Revista Iberoamericana de Ciencias de la Actividad Física y el Deporte
The Revista Iberoamericana de Ciencias de la Actividad Física y el Deporte (Riccafd), is a periodical journal, with the aim of offering scientifically founded papers, that help to study in depth the different dimensions of the Sciences of Physical Activity and Sport in their widest sense.
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Personality and performance in soccer: gender differences during the COVID-19 quarantine
This study investigates the relationship between personality traits, based on the Big Five model, and sports performance in university soccer players. The sample consisted of 40 athletes, evenly distributed between 20 female players and 20 male players, aged between 18 and 25 years, all belonging to the representative soccer teams of the Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León (UANL). Participants were selected from various positions on the field, including goalkeepers, defenders, midfielders, and forwards. To assess personality traits, the Big Five Inventory (BFI) was employed, while sports performance was measured through an ad hoc questionnaire designed for the coaches of both teams. Given the context of inactivity caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, a correlation was conducted between the players' personality traits and their perceived performance. The results revealed that forwards exhibited a greater inclination towards the traits of conscientiousness and agreeableness, while defenders and midfielders showed higher scores in agreeableness. Goalkeepers were predominantly associated with the trait of openness to experience. Overall, the trait of agreeableness demonstrated a significant correlation with perceived sports performance in both teams. This study highlights the importance of considering personality traits in the development and optimization of sports performance in university athletes, while also emphasizing the need for future research that includes larger samples and diverse competitive contexts.
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Nutritional status, physical activity, functional capacity, and psychosocial factors in rural and urban older adults
The objective was to analyze and compare, by area of residence and sex, the nutritional status, physical activity behavior, functional capacity, and psychosocial factors of older adults living in rural and urban areas of northwest Mexico. A total of 267 older adults (≥60 years) of both sexes, residing in four urban and four rural areas in the central and southern regions of Sonora, Mexico, participated. The results indicate significant differences in body composition variables (p < 0.05), cholesterol (p < 0.03), triglycerides (p < 0.01), functional capacity in basic (p < 0.00) and instrumental (p < 0.00) activities, physical activity associated with household tasks (p < 0.00) and free time (p < 0.02), as well as socioeconomic status (p < 0.00). Biopsychosocial factors determine the state of illness and disability in humans, particularly when reaching the third stage of life.
Levels of anxiety in virtual education and the effects of an intervention with active breaks
The present study aims to assess the anxiety levels of second-grade children in virtual education contexts and to evaluate the effect of an intervention using active breaks on their anxiety levels. An intervention based on active breaks involving playful and recreational activities was conducted with a sample of 32 second-grade students during virtual classes in the first semester of 2021. Anxiety levels were measured using the SCAS-P before and after the intervention. Comparisons were made by sex and area of residence, as well as between pre- and post-test results. Significantly higher anxiety levels were found in students from rural areas compared to urban areas in five of the six anxiety dimensions (p<0,05) and in the total anxiety score (p=0,008). Additionally, a decrease was observed after the intervention in the domains of Panic Attacks and Agoraphobia (p=0,017), Separation Anxiety Disorder (p=0,016), and Total Anxiety (p=0,025).
Genotypic distribution and allely frecuency of the ACE I/D and ACTN3 R577X in colombian young athletes
Introduction: The genetic variants ACE I/D and ACTN3 R577X have been associated with athletic performance in European and Asian populations, but their distribution among Latin American athletes remains understudied. Objective: To determine the allelic frequency of ACE I/D and ACTN3 R577X and their relation-ship with pow-er/endurance sports performance. Methods: The study included 62 elite athletes (competing at nation-al/international levels) and 29 healthy controls. DNA was extracted from oral epithelial cells, and genotyping was performed using PCR and electrophoresis. Allelic frequencies were calculated using Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium (χ² test, p < 0.05). Results: Significant genotypic differences were observed between athletes and controls. For ACE I/D, the DD genotype was more frequent in athletes (55% vs. 21% in controls; χ², p = 0.006). The ID (31% vs. 58%) and II (14% vs. 16%) genotypes showed less variation. For ACTN3 R577X, the RX genotype predominated in athletes (63% vs. 59%), followed by RR (27% vs. 10%) and XX (10% vs. 31%) (χ², p = 0.895). These findings suggest that the ACE DD genotype may be associated with athletic performance, while the ACTN3 distribution in this population differs from other ethnic groups. Conclusions: The ACE DD genotype may be a relevant marker for power athletes in Colombia, while ACTN3 RX shows a distinct pattern. These results highlight the importance of ethnic context in sports genetics.
