Detection of Upper Limb Asymmetries in Athletes According to the Stage of the Season-A Longitudinal Study.

Sports injuries can affect the performance of athletes. For this reason, functional tests are used for injury assessment and prevention, analyzing physical or physiological imbalances and detecting asymmetries. The main aim of this study was to detect the asymmetries in the upper limbs (right and left arms) in athletes, using the OctoBalance Test (OB), depending on the stage of the season. Two hundred and fifty-two participants (age: 23.33 ± 8.96 years old; height: 178.63 ± 11.12 cm; body mass: 80.28 ± 17.61 kg; body mass index: 24.88 ± 4.58; sports experience: 12.52 ± 6.28 years), practicing different sports (rugby, athletics, football, swimming, handball, triathlon, basketball, hockey, badminton and volleyball), assessed with the OB in medial, superolateral, and inferolateral directions in both arms, in four moments of the season (May 2017, September 2017, February 2018 and May 2018). ANOVA test was used with repeated measures with a p ≤ 0.05, for the analysis of the different studied variances. Significant differences were found (p = 0.021) in the medial direction of the left arm, between the first (May 2017) and fourth stages (May 2018), with values of 71.02 ± 7.15 cm and 65.03 ± 7.66 cm. From the detection of asymmetries, using the OB to measure, in the medial, superolateral and inferolateral directions, mobility and balance can be assessed. In addition, it is possible to observe functional imbalances, as a risk factor for injury, in each of the stages into which the season is divided, which will help in the prevention of injuries and in the individualization of training.

Validity, Reliability and Reproducibility of OctoBalance Test as Tool to Measure the Upper Limb Compared to Modified-Upper Quarter Y-Balance Test.

The articular evaluation of range of motion (ROM) is currently used to observe imbalance or limitations as possible risk factors or predispositions to suffer future injures. The main aim of this study is to verify the concurrent validity, reliability and reproducibility of the OctoBalance Test (OB) as a valid and reliable tool to measure articular ROM of the upper limb compared to the modified-Upper Quarter Y-Balance Test (mUQYBT). The twenty-five participants were male athletes. All of them were assessed with OB and mUQYBT in medial, superolateral, and inferolateral directions in both right and left arms with a three-minute break during these attempts. The process was repeated a second time with a week gap between measurements. Pearson correlation and linear logarithmic regression were used to examine the relationship between scores obtained with OB and mUQYBT. In order to verify the reliability, the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) was used (3.1). Concordance and reproducibility were assessed using Bland-Altman's graph. A perfect correlation and an almost linear logarithmic regression (R2 = 0.97) were observed between both measurement systems, with values of 73.531 ± 21.226 cm in mUQYBT and 69.541 ± 16.330 cm in OB. The differences were minimal between week one and week two. The assessment with Bland's graph showed the concordance and reproducibility of scores, showing the dispersion and the upper and lower limits. OB is shown as valid in comparison to the other test as a reliable and reproducible tool for the assessment of the articular ROM in the upper limb, and it could be used for the evaluation of injuries.

Prehospital Emergency Medicine at the Beach: What Is the Effect of Fins and Rescue Tubes in Lifesaving and Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation After Rescue?

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the influence of fins and rescue tube use in a water rescue, assessed by time and distance to salvage position, physiological parameters, and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). METHODS: Twenty professional lifeguards (10 men, 10 women) conducted 3 tests: a baseline test of 5 minutes of CPR and 2 water rescues, 1 without rescue equipment (NRE), and the other with fins and rescue tube (FRT). They also had to perform 5 minutes of CPR after each rescue. Time and distance of the rescues, physiological parameters (blood lactate concentration and heart rate), and quality of CPR were analyzed. RESULTS: CPR quality worsened by 26 to 28% (P < .001) after rescue. However, there were no differences using FRT. The use of rescue equipment reduced the time (FRT: 216±57 seconds; NRE: 319±127 seconds; P < .001) and distance covered (FRT: 265±52 m; NRE: 326±41 m; P < .001). No differences were found in lactate levels between FRT and NRE just after the rescues, but there were some after 5 minutes of subsequent CPR (FRT: 10.7±2.2 mmol/L; NRE: 12.6±1.8 mmol/L; P < .001). Comparing women with men, we found significant differences in lactate concentrations only in FRT (women: 9.6±1.4 mmol/L; men: 8.1±1.2 mmol/L; P = .031). CONCLUSIONS: The use of fins and rescue tube provides a comprehensive benefit in an aquatic emergency. However, FRT did not have any effect on the quality of the postrescue CPR.

