumming stimuli to exert full control over these variables, and the same simultaneity judgment tasks. Results suggest that high event density leads to a bias to integrate rather than segregate auditory and visual signals, even at relatively large asynchronies. Rhythmicity had a similar, albeit weaker effect, when event density was low. Our findings demonstrate that shorter asynchronies and visual-first asynchronies lead to higher synchrony ratings of whole-body action, pointing to clear parallels with audiovisual integration in speech perception. Overconfidence in the naturally expected, that is, synchrony of sound and sight, was stronger for intentional (vs. incidental) sound production and for movements with high (vs. low) rhythmicity, presumably because both encourage predictive processes. In contrast, high event density appears to increase synchronicity judgments simply because it makes the detection of audiovisual asynchrony more difficult. More studies using real-life audiovisual stimuli with varying event densities and rhythmicities are needed to fully uncover the general mechanisms of audiovisual integration.

The strategy of physiological arousal of athletes in sports competition based on drug intervention / A estratégia da excitação fisiológica de atletas em competições esportivas com base em intervenção medicamentosa / Deportistas basados en intervenciones farmacéuticas, estrategia fisiológica de despertar

ABSTRACT Generally speaking, the physiological index of the human body is in a relatively stable state, which refers to the function of various organ systems with the characteristics of high-tide period, low-tide period and critical period. However, for competitive athletes, it is necessary to maintain physiological activation in both training and competition. In view of this, this study will analyze the physiological arousal degree of aspirin and acetaminophen in order to provide a reference for athletes to take analgesic drugs. In this study, the analytic hierarchy process (AHP), principal component analysis and factor analysis, were used to construct a scientific evaluation system of physiological arousal level, and the medication and non-medication status of 90 athletes were evaluated. The results showed that aspirin was better than acetaminophen in blood urea and serum creatine kinase, and the comprehensive score of some athletes was higher than 0.95. Aspirin is better in arousing athletes' physiology. The research results will provide scientific guidance for athletes to take antipyretic and analgesic drugs.

RESUMO Em termos gerais, o índice fisiológico do corpo humano encontra-se num estado relativamente estável, que se refere à função de vários sistemas de órgãos no corpo humano, com as características do período de altas, período de baixas e período crítico. No entanto, para atletas competitivos, é necessário manter a ativação fisiológica em treinamento e competição. Em vista disso, este estudo irá analisar o grau fisiológico de excitação de aspirina e acetaminofeno, a fim de fornecer referência para os atletas a tomar medicamentos analgésicos. Neste estudo, o Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP), análise de componentes principal e análise de fatores foram usados para construir um sistema de avaliação científica de nível de excitação fisiológica, e o estado de medicação e de não medicação de 90 atletas foram avaliados. Os resultados mostraram que a aspirina foi melhor do que o acetaminofeno na ureia sanguínea e na creatina quinase sérica, e o escore abrangente de alguns atletas foi maior do que 0.95. A aspirina é melhor no despertar da fisiologia dos atletas. Os resultados da pesquisa fornecerão orientação científica para os atletas tomarem medicamentos antipiréticos e analgésicos.

RESUMEN En términos generales, el índice fisiológico del cuerpo humano se encuentra en un estado relativamente estable, que se refiere a la función de varios sistemas de órganos en el cuerpo humano, con las características del período de altas, período de bajas y período crítico. Mientras tanto, para atletas competitivos, es necesario mantener la activación fisiológica en entrenamiento y competición. En vista de eso, este estudio analizará el grado fisiológico de excitación de aspirina y acetaminofeno, a fin de proveer referencia para los atletas para tomar medicamentos analgésicos. En este estudio, el Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP), análisis de componentes principal y análisis de fatores fueron usados para construir un sistema de evaluación científica de nivel de excitación fisiológica, y el estado de medicación y de no medicación de 90 atletas fueron evaluados. Los resultados mostraron que la aspirina fue mejor que el acetaminofeno en la urea sanguínea y en la creatina quinasa sérica, y el escore abarcador de algunos atletas fue mayor de 0.95. La aspirina es mejor en el despertar de la fisiología de los atletas. Los resultados de la investigación proveerán orientación científica para que los atletas tomen medicamentos antipiréticos y analgésicos.