Relationship between motor patterns, physical activity, and BMI in Primary School children
In Physical Education, a follow-up supported by validated motor evaluations and structured classes is required for the improvement of students’ motor skills. The objective was to establish the relationship between motor pattern, physical activity level and body mass index. The study was quantitative, non-experimental-correlative in a non-probabilistic sample of 50 third and fourth grade elementary school students from a private school in the municipality of Medellín (Colombia). A sociodemographic profile, the motor pattern (1), the PAQ-C (2) and the Body Mass Index were used. In the results, a low correlation was found between age and the total motor pattern (rs=0,307; p=0,030), which, indicates that, Physical Education has an important role to give continuity in the motor learning processes.
Transfer of professional knowledge to high performance soccer coaching practice: qualitative analysis
The objective of the study was to understand how the professional knowledge of the soccer coach is transferred into his daily sports practice in high performance sports. The research was of qualitative approach, phenomenological paradigm and hermeneutic type. The selected population consisted of 16 high performance soccer coaches, among them: technical directors, technical assistants, goalkeeper coaches and physical trainers with high experience in the direction of regional and national teams or professional teams. A semi-structured interview was constructed and validated based on expert judgment and was composed of 37 questions. The main category addressed was knowledge transfer with the subcategories: i) types of professional knowledge of the coach; ii) disciplinary knowledge; iii) didactic pedagogical knowledge; iv) life history knowledge; v) contextual knowledge. It is recognized that coaches consider important elements such as the adaptation of the athlete and the structural function of the organism, as well as generating spaces for the adaptation of knowledge so that their athletes achieve better decision making in competition. On the other hand, the didactic-pedagogical elements most frequently addressed by coaches are variability in practice, evaluation formats, and tools that address the physical, technical, psychological and theoretical components. There are countless factors that influence how high-performance soccer coaches transfer professional knowledge, highlighting factors such as informal training, conversations with other coaches and observation in competition.
Mapping the knowledge of publications related to sport performance in speed skating: a bibliometric review
Speed skating is a sport that is characterised by combining a series of physical abilities to cover a distance in the shortest possible time. The aim of this study was to analyse the evolution of scientific production in speed skating by means of a bibliometric review in the PubMed and Web of Science databases. To this end, a review was carried out based on PRISMA recommendations and a definitive sample of 165 documents was obtained. The results show that the highest production is in research journal articles (91.51%). For the publication period, it is established that between the year 2021 and 2023 there was a considerable increase (41.21%). Furthermore, the years 2016, 2021 and 2022 show a significantly higher than average number of citations (n = 215). It is determined that Noordhof, D.A., and Piucco, T., are the authors with the highest number of studies. Likewise, the areas of knowledge that have dealt with the study of sport performance are Sport Sciences and Physiology. In addition, the journals that produce the most knowledge are located in the Q1-Q3 quartiles. The institutional affiliations belong to countries such as the Netherlands, China and Canada. Finally, the most used keywords in the studies are: Speed Skating, Performance and Exercise. Consequently, analysing sport performance in speed skating from the bibliometric study allows us to identify the main lines of research, and the authors responsible for scientific advances.
