Shiny Raizada

Contrast training (CT) involves pairing two biomechanically similar exercises with different loads and velocities within a set. While most studies paired dynamic resistance exercise with plyometric exercise within a contrast set, isometric exercise may also be a viable option as the primary exercise, specifically for individuals who are new to resistance training. Therefore, this study aimed to compare the effects of a 4-week isometric CT intervention on jump kinetics and kinematics and isometric strength of nonresistance-trained females. Using a within-subject research design, 12 female participants (age: 20.6 ± 1.3 years) participated in a control period followed by a 4-week isometric CT intervention. Precontrol, postcontrol, and postintervention period data were collected for countermovement jump, 10/5 repeated hop test for reactive strength index, isometric mid-thigh pull, and isometric squats. Statistical analyses revealed that compared with control condition, the isometric CT intervention significantly improved countermovement jump height ( p = .016–.048; g = 0.65–1.03), flight time ( p = .021; g = 0.70), absolute peak power ( p = .026; g = 0.73), relative peak power ( p = .025; g = 0.49), peak velocity ( p = .022; g = 0.84), 10/5 repeated hop test average reactive strength index ( p = .002; g = 1.56), peak reactive strength index ( p < .001; g = 1.64), average ground contact time ( p = .036; g = 0.21), average flight time ( p = .024; g = 1.24), average jump height ( p = .003; g = 1.24), and isometric squats peak force ( p = .025; g = 0.47). These findings indicate that pairing isometric and plyometric exercises in CT improves dynamic as well as isometric performance in nonresistance-trained female participants. Practically, isometric CT may be a useful entry-level training strategy for female participants to improve jump and isometric strength qualities.

The data-driven insights and examination of key performance indicators (KPI) in professional tennis is becoming increasingly popular and are now deemed important for player development and coaching strategies. The aim of the study was to analyse game-related KPIs differentiating winners from losers in the 2023 US Open and French Open tournaments. A total of 253 matches (127 men’s singles matches from US Open and 126 men’s singles matches from Roland Garros tournament) were included in the study. An independent t-test was employed to compare the differences between winners and losers for all indicators in 2023 French Open and US Open Grand Slams. For the variables that did not follow a normal distribution, the Mann–Whitney U test was used. Variables that showed significant differences between two groups were selected for discriminant analysis. It was found that winners outperformed losers in several key indicators, including Aces, Break Points Won %, First Serve % In, Net Points Won %, Receiving Points Won %, Second Serves In, Win % First Serve, and Win % Second Serve (p < .01, Cohen’s d: 0.06-0.1, r: 0.02–0.85). In the context of the French Open, winners demonstrated a significantly higher percentage of win on First Serve (mean- 73.02, p < .01, Cohen’s d:1.272), as compared to their counterparts who did not succeed and recorded a lesser percentage of win on First Serve (mean- 63.25, p < .01, Cohen’s d:1.272). In conclusion, Serve quality, return performance, and error minimization are critical KPIs for success in Grand Slams. Surface dynamics play a significant role in shaping match strategies.

Complex training (CT) combines traditional resistance and ballistic exercises within a single session, targeting a wider portion of the force–velocity curve. Systematic reviews noted positive effects of CT on the physical fitness of male and female/male mixed samples, although similar results in females are lacking. This study aimed to investigate the effects of CT on the physical fitness measures of female participants using a systematic review and meta-analysis approach. Using a participant, intervention, comparator, outcomes, and study design approach, CT experimental studies on female participants were searched in electronic databases (PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science). Physical fitness outcomes were assessed with one-repetition maximum squat, countermovement jump (CMJ), squat jump, change of direction speed, and linear sprint. Random effects meta-analyses computed Hedge’s g effect sizes (ESs). The Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation approach assessed the certainty of evidence for outcomes. Included studies ( n = 11) involved 281 athletes/nonathletes aged 14–29 years. Meta-analyses revealed improvements (all p < .05) in one-repetition maximum squat (ES = 1.15); CMJ (ES = 1.32); squat jump (ES = 1.66); change of direction speed (ES = 1.13); and 5- (ES = 1.46), 10- (ES = 1.37), and 30-m (ES = 1.33) linear sprint after CT compared with control. Moderator analysis for CMJ revealed greater improvements in highly trained participants compared with less-trained peers and after the intervention of ≥9 compared with <9 weeks. The certainty of evidence was low/very low for all outcomes. In conclusion, CT improved one-repetition maximum squat, CMJ, squat jump, change of direction speed, and linear sprint in females, particularly in higher competitive-level participants, and after longer interventions.