Traditional high jump Gusimbuka Urukiramende: Could early 20th century African athletes beat Olympic champions?

During the first half of the 20th century, extraordinary high jumping performances of East-African athletes were observed. These athletes used a specific native jumping style called Gusimbuka Urukiramende. Eye-witnesses believed that these performances could have been world-records and that these athletes could have competed at the Olympics. However, these athletes never participated in international competitions and there is no other proof to support these performance claims. We have analysed historical photos and cine sequences of these jumps, documented the movement analysis of this technique, quantified performance and compared it to contemporaneous elite performances. Our analyses demonstrate that Gusimbuka Urukiramende athletes did not jump as high as the world record. Nevertheless, even though they used a suboptimal jump technique (because they had to lift their bodies higher to cross the bar) they could cross bar heights of 188 cm or 106% body height and as such their performance still was worthy of participation to the Olympics.

Critical Speed throughout Aging: Insight into the World Masters Championships.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to determine how the speed-distance relationship, described by critical speed (CS) and distance prime (D'), is altered with aging. METHODS: Official race data from the past eight World Masters Athletics Indoor Track and Field World Championships were used for this study. CS and D' were calculated for female and male athletes (35-90 yr of age) who registered times for the 800-, 1500-, and 3000-m runs during a single championship to determine the relationship between age and CS and D'. Twenty-six athletes completed sufficient races in multiple championships to retrospectively assess the change in CS and D' over time. RESULTS: Cross-sectional data indicated that CS continuously decreases after age 35 yr in a curvilinear manner with advancing age (R2 = 0.73, P < 0.001, n = 187), with even greater decreases in CS occurring after ~70 yr of age. D' also changed in a curvilinear manner with age (R2 = 0.45, P < 0.001, n = 103), such that decreases were observed between 35 and 70 yr, followed by an increase in D' thereafter. Retrospective, longitudinal data, with an average follow-up of 6.38 ± 1.73 yr, support these findings, indicating that the annual decrease in CS grows with advancing age (e.g., ~1% vs ~3% annual decrease in CS at age 55 vs 80 yr, respectively) and that D' shifts from an annual decrease (e.g., ~2.5% annual decrease at 55 yr) to an annual increase (e.g., ~2.5% annual increase at 80 yr) around 70 yr of age. Importantly, the relationship between CS and race pace was unaffected by age, supporting the relevance of CS throughout aging. CONCLUSION: Even among world-class athletes, CS decreases and D' changes with aging. These adaptations may contribute to the diminished exercise ability associated with aging.

Longitudinal Master Track and Field Performance Decline Rates Are Lower and Performance Is Better Compared to Athletes Competing Only Once.

In master athletics research, cross-sectional data are easier to obtain than longitudinal data. While cross-sectional data give the age-related performance decline for a population, longitudinal data show individual trajectories. It is not known whether athletes who repeatedly compete have (a) a better performance and (b) a slower age-related decline in performance than that obtained from cross-sectional data from athletes competing only once. To investigate this, we analyzed 33 254 results of 14 118 male athletes from 8 disciplines in the database of "Swedish Veteran Athletics." For each discipline and for the pooled data of all disciplines, quadratic models of the evolution of performance over time were analyzed by ANCOVA/ANOCOVA using MATLAB. The performance was higher in athletes with 2 or more data points compared to those with only n = 1 (p < .001), with further increases in performance with an increasing number of data points per athlete. The estimated performance decline was lower in people with 2 or more results (sprint, 10 km, jumps; p < .001). In conclusion, we showed that longitudinal data are associated with higher performance and lower performance decline rates.

Prediction of throwing distance in the men's and women's javelin final at the 2017 IAAF world championships.