Physical fitness and competitive anxiety in amateur padel players
The aim of this study was to analyze differences in physical fitness and competitive anxiety among amateur padel players based on their age, skill level, court position, and training frequency. Fifty-four male amateur players (35.6 ± 11.4 years) participated in the study. The observed results included a vertical jump, grip strength, a 5-meter acceleration, and a CODA test. Cognitive and somatic anxiety levels were moderate, while self-confidence was relatively high (3.3 ± 0.5 points). Significant differences were observed in physical fitness based on age and court position, and in competitive anxiety based on age, court position, and training frequency. Younger players showed superior vertical jump and change-of-direction performance, while skill level had no significant effect. In conclusion, age and court position appear to influence players' physical and psychological capabilities, highlighting both as key factors in the design of training strategies.
Hydration status during a maximal aerobic capacity test in university athletes subjected to different altitudes
Exercising at different altitudes generates diverse physiological responses, affecting performance, perception of exertion, and hydration status. The study aimed to determine the behavior of hydration status in university athletes during a maximal aerobic power test at different altitudes. The study was quantitative, descriptive, and longitudinal. 24 male university athletes participated. The study was conducted at low (400 meters above sea level), medium (1,500 meters above sea level), and high (2,100 meters above sea level) altitudes. The variables analyzed were maximum oxygen consumption, perception of exertion, and hydration status. The main results showed significant differences in VO₂max between low and medium altitudes, with higher values at lower altitudes. Perception of exertion increased at higher altitudes. Regarding hydration, baseline values reflected severe dehydration, improving after breakfast and exercise. However, 60 minutes after the test, dehydration reappeared.
The influence of the match outcome on heart rate during table tennis official competition
The aim of the study was to analyze the heart rate (HR) and the rate of perceived exertion (RPE) in a table tennis player before and after an official competition, considering the match outcome (win or loss). HR and RPE were registered in a player over 16 official matches. Significant differences were observed in the PRE values compared to the POST values in minimum HR (HRmin), mean HR (HRmean), and maximum HR (HRmax), due to the fatigue generated by the match. Additionally, differences were found in the POST values based on the outcome for the variables HRmin and HRmax, with lower values observed in won matches. Moreover, lower levels of perceived muscular exertion were registered in matches won compared to those lost.
Comparison of internal and external loads in different friendly and official matches of professional female soccer players
Objectives: To describe the internal and external load during friendly matches and compare their performance with official matches in a professional women's soccer team. Methodology: Seventeen professional soccer players from the Mexican first division league participated. Three friendly matches were analyzed, played against an Under-18 women's team (U-18 F), an Under-14 men's team (U-14 M), and a university team (COLL), as well as three regular season matches. External load was assessed using total distance (TD), high-intensity distance (HID), number of accelerations (ACC), number of decelerations (DCC), maximum speed (MS), and Player Load (PL), recorded with the WIMU PRO™ system. Internal load was estimated through the perceived exertion of the session (s-RPE). Differences between matches were analysed using effect sizes (ES) with 90% confidence intervals (90%CL). Results: The friendly match against the U14M team had the highest internal and external load values compared to the other friendly matches. Large effect sizes (ES > 2.0) were observed in total distance when comparing some friendly matches with official matches. No relevant differences were identified in the internal and external load variables between the U-14 M friendly match and two of the official matches analysed. Conclusion: In the context of this study, the friendly matches against the U-18 F and COLL teams did not reproduce the demands observed in official matches. In contrast, the friendly match against the U-14 M team showed similar internal and external demands in some variables recorded during official competition. These findings should be interpreted considering the limitations of the study and should not be generalized to other contexts.
Effects of COVID-19 on positive emotions and physical activity in university students
The declaration of a state of emergency to manage the COVID-19 was a significant turning point for many sectors, including education, and had an impact on physical activity levels with the consequent damage to both physical and mental health. This study analyzed levels of physical activity (high, medium, and low) and the perception of positive emotions at two different times (pre-COVID and COVID) among university students. For the positive emotions variable, the existence of significant differences at the two time points and based on gender were analyzed, also checking for difference according to levels of physical activity. Positive emotions were higher in the male sample and significantly greater in the pre-COVID period, with significant gender differences observed during the COVID period. Levels of physical activity were consistently higher in the pre-COVID period in all cases. These results highlight the importance of physical activity in the emotional well-being of university students. Therefore, universities should design and implement programs that promote regular participation in physical activity among students, leading to an improvement in well-being and learning experiences.
