A better understanding of in-game competition demands potentially improves coaching strategy and quality. However, there is very limited information about game patterns in padel, a very modern racket sport born in the 70'. The purpose of this study was therefore to quantify and classify game dynamics during the match in professional padel players through a multivariate decision tree approach including technical, spatial and effectiveness indicators. The results determined three main game styles strongly defined by the court zone (net, middle and baseline). Additionally, particular technical, spatial and effectiveness indicators were identified in each zone. In net and middle areas (offence) stood the use of volleys and over-head strokes on the center lane to both keep a positional advantage and solve the point. Conversely in the baseline (defense), the use of corner side walls and the domain of lobs showed to be relevant. It is also remarkable the high rate of backhand groundstrokes, involving over four out of ten actions. This information may have relevant implications for coaches working in padel by providing a novel hierarchically organization of game dynamics, which helps in designing training and conditioning programs close to real competitive situations.

Resumen Objetivo: Analizar la relación existente según el género, la edad y el nivel de los jugadores de pádel con la cantidad de lesiones descritas por ellos mismos. Método: Participaron 148 jugadores (75 hombres, 73 mujeres, 33.95 ± 9.87 años). Se registraron un total de 151 lesiones clasificadas en función del tipo de lesión, localización anatómica y situación (entrenamiento o competición). Estudio descriptivo retrospectivo utilizando una adaptación de un cuestionario de lesiones deportivas autocompletado por los jugadores. Se utilizó la prueba de Chi-Cuadrado, los Residuos y la V de Cramer para conocer el grado de asociación entre las variables. Resultados: Los resultados mostraron: i) predominio de lesiones musculares en los miembros inferiores; ii) alto número de lesiones en el tronco en hombres y de los miembros superiores en mujeres (p = 0.046); iii) mayor índice de lesiones musculares en mayores de 35 años y tendinosas en menores de 35 años (p = 0.009); iv) mayor número de lesiones en jugadores de menor nivel, especialmente en tendones y hombro (p = 0.031). Conclusiones: Las lesiones más frecuentes en pádel son las musculares, localizadas en los miembros inferiores. El género masculino presenta más lesiones en el tronco mientras que el número de lesiones en mujeres se centra en el miembro superior. Los jugadores mayores de 35 años presentaron más lesiones musculares mientras que se registró un mayor número de lesiones tendinosas en menores de 35 años. Finalmente, el nivel de los jugadores está relacionado inversamente con el número de lesiones (a mayor nivel, menor número de lesiones). Abstract Objective: To analyze the relationship according to gender, age and level of padel players with the number of self-reported injury history. Method: A total of 148 players (75 men, 73 women, 33.95 ± 9.87 years old) take part in this study, from whom 151 injuries were registered and classified regarding the type, location and injury situation (training or competition). A retrospective, descriptive study was set out, using an adapted version of a self-reported sports injury questionnaire. Chi-Squared, Residuals and Cramer’s V were calculated to study the strength of association between variables. Results: Findings revealed: i) overall predominance of muscle injuries in the lower limbs; ii) greater number of trunk injuries in men and upper limbs in women (p = 0.046); iii) higher rate of muscular lesions in players older than 35 years and tendinosis in younger than 35 years (p = 0.009); iv) higher rate of injuries in lower level players, especially in tendons and shoulder (p = 0.031). Conclusions: Muscular accounted for the majority of injuries in padel, particularly on the lower limbs. Males reported more trunk injuries, whilst females suffered more on the upper limbs. Players older than 35 years informed more muscular injuries; by contrast, tendinous injuries prevailed in younger than 35 years. Finally, the level of players revealed an inverse relationship in the number of injuries (the higher the level, the lower the injury rate).

Performing strength exercise, whether acutely or in a training programme, leads to alterations at the hypothalamic-pituitary-testicular and hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axes. One way to evaluate these changes is by analysis of the excretion of steroid hormones in the urine. The present study determined the variations in the urine profile of glucuroconjugated steroids after a single session of strength exercise and after a 4-week programme of strength training. The subjects were a group (n = 20) of non-sportsman male university students who worked out 3 days a week [Monday (M), Wednesday (W) and Friday (F)], performing the exercises at 70-75% of one repetition maximum strength (1-RM). Four urine samples were collected per subject: (A) before and (B) after a standard session prior to initiating the training programme, and (C) before and (D) after the same standard session at the end of the study, and they were assayed by gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry. The concentrations of the different hormones were determined relatively to the urine creatinine level (ng steroid/mg creatinine) to correct for diuresis. After the exercise sessions, both before and after the training programme, there was a fall in the urine excretion of androgens and estrogens, but no statistically significant changes in the excretion of tetrahydrocortisol (THF) and tetrahydrocortisone (THE). The anabolic/catabolic hormones ratio also decreased after the acute session, although only androstenodione + dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA)/THE + THF ratio had a significant decrease (P < 0.05). After the training programme, there was a significant (P < 0.01) improvement in the strength of the muscle groups studied, and an increased urinary excretion of all the androgens with respect to the initial state of repose, with the difference being significant in the case of epitestosterone (Epit) (P < 0.05). The androsterone (A) + etiocholanolone (E)/THE + THF ratio increased significantly (P < 0.05) concerning the initial state. We therefore conclude that subjects suffer variations of the urine profile with regard to the steroid hormones before and after the acute strength sessions and after the training period. The alteration after the training programme seems to be due to the subjects' hypothalamic-hypophysis-testicular and hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axes adaptations, which enable them to increase physical strength.

