The aims of the present study were 2-fold: (1) to measure interlimb asymmetries from a battery of fitness tests in youth soccer players and (2) to determine the association between asymmetry and measures of athletic performance. Sixteen elite youth soccer players (14.7 ± 0.2 years) performed a single-leg Abalakov test (ABK), change of direction (COD) test over 10 m (5 + 5) and 20 m (10 + 10), and an iso-inertial power test. Subjects also performed 10-, 20-, and 30-m sprints and a bilateral countermovement jump, which were correlated with all ABK, COD, and iso-inertial asymmetry scores. A one-way repeated-measures analysis of variance showed significant differences between interlimb asymmetry scores across multiple tests (p < 0.05), with the isoinertial power test presenting the greatest magnitude of asymmetry, whereas individual data highlighted substantially greater interindividual differences in each test. Pearson r correlations showed no significant relationships (p > 0.05) between the different interlimb asymmetry scores, and between asymmetry scores and athletic performance. These findings show the test-specific nature of asymmetries in youth soccer players, with the iso-inertial power test being the most sensitive in detecting asymmetry. Moreover, the results obtained suggest that inherent asymmetry in young soccer players did not negatively impact their performance.

Background: The analysis of the efforts performed during a soccer match and its relation with the competitive success still presents numerous questions. Objective: 1) To describe and compare the physical demands (total covered meters and meters covered at high speed ranges), between the teams of the Spanish First and Second Division league. 2) To determine if the distance covered of the teams is related to the sports success (final classification, the points obtained and the goals in favour and against). Method: A total of 712 games (First and Second Division) were analysed using a computerized multi-camera system (Mediacoach, Mediapro and LaLiga ©). In order to quantify the physical performance, the following distances were recorded: total distance (TD), the distance covered between 21-24 km/h (DHI) and distance covered above 24km/h) (DVHI). In order to quantify the sports success, we considered the final classification, the obtained points as well as the goals in favour and against. Results: The total distance covered by the teams of the First and Second Division Leagues was similar, however, the distance covered at high intensity and distance covered at very high intensity was greater in the teams of the First Division (p<0.05; d of Cohen >1.2). No relations were detected between the meters covered and the recorded success indicators. Conclusion: This data should be taken into account by the coaches and physical trainers when guiding the training process of

At the last World Conference on Sport and Physical Therapy celebrated in Bern (Switzerland, 2015), it was confirmed that the functional skills of an athlete are a very important variable to be considered in the recovery of an injury. On the other hand, its use as a predictive risk tool still lacks solid evidence. The purpose of this study was to determine whether a battery of functional tests (FPT) could be used as a preliminary measure for the season in order to identify the injury risk in a professional soccer team in the Spanish Second Division B League. Fifty-two soccer players (ages of 25.3 ± 4.6 years, 10.33% ± 0.9% fat) were functionally assessed during two seasons (2012–2013 and 2013–2014) and analyzed from an injury perspective. A total of 125 injuries were recorded. The sample was grouped based on the number of injuries and the required absence days. Except for the bipodal vertical jump (CMJ), none of the functional tests revealed differences among the groups. The correlation study between the functional condition and the suffered injuries did not show any significant results.

Objectives: Based on the criteria of a group of experts, this study aims to select a set of functional performance tests which can be applied to evaluate the functional status of a football player in the recovery process and make a decision in relation to their return to practice. Materials and methods: A total of 16 experts were selected by the coordinator group to judge an initial list of functional performance tests and, thus, reach a consensus about the tests which are best suited to the needs of the injured player. Each of the experts had to evaluate each one of the tests in a scale from 1 to 5 in relation to their suitability. Delphi method was used to reach consensus in the expert group. Results: From the initial list of 25, the tests which obtained the best evaluation were: Counter movement jump (4.3±0.9), Single hop test (4.1±0.8), Triple hop test (4.1±0.9), Crossover hop test (4.1±0.7), Yo-Yo intermittent recovery (4.2±0.6), Barrow test (4.1±0.6), Shuttle run 8¥5 m (4.1±0.8). Star excursion balance test (4±0.7) and Y balance test (4.1±0.7). Conclusion: In the opinion of the experts selected here, these tests are the ones which best respond to the needs involved in a complex decision such as RTP.