Differences in pass structure between qualified and non-qualified teams during the 2022 Qatar World Cup
The objective of the present study was to analyze the differences in passing relationships and movements made between the Qualified and Non-Qualified teams for the final stage of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022. To do so, 64 football matches were analyzed in order to evaluate the differences in technical-tactical performance among the 32 participating teams and 727 players. The analysis included technical-tactical variables related to passes and movements made (e.g., through pass, etc.). R-Studio was used for data analysis. The Mixed Linear Models showed that goals (p < .01) and support runs (p < .05) were significantly higher in Qualified teams compared to Non-Qualified teams. In general, it was observed that Qualified teams made a higher number of passes toward their nearby lines, opting for more elaborated plays than Non-Qualified teams.
Vertical jump performance in elite athletes: A study of sex- and sport-based differences
This study aimed to establish reference values for vertical jump tests in male and female high-performance athletes, as well as to identify differences between sports disciplines. A total of 1423 jumps (male: 891; female: 532) from 444 elite athletes (male: 258; female: 186) across 15 different sports were analyzed, divided into five categories: team sports, combat sports, racket sports, endurance sports, and fencing. The vertical jumps assessed included the countermovement jump (CMJ), Abalakov jump (ABK), squat jump (SJ), and drop jump (DJ). The results showed significant differences in vertical jump heights across tests for both male and female athletes. In males, the ABK produced the highest jumps (MD: 5.517 to 8.744 cm), followed by the CMJ (MD: 3.227 cm), with no significant difference between SJ and DJ (p=1; MD: 0.367 cm). Among sports disciplines, endurance athletes had the lowest jump heights in CMJ, SJ, ABK, and DJ compared to combat, racket, fencing, and team sports. Team sports athletes generally had the highest values. In females, the ABK also yielded the highest jumps (MD: 3.617 to 5.686 cm), followed by the CMJ (MD: 2.069 cm). No significant differences were found between SJ-DJ (p=0.185; MD= -1.168 cm) or CMJ-DJ (p=0.567; MD: 0.901 cm). Endurance athletes showed the lowest jump heights in all tests compared to other disciplines, particularly team sports athletes, who demonstrated the highest values in CMJ, ABK, and DJ. Differences in reactive strength index (RSI) were also noted, with team sports outperforming combat and endurance sports in both sexes.
Body composition and somatotype in professional soccer players according to their playing position
This study aimed to determinate the body composition and somatotype of professionals soccer players according to their playing position. A total of 50 professionals soccer players from the Mexican First Division participated and were categorized in four groups: goalkeepers (GK), defenders (DF), midfielders (MF) and forwards (FW). Each player underwent anthropometric measurements following the ISAK protocol. Body composition was subsequently determined using the four basic components model, and somatotype using the Heath-Carter method. The results showed statistics differences in the anthropometric variables and body composition. When evaluating muscular mass, GK had the highest values, while MF recorder the lowest (p < 0.01). Regarding fat mass, the highest values were observed in the order FW > DF > GK > MF, with differences between FW vs MF (p < 0.01) and DF vs MF (p < 0.01). However, no statistical differences were found in the percentages of total muscle mass and total body fat. In terms of somatotype, the most common biotype was balanced mesomorph, particularly in MF and DF. The meso-endomorph and meso-ectomorph types were mainly found in FW and GK, respectively, while the balanced ectomorph was the least common, observed in only one FW player. These results reveal that both body composition and somatotype in professional soccer players vary according to their playing position, highlighting the importance of tailoring training and nutrition programs to meet the specific demands of each position.