Reliability and Usefulness of the 30-15 Intermittent Fitness Test in Male and Female Professional Futsal Players.

The purpose of this study was to determine the reliability and usefulness of the 30-15 Intermittent Fitness Test (30-15IFT) in professional male and female futsal players. Thirteen male (24.4 ± 5.6 years; 174.5 ± 10.3 cm; 70.3 ± 9.9 kg) and fourteen female (23.3 ± 4.5 years; 165.8 ± 6.2 cm; 61.7 ± 5.5 kg) professional futsal players performed the 30-15IFT on two occasions, separated by 5 days. Maximal intermittent running velocity (VIFT) and heart rate at exhaustion (HRpeak) data were collected for both tests. Reliability was assessed by the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), typical error (TE) expressed as a coefficient of variation (CV), and smallest worthwhile change (SWC). VIFT demonstrated very good reliability between sessions, both for male (ICC = 0.92) and female (ICC = 0.96) players. As the TE for VIFT and HRpeak was similar to the calculated SWC for both male and female players, the usefulness of the test was rated as "medium". A change in performance of at least 2 stages in male players, or a change of more than 1 stage in female players could be interpreted as a meaningful change in aerobic futsal fitness. The results of this study demonstrate that the 30-15IFT is both a reliable and useful test for male and female professional futsal players.

Assessing the efficacy of rescue equipment in lifeguard resuscitation efforts for drowning.

PURPOSE: The whole drowning process usually occurs within seconds to a few minutes. An early rescue may stop and/or prevent most medical complications. Fins, rescue tube, and rescue board (RB) are the equipment most frequently used by lifeguards. Our objective was to compare, in a water rescue quasiexperimental trial, these different pieces of rescue equipment to define the safest and with the lower rescue time as well as to assess their effects on the lifeguards' physiological state and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) performance. METHOD: A controlled trial was conducted to study the time effect of 4 different rescue techniques and assess CPR quality, along with the physiological effects of each rescue technique (blood lactate and subjective Borg's scale effort perception) on 35 lifeguards. RESULTS: Among the final sample subjects (n = 23), a total of 92 rescues were completed. Total water rescue time was longer without equipment (NE). The total rescue time was significantly lower using RB (P < .001). Similar good quality of CPR before and after water rescue was observed in all trials (P > .05), although correct ventilations represented less than 50% of total in all trials. Blood lactate increased after all rescues. The subjective effort Borg's scale showed significantly less effort using RB vs without equipment, fins, and fins and rescue tube. CONCLUSION: The use of propelling and/or floating equipment saves precious time with repercussions in the reduction of drowning mortality and morbidity. The RB offers a significant advantage. Lifeguards need more CPR training, especially considering the importance of efficient ventilations for drowning victims.

[INFLUENCE OF BODY COMPOSITION ON VERTICAL JUMP PERFORMANCE ACCORDING WITH THE AGE AND THE PLAYING POSITION IN FOOTBALL PLAYERS]. / INFLUENCIA DE LA COMPOSICIÓN CORPORAL SOBRE EL RENDIMIENTO EN SALTO VERTICAL DEPENDIENDO DE LA CATEGORÍA DE LA FORMACIÓN Y LA DEMARCACIÓN EN FUTBOLISTAS.

INTRODUCTION: body composition and vertical jump are two factors in the multifactorial approach to talent identification in soccer with implication on performance monitorization and injury rehabilitation. The aim of this study was to describe the anthropometric attributes and vertical jump performance in young soccer players based on their playing position. METHODS: four hundred and thirty-four young soccer players from 7 to 25 years (13.4 ± 3.45 yrs; 156 ± 17 cm; 47.9 ± 15.4 kg), who trained 3 days/week for 1.5 hours/ day, took part in the study. All were split up based on their age or soccer category (U9, U11, U13, U15, U17, U25) and playing position (goalkeeper, defenders, midfielders and forwards). Then, body composition was measure using the anthropometric method and vertical jump performance was analysed by three vertical jump test Squat Jump (SJ), Counter-movement Jump (CMJ) and Abalakov Jump (CMJA). RESULTS: significant differences among playing positions were mainly detected in categories U13, U15 and U25. Goalkeepers from U13 category reported a significantly higher fat free mass, appendicular lean body mass, area of the thigh and area of the calf (P < 0.05). While, defenders from U25 category showed a significantly greater vertical jump performance compared to midfielders for SJ, midfielders and forwards for CMJ and all playing position for CMJA (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: in addition to biological age and muscle mass development, playing position should be taken into consideration as a relevant variable in the utilization of body composition and vertical jump performance as talent detection factors.