El objetivo de este estudio fue analizar el tipo de acciones de subida a la red y su eficacia en función del nivel de competición y el contexto de juego en pádel. Se analizaron un total de 416 acciones de intercambio de posiciones (del fondo a la red) pertenecientes a 14 partidos de torneos masculinos: ocho finales del circuito profesional World Pádel Tour (WPT) y seis finales de un torneo de la Primera Categoría Federada Extremeña (CEP). De cada acción de intercambio, se analizó el tipo de golpeo previo a la subida de la red en zona defensiva distinguiendo entre el uso o no de globos. Se utilizaron regresiones logísticas binarias y el análisis de clasificación en árbol (CHAID) para determinar un modelo predictor del uso y la eficacia de las acciones para subir a la red. Los principales resultados muestran una prevalencia significativa en el uso del globo frente a otras acciones técnicas (60.6% vs. 39.4%), aumentando además la probabilidad de continuidad del punto (65.9% vs. 47.0%). No se encontraron influencias en las variables contextuales sobre el tipo de acción de subida a la red. Sin embargo, el análisis CHAID clasificó por orden de importancia las variables más influyentes en las acciones de subida a la red, sirviendo de guía para estudios futuros.Abstract. The aim of this study was to analyse the use and effectiveness of actions to approach net in padel, based on competition level and game context. A total of 416 rallies (from baseline to net) were recorded from14 male matches: eight finals of World Padel Tour (WTP) tournaments and six championship matches of the Extremadura Padel Federation first category (CEP) circuit. The analysis included baseline shots performed before approaching the net, categorizing them depending on the use/non-use of lobs. Binary logistic regression and tree classification analyses (CHAID) were used to predict the use and effectiveness of the actions carried out to approach the net. Main results revealed a significant prevalence of lobs compared to other types of shots (60.6 % vs. 39.4%); further, performing lobs increased the likelihood of continuity of rallies (65.9% vs. 47.0%). No influences of game contextual variables were observed. CHAID analysis provided with a ranking of variables that influence the most the action of approaching the net, which could represent a useful guideline for future studies.

ResumenEl objetivo de este estudio fue analizar las variables temporales de tiempo de juego (TJ), tiempo de descanso (TD) en pádel de primera categoría regional y su relación entre ellas, así como con la variable contextual duración del set. Para ello se analizaron 701 puntos correspondientes a semifinales y finales de diferentes pruebas del circuito extremeño federado de primera categoría masculina celebrados en 2014. El análisis de las variables temporales corrobora que el pádel es un deporte donde el TD predomina frente al TJ, obteniendo un tiempo real de juego del 45,92 % sobre el tiempo total; un TJ medio por punto de 12,70 segundos y TD medio por punto de 14,95 segundos. Se encontraron relaciones significativas (p < 0,05) entre las variables tiempo de descanso y número de juego del set. Finalmente, se puede concluir que el TD está más influenciado por la duración del set que el TJ, siendo mayor a medida que avanza el set. Palabras clave: pádel, análisis del rendimiento, variables contextuales Abstract Influence of Set Duration on Time Variables in Paddle Tennis MatchesThe aim of this research was to analyze play time (PT) and break time (BT) in first division paddle tennis matches and the relationship between them as well as the set duration contextual variable. To do this we examined 701 points in semifinals and finals in men's top flight paddle tennis events on the Extremadura circuit in 2014. The analysis of the time variables confirms that paddle tennis is a sport in which BT predominates over PT. Total in-play time was 45.92% of total time; average PT per point was 12.70 seconds and the average BT per point was 14.95 seconds. Significant relationships (p<0.05) were found between the break time and number of the game in the set variables. To conclude, it was found that BT is more influenced by the duration of the set than PT as it increases the longer the set goes on.

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physical activity provides benefits in aspects such as body composition, and cardio-respiratory function.

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