Dermatoglyphic and functional profile in professional and training footballers in the city of Bogotá, Colombia
Introduction: The "dermatoglyphia" has become an important tool that allows us to identify the genotypic profile of a subject, whose purpose is to establish aspects that the physical qualities an athlete possesses. Objective: To establish the dermatoglyphic and functional profile of professional and training players, relating them to the criteria already established for football. Materials and methods: 42 professional football players and 44 formative football players, who had to have more than six months on the national team and have attended training on a regular basis. The dermatoglyphic and morpho functional profiles in each subject were evaluated. Univariate analysis was performed for categorical variables and subsequently T student test to determine association between them. Results: The average age of professional footballers was 21±2 years, average height 176.7±6.2 cm, weight 71.9±6.4 kg and BMI of 22.9±1.4. At the educational level, the average age was 17±2 years, height of 170.9 ±6.7 cm, weight 61.6 ±6.4 kg and BMI of 18.6 ±5. There were statistically significant differences between the morpho functional variables: musculoskeletal mass, fat mass, phase angle, flight time, height, strength, and maximum power with a value of (p=0.000). When correlating the dermatoglyphic variables for professional and formative football with morpho functional variables, statistically significant relationships were found between the presillas and supraspinal fold (p=0.05). Conclusion: The dermatoglyphic profile showed the predisposition to the development of the physical qualities of the physiological demands of said sport, as well as the morpho functional differences existing in each category.
Interest in physical activity among people with chronic or rare diseases
This study analyzes the interest in physical-sport activity and related habits among individuals with chronic and rare genetic diseases. A total of 70 patients (80% women), aged between 18 and 74, participated in the study—47 with chronic illnesses and 23 with rare diseases. A 25-item questionnaire was used, based on key adherence factors identified by Buscemi et al. (2023). Among respondents, 74.3% reported engaging in regular physical activity, and 88.6% stated they were aware of its benefits. Additionally, 95.7% believed that physical activity services should be offered by hospitals. The most frequently practiced activities were yoga/pilates, walking, swimming, and hiking, indicating a wide range of interests. Participants valued programs lasting between 1 and 4 hours per week, costing less than €30 per month, adapted and individualized, led by qualified professionals, and avoiding high-impact activities.
Cognitive training in athletes: A systematic review
The attainment of sporting success is contingent upon a combination of physical, technical and tactical competencies, in addition to cognitive processes such as attention and executive functions. A plethora of studies have indicated a correlation between cognitive performance and athletic performance. Given that cognitive functions can be cultivated through training, the notion of cognitive stimulation as a strategy to enhance athletes' performance has been postulated. The present study sought to undertake a systematic review with a narrative synthesis of the extant literature on cognitive interventions designed to enhance executive functions and athletic performance. A search was conducted in the Scopus and PubMed databases in accordance with the PRISMA guidelines. Following the application of the inclusion and exclusion criteria, 11 relevant articles were selected for further analysis. The findings demonstrate the efficacy of interventions that integrate cognitive stimulation into the athletic domain, indicating potential benefits in performance. However, further research is required in this area to develop validated and standardized programs that can influence performance through cognitive function training.
In-vivo stability shoulder assessment during push-ups using force plates in healthy adults
Objective: The main aim was to describe shoulder strength and kinetic parameters during different variations of push-ups, as well as to determine if a widely extended tool in lower limb assessment in sports sciences, force plates, could be valid for shoulder stability assessment. Methods: Thirty-six healthy active adults were recruited in this cross-sectional study to undergo three variations of push-ups on force plates as well as two strength tests focused on the lateral deltoid and major pectoral using a hand-held dynamometer. The study was focused on the following outcome variables: maximum peak of force, time to peak, rate of force development, vertical force exerted on force plates, and center of pressure displacement in the lateral and anteroposterior axes. Results: The outcomes showed a moderate to very strong relationship between ground reaction force and stability in the anteroposterior axis (R = 0.450 – 0.989, p < 0.05), allowing the establishment of linear regression models to estimate stability using this variable. Nonetheless, the relationship of ground reaction force with the displacement in the lateral axis was non-statistically significant (p > 0.05). As for dynamometric characteristics, deltoid strength showed a direct relationship with the ground reaction force (R = 0.365 – 0.770, p < 0.001), becoming a key muscle in shoulder instability assessment. These correlations allowed the establishment of estimating regression models (p < 0.001). Conclusions: Force plates have been demonstrated to be a valid tool in shoulder assessment. However, more research is needed to determine if these parameters could be related to glenohumeral stability.