Introducción: la detección de jóvenes talentos en fútbol tiene un carácter multifactorial. Entre estos factores, la composición corporal y el salto vertical han mostrado su utilidad tanto en la detección de talentos como en el control del rendimiento y la recuperación de lesiones. Por ello, el objetivo de este estudio fue describir el perfil antropométrico y el rendimiento de salto en futbolistas de todas las categorías de formación en base a su demarcación en el terreno de juego. Métodos: participaron en el estudio cuatrocientos treinta y cuatro jóvenes futbolistas españoles de 7 a 25 años de edad (13,4 ± 3,45 años; 156 ± 17 cm; 47,9 ± 15,4 kg), con un mínimo de tres sesiones semanales de 1,5 horas por sesión. Todos ellos fueron clasificados en función de la edad o la categoría (U9, U11, U13, U15, U17 y U25) y la demarcación en el terreno de juego (porteros, defensas, centrocampistas y delanteros). Se evaluó la composición corporal por medio del método antropométrico y se registró la altura del salto del Squat Jump (SJ), del Counter Movement Jump (CMJ) y del Abalakov Jump (CMJA). Resultados: se encontraron diferencias significativas en las variables antropométrica y de salto vertical en base a la demarcación para las categorías U13, U15 y U25. Los porteros de la categoría U13 mostraron una mayor masa magra, tejido apendicular, área muscular del muslo y del brazo que el resto de las demarcaciones (P < 0,05). Mientras que en la categoría U25 los defensas mostraron un mejor rendimiento de salto que el resto de demarcaciones para el CMJA, que los centrocampistas y delanteros para el CMJ y que los centrocampistas para el SJ (P < 0,05). Conclusión: la utilización del salto vertical y el perfil antropométrico como factores en la detección de jóvenes talentos en fútbol debería tener en cuenta no solo la edad biológica y el desarrollo muscular de los sujetos, sino también la demarcación en el terreno de juego.

Influencia de la composición corporal sobre el rendimiento en salto vertical dependiendo de la categoría de la formación y la demarcación en futbolistas / Influence of body composition on vertical jump performance according with the age and the playing position in football players

Introducción: la detección de jóvenes talentos en fútbol tiene un carácter multifactorial. Entre estos factores, la composición corporal y el salto vertical han mostrado su utilidad tanto en la detección de talentos como en el control del rendimiento y la recuperación de lesiones. Por ello, el objetivo de este estudio fue describir el perfil antropométrico y el rendimiento de salto en futbolistas de todas las categorías de formación en base a su demarcación en el terreno de juego. Métodos: participaron en el estudio cuatrocientos treinta y cuatro jóvenes futbolistas españoles de 7 a 25 años de edad (13,4 ± 3,45 años; 156 ± 17 cm; 47,9 ± 15,4 kg), con un mínimo de tres sesiones semanales de 1,5 horas por sesión. Todos ellos fueron clasificados en función de la edad o la categoría (U9, U11, U13, U15, U17 y U25) y la demarcación en el terreno de juego (porteros, defensas, centrocampistas y delanteros). Se evaluó la composición corporal por medio del método antropométrico y se registró la altura del salto del Squat Jump (SJ), del Counter Movement Jump (CMJ) y del Abalakov Jump (CMJA). Resultados: se encontraron diferencias significativas en las variables antropométrica y de salto vertical en base a la demarcación para las categorías U13, U15 y U25. Los porteros de la categoría U13 mostraron una mayor masa magra, tejido apendicular, área muscular del muslo y del brazo que el resto de las demarcaciones (P < 0,05). Mientras que en la categoría U25 los defensas mostraron un mejor rendimiento de salto que el resto de demarcaciones para el CMJA, que los centrocampistas y delanteros para el CMJ y que los centrocampistas para el SJ (P < 0,05). Conclusión: la utilización del salto vertical y el perfil antropométrico como factores en la detección de jóvenes talentos en fútbol debería tener en cuenta no solo la edad biológica y el desarrollo muscular de los sujetos, sino también la demarcación en el terreno de juego (AU)