Measuring countermovement jump (CMJ) height accurately is essential for evaluating lower-body explosive power in athletes and other active populations. With technological advancements, various portable tools have been developed for this purpose, including force platforms, contact mats, and video-based software. This study aimed to (a) investigate the test–retest reliability of the KINVENT K-Deltas force platform for CMJ height measurement and (b) compare its accuracy with a contact mat (Chronojump, Spain) and a video-based software (My Jump app, version 3). Twenty-two physically active collegiate athletes (mean age of 19.7 ± 1.2 years) from various sports backgrounds completed five CMJ trials with simultaneous height measurements using all three tools. Intra-class correlation coefficients (ICC), Cronbach’s alpha, and coefficient of variation (CV) were calculated to assess reliability. In contrast, Pearson correlations and Bland–Altman plots were used to compare device results. The K-Deltas force platform exhibited high test–retest reliability (ICC = 0.981), closely matching the contact mat (ICC = 0.987) and the My Jump app (ICC = 0.986). Correlations between the instruments were strong (force platform vs. contact mat: r = 0.987; force platform vs. My Jump: r = 0.987; contact mat vs. My Jump: r = 0.996), with no between-instrument differences (t-test p = 0.203–0.935, effect size ≤ 0.01–0.16), demonstrating the interchangeability of these tools for practical purposes. However, Bland–Altman analysis revealed limits of agreement between the devices, indicating small but consistent measurement differences. While all instruments were reliable, discrepancies in the absolute values suggest practitioners should consider device-specific variations when comparing CMJ data. These findings highlight the reliability of the K-Deltas force platform as a viable alternative for measuring CMJ height, though differences between devices should be accounted for in applied settings. Therefore, the portable force plates can monitor training, predict injury risk, assess neuromuscular fatigue, and lead to informed decision-making.

The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of a six-week contrast training intervention conducted twice per week during the preparatory period on the measures of physical fitness in university-level male soccer players. Materials and methods. Sixteen players were selected as participants and randomly assigned to an experimental group or an active control group. Data were collected at baseline and after a six-week training intervention period for 15 m and 30 m linear sprint, medicine ball throw (MBT), standing long jump (SLJ), countermovement jump (CMJ), change of direction speed (CODS), peak torque (both legs) during extension and flexion, and running-based anaerobic sprint test (RAST). Results. The analysis revealed reported significant small to very-large magnitude within-group improvement in all the dependent variables for the experimental group (p<0.001–0.028) but not for the control group (p=0.066–1.000). Further, the analysis of covariance with the pre-test scores as covariates revealed significant differences at post-intervention assessments for all the dependent variables, favoring the contrast training group (p<0.001–0.05). Conclusions. A six-week contrast training intervention with two weekly sessions during the preparatory period may be sufficient to induce small improvement in the 30 m linear sprint and isokinetic strength of both legs, moderate improvement in the 15 m linear sprint, and MBT, large improvements in SLJ, RAST, and a very large improvement in vertical jump (CMJ) and CODS.

Background. There is a dearth of literature on match analysis in field hockey. Time-motion analysis, the relationship between play patterns and goal-scoring opportunities, and penalty corner strategies are currently available in the literature on field hockey. Nevertheless, none of the studies have identified the factors contributing to winning. These factors could ...

Purpose: This paper analyses competitive balance in the “big five” women's football leagues in Asia longitudinally between 2010 and 2019.Design/methodology/approach: Competitive balance has been measured using recognised measures of concentration, HICB and NHICB, alongside recognised measures of dominance, i.e., identification of top teams. A time-trend analysis has been employed to identify trends of CB in the respective leagues followed by ANOVA and relevant post-hoc tests to identify difference in concentration measures. A multiple linear regression analysis has been conducted to identify the impact of external economic factors on CB.Findings: Some significant differences were detected in the levels of concentration between leagues. There was also some variation in terms of some leagues being dominated by a fewer number of teams. However, these two measures of competitive balance (concentration and dominance) were not necessarily correlated with each other. The paper also tries to find the optimum number of teams to maintain CB in the women's football leagues in Asia, but an exact figure could not be found.Research limitations/implications: Some significant differences were detected in the levels of concentration between leagues. There was also some variation in terms of some leagues being dominated by a fewer number of teams. However, these two measures of competitive balance (concentration and dominance) were not necessarily correlated with each other. External economic factors were found to have negative impact on CB.Originality/value: The paper is an original research and aims to add to the growing body of CB research in world through analysis of competitive balance (ACB).

Introduction Biceps curl is one of the most traditional and highly popular weight training exercise that target the muscles of the upper arm (Biceps Brachii muscle). There are many variations of this exercise that can be used to design a training schedule for the best result. Objective This study aimed at analyzing the muscle activation of Biceps Brachii and Brachioradialis muscles while performing different biceps curl exercises with the same load. Novelty To the best of our knowledge none of the studies has analyzed the muscle activation of Biceps Brachii and Brachioradialis muscles with the selected exercises. Material and Method Ten healthy subjects (20.8 ± 1.75 years) performed 70% of 1 repetition maximum (RM) for eight different biceps curl exercises. Surface Electro Myo Graphy (SEMG) was used to measure muscle electrical activity that occurs during muscular contraction. Results and Discussions The results of the study shows that, in case of muscles activation in Biceps Brachii, except supine narrow grip Z curl (SNGZC) and prone lying biceps curl (PLBC), all the other exercises reveal significant differences with the concentrated curl (CC). No statistical difference was observed when comparing the muscle activation of Brachioradialis muscle in the eight different biceps curl exercises. Application It will help the professional trainers and coaches to design training schedule for all level of Athletes which may consist of different variations of the biceps exercises. Conclusion Concentrated curl is a more effective exercise for activation of biceps muscles as compared to other exercises with the same load. All the selected biceps exercises have the same effect on activating the Brachioradialis Muscles.