Acute effect of a football game on the hydration levels of college students
The main objective of this study is to observe whether there is a watering effect on the hydration levels of university association football players, in order to establish the intake of water and electrolyte drinks that they should consume before, during and after a semi-professional level sports match. The participants of the study were 19 association football players, affiliated with the "Atlético FEFUV" team, which participates in the Súper Liga MX tournament. To measure the hydration status of the players, they were asked to take a sample 20 minutes before the start of the warm-up; that is, upon arriving at the locker room of the stadium where the game of matchday 2 of the 2024 season would take place. The age was 22.0 ± 2.67 years (minimum = 18, maximum = 27 years) and the number of minutes played was 49.9 ± 33.90 min (minimum = 0, maximum = 90 min). The mean and standard deviation (M ± SD) are presented as descriptive statistics for the variables of age and minutes played. Nonparametric Chi2 (χ2) statistics are presented to study the association between the dehydration levels of the players. Among the conclusions, it is noted that the hydration plan should begin 24 hours before the game, since there are lifestyles in young university students that do not favor them arriving at the locker room with optimal hydration levels for the competition.
Effects of contextual interference on performance in fifty meters swimming. Case study
The aim was to examine the effect of two types of contextual interference (blocked and randomised) on performance in the 50-metre swimming test. Four boys participated, two of whom performed the performance tests (control participants) and two of whom underwent five weeks of training in each practice condition (blocked and randomised) and the tests (experimental participants). A multiseries intrasubject design of alternating treatments without counterbalancing was applied, as one of the participants first underwent block training and then random training with a non-treatment period between the two, and the other did the opposite. The preliminary results of this case study show that both types of contextual interference are effective in improving performance. However, one participant achieved a higher percentage of effectiveness in random practice and the other in block practice.
Relationship between body composition and agility following the use of emerging technologies in sports warm-ups
This study examines the relationship between body composition, specifically muscle mass, and the acute effects of two warm-up modalities using technological devices. Twenty-two subjects (age: 24.5 ± 2.82 years), randomly assigned to three groups participated: inertial training group (IE, n=7) using the RSP-Squat device, VertiMax training group (VE, n=8) and control group (n=7). After a standard 15-minute warm-up, two intervention protocols were implemented, one for EI and one for EV. Agility was assessed before and after the protocols at four different times. A significant interaction was observed between pretest and posttest conditions (p < 0.001). Group-specific analyses showed significant differences only in the EV group, with improved agility time starting at minute 5 of rest (p < 0.05). No significant differences were found between study groups (p = 0.786). Nor were direct relationships found between body composition and agility test travel times, results confirmed by frequentist and Bayesian analyses (p > 0.05; BF10 < 10). This study concluded that inertial training and VertiMax under the established training load are adequate to improve times in the agility test, although they do not significantly differ. In addition, the absence of a relationship between body composition and agility in this sample was highlighted.
Relationship indirect VO2max - average speed on university race walking athletes: preliminar study
The performance of race-walking university athletes is associated within their VO2max. The VO2max can be measured through the Cooper test which measures the indirect VO2max (ml/kg/min) and the average speed (km/h), to date there few studies that related Cooper test measures and their values with performance of racewalking athletes. Thus, in this preliminary study we tested the relationship between the Cooper test indirect VO2max and the average speed on university race walking athletes taking courses in the Universidad Veracruzana, Mexico. For it we consider three athletes and three seasons, and we analyze the data using generalized linear regression with two factors (athlete and season). We found that in our athletes there was a significant positive relationship between their indirect VO2max and the average speed (F = 249.44, gl = 2, 6, P < 0.00001, R2 = 0.984). The VO2max and the average speed relationship must be verified in future studies.