Background. Sports injuries, in addition to the economic cost which they incur for football clubs, appear to be linked to a worse collective performance during the season. Objectives. The aim of this study was to determine the injury incidence in a professional football team during 4 consecutive seasons. Methods. A total of 109 football players aged about 25 ± 4 years, having experience in sports from 18 ± 5 years, were analysed based on the injuries which they suffered during the training sessions and competition. Based on the recommendations of the International Federation of Football Associations (FIFA), the exact type, severity and duration of football injuries were reported. Results. A total of 251 injuries (62.7 injuries/season and 2.3 injuries/player) were recorded. The incidence during the competition (37.2 injuries/1000h) was higher than that obtained during the training sessions (3.95 injuries/1000h). The injuries of a muscular type were the ones which showed the highest injury incidence (53% -3.3 injuries/1000h), where the posterior thigh (19.6%), the knee (18.3%) and the groin (17.4%) were the most frequently damaged zones. It was found that 14.4% of the injuries were relapses of injuries suffered previously. Conclusion. The injury incidence detected in Spanish players is within the normal range for professional football players. The highest frequency injury types are muscular injury, closely followed by joint injury. The variables of injury risk were undifferentiated by the level of competition, player´s age, position and time of occurrence (month).

RESUMEN:Trasfondo: Durante los últimos años el entrenamiento interválico de alta intensidad (HIIT) ha aparecido como una alternativa saludable a nivel cardiaco, muscular y adiposo en diferentes colectivos. Pese a ser un tema frecuentemente tratado en la actualidad, no existe a día de hoy un consenso claro sobre su utilidad y aplicación en el colectivo de los adultos mayores. Objetivos: Examinar la literatura científica acerca del entrenamiento interválico de alta intensidad como medio de entrenamiento en personas adultas mayores (>60 años) y determinar su utilidad desde un punto de vista saludable.Metodología: Los estudios fueron incluidos en esta revisión si: (1) estudiaron el colectivo de los adultos mayores (>60años), (2) incluyeron en su intervención al entrenamiento HIIT y (3) se centraron en la relación de este entrenamiento con la salud. Resultados: 16 estudios fueron incluidos al cumplir con todos los criterios.Conclusión: El HIIT es un entrenamiento válido y seguro para el colectivo de los adultos mayores (>60 años). Sus beneficios están relacionados con mejoras a nivel cardiovascular, pulmonar, hemodinámico, lipídico, muscular y cognitivo. ABSTRACT:Background: In recent years, high intensity interval training (HIIT) has appeared as a healthy alternative at cardiac, muscle and adipose levels in different groups. Despite being a frequently discussed issue today, there is currently no clear consensus on its usefulness and application in the group of older adults. Objectives: To examine the high intensity interval training as a training medium in older adults (>60 years) and determine its usefulness from a healthy point of view. Methodology: The studies were included in this review if: (1) they studied the group of older adults (> 60 years), (2) included HIIT training in their intervention and (3) the studies focused on the relationship of this training with health. Results: 16 studies were included when meeting all the criteria. Conclusion: HIIT is a valid and safe training for the group of PENSAR EN MOVIMIENTO. Artículo descargado de www.revistas.ucr.ac.cr/index.php/pem/ para uso personal únicamente. Este manuscrito Recién Horneado es la versión aceptada para publicación previa a diagramación y correcciones; habrá algunas diferencias con la versión final. Por favor citar como: Gómez Piqueras P. y Sánchez González M. Entrenamiento de intervalos de alta intensidad (HIIT) en adultos mayores: una revisión sistemática. PensarMov (2019). doi: http//dx.doi.org/10.15517/pensarmov.v17i1.35494 older adults (>60 years). Its benefits are related to improvements in cardiovascular, pulmonary, hemodynamic, lipid, muscle and cognitive. PENSAR EN MOVIMIENTO. Artículo descargado de www.revistas.ucr.ac.cr/index.php/pem/ para uso personal únicamente. Este manuscrito Recién Horneado es la versión aceptada para publicación previa a diagramación y correcciones; habrá algunas diferencias con la versión final. Por favor citar como: Gómez Piqueras P. y Sánchez González M. Entrenamiento de intervalos de alta intensidad (HIIT) en ad...

The decision-making process about when an athlete may safely return to training and competition after an injury is a difficult decision. Safe return to training and competition is characterised by physical and psychological readiness to return to the sport. The objectives of this study are (1) to assess the measurement properties of the Psychological Readiness of Injured Athlete to Return to Sport questionnaire (PRIA-RS), and (2) to analyse the effectiveness which the PRIA-RS questionnaire possesses when applied during four consecutive seasons on professional soccer players. One hundred and nine male soccer players from the Albacete Soccer Club (Spain) were involved during four consecutive seasons for the current study: 2012–2013, 2013–2014, 2014–2015 and 2015–2016. Psychometric analysis (validity, reliability, internal consistency and effectiveness) and external psychometric analysis (evaluating measures of patient-reported outcomes (EMPRO)) were confirmed and supported. The main results of the study reveal that the psychometric properties of this questionnaire are optimum for their application in a professional sports context.

No abstract