Influences of a yoga intervention on the postural skills of the Italian short track speed skating team

Abstract

IntroductionIn preparation for a short track speed skating season, eight men and seven women were given yoga sessions during an 8-week high volume training cycle. The sessions were planned according to the postural aspects specific to short track speed skating technical requirements. Three specific goals were selected for the intervention: 1) to observe whether the practice of yoga as postural training could improve the efficiency and the athlete’s repertoire along the muscular synergies solicited in the short track speed skating specific technique; 2) to enhance and diversify the motor time-on-task of athletes without changing the prescription of other training stimulus; and 3) to lower the risk of injury during periods with high volumes of training.MethodsA total of 36 sessions of yoga were given. Three postural tests were administered before and after the intervention with 14 angles analyzed. Non-parametric Wilcoxon test was used to compare angles’ variations.ResultsThe 36 yoga sessions totalized 986 minutes of motor time-on-task, registering a proportion of 30% of the global motor time-on-task of the training cycle. Improvements were found in eleven of the 14 angles measured when comparing pre- and post-postural tests (P-value from 0.01 to 0.005). During the 8 weeks, excepting traumatic injuries due to short track speed skating accidents, no skaters suffered injuries linked to the high volume of training. Following the intervention, coaches noticed, following their on-ice feedbacks, an adjustment in the efficiency of the skating technique, in particular regarding hip dissociation.ConclusionThese results suggest that yoga could be inserted into out-of-season training cycles, even in a high volume training cycle. Planned with the decision training tools, it allows athletes to diversify their motor time-on-task by integrating a new functional range of generic movements with the solicitation of neuromuscular synergies related to the specificity of their sport.

‘Measuring’ Physical Literacy and Related Constructs: A Systematic Review of Empirical Findings

“…In contrast to qualitative measures/assessments, the definition of physical literacy adopted by quantitative measures/assessments varied: 29% of measures/assessments used Whitehead’s definition [ 42 , 71 , 73 – 75 , 77 , 79 , 80 , 92 ]; 29% declared no definition [ 41 , 86 – 88 , 91 , 93 ]; 24% defined physical literacy as developing physical skills [ 85 , 89 ]; 9% adopted the Physical Health Education Canada definition [ 12 , 42 , 80 ]; and a further 9% used Northern Ireland’s definition [ 89 ].…”

“…In turn, most quantitative studies did not align with the holistic philosophy. For example, most measures/assessments in the physical domain evaluated physical competence, FMS, and motor capacities in isolation instead of in applied settings [ 42 , 89 , 90 , 92 ] with the exception of the FMS-Polygon [ 97 ].…”

“…First, solely timing a test as the main measure omits the opportunity for quality of movement to be captured. Second, these types of times tests have the potential to create a comparative environment if administered in the incorrect manner [ 42 , 73 , 85 , 90 – 92 ]. Consequently, this contradicts the philosophical underpinnings of the concept as there should be a concentration on individualized ability and progress [ 15 ].…”

Knowledge and it’s Mental Awareness Toward the Incidence of Sports Injuries Among Participants of Student’s Football Team

“…In addition, positive effect of stress is a pleasant situation and is not considered a threat. In contrast, negative effect of stress is a condition that makes a person become angry, tense, confused, anxious, feeling guilty, or overwhelmed [11,12]. The source of tension or stress is caused by several factors that come from within a person or from outside them.…”

The Application and Effectiveness of Yoga in Prevention and Rehabilitation of Sport Injuries in Athletes Participating in Competitive Sport

“…3. Yoga in high-volume training Brunelle et al (2015) have included yoga program into the preseason high volume training and have found positive results. The study observes improvements in eleven of the 14 angles measured, and no injuries linked to the high volume of training thus signifying possibility to integrate yoga in high-volume athlete trainings.…”