Relationship Between Hand-to-Foot Contact time and Performance Variables in Breaststroke and Butterfly Swimming Turns
This study aimed to analyze whether the time difference between hand and foot contact in the breaststroke and butterfly swimming strokes has a relationship with other turn performance variables and whether this time is different between strokes. Fifteen competitive swimmers (12 males, 3 females; mean ± SD: 19.68 ± 1.68 years, 72.23 ± 5.88 kg, and 1.76 ± 0.07 m) participated in this cross-sectional, correlational study. Each swimmer completed four turns—two in breaststroke and two in butterfly—in a randomized order. Variables assessed included total turn time, underwater time, underwater distance, approach velocity, push-off velocity, and hand-to-foot contact time. Data were collected via video analysis and an electronic timing plate. Correlations between variables were analyzed using Pearson’s coefficient, and stroke differences were assessed via paired t-tests. No significant correlations were found between hand-to-foot contact time and other variables for either stroke style. Total turn time showed a strong negative correlation with approach velocity (r = -0.833, p < 0.05) and push-off velocity (r = -0.478, p < 0.05). No differences were found in hand-to-foot contact time between strokes. Butterfly turns had significantly (p < 0.05) lower total turn time, underwater time, and underwater distance, and higher approach velocity compared to breaststroke. Hand-to-foot contact time was not significantly related to other variables measured in the breaststroke and butterfly turns. No differences were also found in hand-to-foot time between strokes. Several key metrics between breaststroke and butterfly turns underscore the importance of stroke-specific strategies for optimizing performance.
Basic physical capacities versus core muscular stability in young rugby athletes
Introduction: Rugby is a physically demanding sport that requires the development of basic physical capacities such as strength, speed, endurance, and flexibility. Core musculature is essential for body stability, performance, and injury prevention. Materials and Methods: This was an observational, correlational, quantitative, and cross-sectional study conducted with rugby players in Cúcuta, Colombia, aged between 18 and 30 years. Cardiovascular endurance (Bronco test), explosive strength (long jump and shot put), flexibility (Sit and Reach test), speed (sprints), and core stability (Biering-Sorensen test, side plank, and trunk flexion) were evaluated. Pearson correlation analysis was performed. Results: A high positive correlation was observed between core stability and strength (r=0.79), as well as a mild positive relationship between core stability and flexibility (r=0.234). Endurance (r=0.08) and speed (r=0.102) showed weak correlations with core stability, emphasizing the importance of specific approaches to muscular strengthening in training programs. Conclusion: There is a strong correlation between basic physical capacities, such as explosive strength, and core stability in young rugby players in Cúcuta, Colombia. However, flexibility, endurance, and speed showed weak correlations with core stability. The importance of integrating specific strategies to strengthen the core in training programs is highlighted to improve overall physical performance and reduce the risk of injuries in this population.
The XG and their association with goals scored in elite football
The purpose of this study was to analyze the association between xG and goals scored in football matches. This was a quantitative, correlational, and longitudinal study. A total of 333 league matches were analyzed. Data were obtained from Sofascore, a website that provides statistics and results for various sporting events. The hypothesis was that there is a positive correlation between xG and goals scored. The sample consisted of 333 official matches from international competitions, including the 2013/24 Champions League, the 2014 Copa Libertadores, the 2014 UEFA European Championship, and the 2014 Copa América. These tournaments were selected due to their high international relevance. The results of this research confirm the validity of using xG as an indicator to analyze a team's offensive performance, although its predictive capacity tends to vary depending on the context or competition (r = 0.488, p < 0.001). At club level, players have greater continuity in training together, which facilitates the establishment of a playing pattern. This could explain a higher xG (xG) compared to national team tournaments. The results obtained in this study confirm the relationship between xG and goals scored in football matches, thus establishing it as a valid indicator for measuring offensive performance in football. It was found that in club tournaments, the amount of association was highest in the Copa Libertadores (r = 0.537), with the strongest association between variables, while the association was lowest in the Champions League (r = 0.403). Meanwhile, in national team tournaments, the values ​​for the Copa América and the European Championship were (r = 0.475) and (r = 0.479), respectively, where a certain similarity in the association of variables can be observed. This is attributed to the poor group cohesion and tactical adjustment of national teams compared to clubs.