The purpose of this study was to use regularised regression models to identify the most important biomechanical predictors of throwing distance in elite male (M) and female (F) javelin throwers at the 2017 IAAF world championships. Biomechanical data from 13 male and 12 female javelin throwers who competed at the 2017 IAAF world championships were obtained from an official scientific IAAF report. Regularised regression models were used to investigate the associations between throwing distance and release parameters, whole-body kinematic and joint-level kinematic data. The regularised regression models identified two biomechanical predictors of throwing distances in both M and F javelin throwers: release velocity and knee flexion angle of the support leg at the moment of javelin release. In addition, the length of the delivery stride was an important predictor of throwing distance in M throwers, whereas the javelin's attitude angle and the distance between the whole-body centre of mass and the centre of mass of the back foot at the beginning of the delivery phase were important predictors of throwing distance in F throwers.

Comparison of force-velocity profiles of the leg-extensors for elite athletes in the throwing events relating to gender, age and event.

Strength capabilities of the leg-extending muscles play an important role in athletic throwing events, where a high momentum must be transferred to the throwing device. The objective of this study was to quantify the force-velocity profiles of the leg-extending muscles considering gender, age and event. The leg-extending forces of 143 elite-athletes (59 females, 84 males) of the athletic throwing events were measured during isokinetic leg press tasks at four speeds. The maxima of force, power and contraction velocity of a knee-extending model muscle could be determined by means of a scalable geometric model and linear fitting. This method makes different groups of athletes comparable. Furthermore, the individually achieved release speeds were measured in a field test. Female and male throwers showed a different development of force-velocity profiles during their maturation process. For the men the development is more speed-oriented. We identified shot putters and javelin throwers to be the athletes with the highest leg-extending power. The importance of leg-extending muscle strength for the complex field performance for the throwing events was confirmed. The presented approach allows to give support in controlling and guiding of leg-extension strength training for both different stages of maturing and varying throwing events.

Changes in performances/characteristics of French female runners over the last 12 years.

This study investigated the changes in performance of five official track running distances (800m, 1500m, 3000m, 5000m and 10,000m) and the characteristics of French female runners between 2005 and 2016. 22,839 official track performances were scrutinized. For each performance, the race time, the indication of personal record, age, and performance level were recorded. The main results showed that: (1) the number of French track performances has increased in recent years (except for the 10,000m) and the level of these performances has improved significantly only for the longer distances (5000 and 10,000m), (2) the longest distances were generally performed by older athletes, and (3) the highest percentage of international athletes was for the 10,000m event. These findings may be explained by: (1) the development plan put into place by the Fédération France d'Athlétisme, (2) age-dependent physiological and psychological factors and environmental conditions, and (3) the minima to access the international level.

Temporal Trends in the Standing Broad Jump Performance of United States Children and Adolescents.

Purpose: To estimate temporal trends in broad jump performance for United States youth, a marker of muscular fitness and health. Method: Electronic databases, topical systematic reviews, and personal libraries were systematically searched for studies reporting descriptive standing broad jump data for apparently healthy United States youth (age 10-17 years). Temporal trends at the sex-age level were estimated using sample-weighted regression models associating the year of testing to mean jump performance, with national trends standardized to the year 1985 using a post-stratified population-weighting procedure. Results: Collectively, there was a small increase of 12.6 cm (95%CI: 12.5 to 12.7) or 7.9% (95%CI: 7.1 to 8.6) in 65,527 United States youth between 1911 and 1990. Increases were greater for girls (change in means [95% CI]: 17.1 cm [16.9 to 17.3]; 11.4% [10.7 to 12.2]) compared to boys (change in means [95% CI]: 8.5 cm [8.3 to 8.7]; 4.6% [3.8 to 5.4]), but did not differ between children (10-12 years) and adolescents (13-17 years). Increases in broad jump performance were not always uniform across time, with steady and progressive increases observed for boys and children, respectively, and a diminishing rate of increase observed for girls and adolescents. Conclusions: Muscular fitness is a good marker of health, so greater broad jump performance from 1911 to 1990 may reflect corresponding changes in health. Routine assessment of broad jump performance may be useful to monitor trends in health and muscular fitness of United States youth due to its practicality, scalability, and predictive utility.