Introduction: body composition and vertical jump are two factors in the multifactorial approach to talent identification in soccer with implication on performance monitorization and injury rehabilitation. The aim of this study was to describe the anthropometric attributes and vertical jump performance in young soccer players based on their playing position. Methods: four hundred and thirty-four young soccer players from 7 to 25 years (13.4 ± 3.45 yrs; 156 ± 17 cm; 47.9 ± 15.4 kg), who trained 3 days/week for 1.5 hours/ day, took part in the study. All were split up based on their age or soccer category (U9, U11, U13, U15, U17, U25) and playing position (goalkeeper, defenders, midfielders and forwards). Then, body composition was measure using the anthropometric method and vertical jump performance was analysed by three vertical jump test Squat Jump (SJ), Counter-movement Jump (CMJ) and Abalakov Jump (CMJA). Results: significant differences among playing positions were mainly detected in categories U13, U15 and U25. Goalkeepers from U13 category reported a significantly higher fat free mass, appendicular lean body mass, area of the thigh and area of the calf (P < 0.05). While, defenders from U25 category showed a significantly greater vertical jump performance compared to midfielders for SJ, midfielders and forwards for CMJ and all playing position for CMJA (P < 0.05). Conclusions: in addition to biological age and muscle mass development, playing position should be taken into consideration as a relevant variable in the utilization of body composition and vertical jump performance as talent detection factors (AU)

Body composition features in different playing position of professional team indoor players: basketball, handball and futsal / Características antropométricas en función del puesto en jugadores profesionales de equipo: baloncesto, balonmano y fútbol sala

The aim of the present research was to analyze the body composition (BC) and the differences in BC among different playing position in professional basketball, handball and futsal players. BC was assessed in 70 professional indoor team sport players. Players were divided in 4 groups depending on the playing position: group 1, point guard, center/wings and defense; group 2, shooting guard/small forward, handed and midfielder; group 3, power forward/center, pivot and forward; and group 4 goalkeeper. Significant differences between playing positions in basketball in body mass (BM), height, proteins, minerals and arms, legs and trunk BM were found. In handball, significant differences between center/wings and pivot in BM and muscle mass, and between goalkeepers and handed in percentage of fat were measured. Significant differences were also found in BM of each playing position groups in the three sports and in arms and legs BM in groups 1 and 2, and trunk BM and height in group 2. Group 3 presented significant differences between futsal and basketball in skeletal muscle mass and trunk BM, and between basketball and handball in left leg BM and total BM. In group 4 significant differences in BM, height and trunk and leg BM between futsal and handball were found. BC in indoor team sports depend on the playing position and the sport discipline, the BC being result of the specific game actions of each playing position.

El objetivo fue analizar la composición corporal (CC) y sus diferencias entre demarcaciones en jugadores profesionales de baloncesto, balonmano y fútbol sala. Se analizó la CC en 70 jugadores profesionales de equipos divididos en 4 grupos en función de su demarcación: grupo 1, bases, cierres, o centrales/extremos; grupo 2, escoltas/aleros, alas o laterales; grupo 3: ala pívot/pívot, pívot y pivote; y grupo 4: porteros. Existen diferencias significativas entre las diversas demarcaciones en baloncesto en el peso, la talla, las proteínas y minerales y en el peso de brazos, piernas y tronco. En balonmano, existen diferencias significativas entre los centrales /extremos y los pívot en el peso y la masa muscular, y entre los laterales y los porteros en el porcentaje graso. También se encontraron diferencias en el peso entre las diferentes posiciones entre los tres deportes y en el peso de brazos, piernas y tronco entre los grupos 1 y 2, y en el peso del tronco y la talla en el grupo 2. El grupo 3 presenta diferencias significativas entre fútbol sala y baloncesto en masa muscular y peso del tronco y entre baloncesto y balonmano en el peso de la pierna izquierda y el peso. En el grupo 4 existen diferencias en el peso, la altura y el peso de tronco y pernas entre fútbol sala y balonmano. La CC en los deportes de equipo estudiados depende de la posición y del deporte practicado, modificándose la CC en función de las acciones específicas del juego en cada demarcación.