Influence of role models in physical and sports activity. Analysis based on gender and educational stage
The aim was to analyse the influence of role models (fathers, mothers, friends, and physical education teachers) on physical and sports activity (PSA) practice in children in Primary and Secondary Education, according to gender and educational stage. 701 students (326 girls and 375 boys) aged between 10 and 17 years (M = 12.76; SD = 1.89) answered the Questionnaire of Influences on PA and Health. The most influential figures, according to gender, are the mother for girls and friends for boys. For Secondary Education students, the most influential figures are the teacher and friends, and for Primary Education students, the father and mother, teachers, and friends. To increase young people's participation in PSA, it is necessary to address gender and age differences in social support and the influence of role models
Socio-economic impact of nature sports in protected natural areas according to the sex of the participants: hiking in the Jerte Valley (Spain)
Nature sports are shown as an opportunity for global sustainability, because in addition to improving global health, they allow the enjoyment of nature in a responsible way, minimizing environmental impact, promoting the conservation of ecosystems, respecting local culture, and generating benefits for communities. Aim: To find out the perceived socio-economic impact of hiking in a Nature Reserve, specifically in the Jerte Valley (Cáceres, Spain). Methods: A sample of 1,137 hikers was asked about socio-demographic data, estimated expenditure, activity impact assessment and perceived satisfaction. Results: Most hikers are Spanish nationals and both genders; there is a positive socio-economic impact but more traffic problems and less security; in addition, there is a high degree of satisfaction with a good predisposition to repeat the experience. Conclusion: Hiking has a positive influence on the attractiveness of the tourist destination and on the increase in employment demand. However, the greater number of people travelling to the Jerte Valley increases traffic problems and reduces safety. Hikers stress the importance of pre-serving natural spaces, paying attention to their conservation and environmental management. Therefore, it would be important for the administrations to be aware of these data and to implement sustainable measures and plans to promote sustainable tourism with nature activities to improve overall health
Influence of ranking on performance in professional men's and women's in padel
The aim of this study was to determine the influence of ranking on the outcome of matches on the professional padel circuit in both the men's and women's categories according to the round of play (pre-qualifying, qualifying and final draw) and the number of sets played. A total of 2450 matches (1500 men's and 950 women's) belonging to 17 Open tournaments on the World Padel Tour circuit played in the 2022 season were ana-lysed by systematic observation. The results show that the top-ranked pair wins 75% of the matches in both genders, being in the qualifying phase where there is more equality between both pairs in both male and female categories (p<.001) compared to the pre-qualifying and draw phase. In addition, both in the men's category (p<.001) and women's category (p= .028), the number of sets played affects the percentage of matches won between both pairs, being the matches played in three sets where the percentage of matches won by the pair with the higher ranking is reduced. Consequently, coaches can adjust tactics in competition based on the effect of ranking on competition, as well as plan training sessions with demands that simulate these situations.
Financial investments and sports performance in major league soccer: A comparative analysis between market value, base salary and results in conferences
This study examines the link between financial investments and sports performance in Major League Soccer (MLS) during 2023. It finds that higher investments do not ensure superior outcomes. In the Eastern Conference, Cincinnati excelled with modest financial figures ($11.46M base salary, $13.20M Guaranteed Compensation, and €29.25M market value), while higher-spending teams like Inter Miami and Toronto lagged behind. Similarly, in the Western Conference, St. Louis City led with 56 points, despite a lower budget ($9.49M base salary, $10.51M Guaranteed Compensation, €23.03M market value), outperforming higher spenders like Seattle Sounders and LAFC. Correlation analysis revealed negative associations between points and base salary (-0.52) and Guaranteed Compensation (-0.61) in the Eastern Conference, while points in the Western Conference showed weak correlations with financial variables. The study underscores the critical role of financial efficiency over mere expenditure for success in MLS.