Background: Perfectionism and its effects on individual behavior have been extensively studied in the field of sports. However, research on this topic in the context of dance, particularly regarding the validation of measurement tools, is limited. Objective: The aim of the present study was to examine the structural validity of the Short Almost Perfect Scale (SAPS) in a sample of adult amateur dancers participating in organized dance activities. A further objective was to investigate the effects of dancers' sex and age on levels of perfectionism. Methods: A total of 415 male and female dancers completed the SAPS. Of these, 198 participated in Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA) and 217 in Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA). The SAPS consists of eight items divided into two factors. Statistical analysis included descriptive statistics, EFA and CFA, reliability analysis using Cronbach's alpha, convergent validity, t-tests for independent samples, and one-way analysis of variance. Results: The CFA results indicated a statistically significant chi 2 (92.93), Normed Fit Index (.96), Comparative Fit Index (.96), Non-Normed Fit Index (.95), and Goodness of Fit Index (.91). The approximation error indices (Root Mean Square Error of Approximation = .069, Standardized Root Mean Square Residual = .036) further support an acceptable model fit. Both factors demonstrated significant reliability and convergent validity, as the Composite Reliability and Average Variance Extracted indices received values of >=.894 and >= .680, respectively. Age, but not sex, significantly differentiated the two SAPS factors. Conclusions: The findings provide preliminary evidence supporting the structural validity and internal consistency of the Greek SAPS for adult amateur dancers. Additionally, age differentiated levels of perfectionism, with older participants exhibiting lower personal standards but higher levels of self-criticism in cases of failure.
Background: Interlimb asymmetry has been associated with increased injury risk and impaired performance in athletes. Objective: This study aimed to analyse positional differences in interlimb asymmetry and unilateral functional performance among elite male youth futsal players. Methods: Eighty-three youth futsal players (age 17.2 +/- 0.8 years) were assessed according to playing position (right/left winger, pivot, defender). Participants performed unilateral countermovement jump (CMJ), horizontal jump (HJ), and the 505 change of direction (COD 505) tests. Interlimb asymmetry was calculated for each test. One-way analysis of variance was used to compare asymmetry levels across positions. Pearson's correlations were computed to explore relationships between test-specific asymmetries. Players were also classified into high (>= 10%) or low (<10%) asymmetry groups, and Chi-square tests were applied to assess associations with position. Results: No significant differences in interlimb asymmetry were observed between positions in CMJ (p = .61), HJ (p = .13), or COD 505 (p = .26), though HJ showed greater variability (eta(2) = .07). A significant correlation was found between CMJ and HJ asymmetries (r = .31, p < .001), suggesting shared neuromuscular demands. No association was found between asymmetry level and position in CMJ, HJ or COD 505. Additionally, 38.9% of pivots and 40.7% of right wingers exceeded the 10% asymmetry threshold in CMJ. Conclusions: Although interlimb asymmetries did not significantly differ across positions, the presence of asymmetries >= 10% in a notable proportion of players highlights the relevance of individualised monitoring in youth futsal. These findings support the use of asymmetry assessments as part of injury prevention strategies in elite and developmental settings.
Background: The reviewed literature underscores the increasing importance of developing the physical abilities that underpin competitive performance in rhythmic gymnastics, with muscular strength identified as a key determinant of success and talent identification. Objective: The aim was to analyze the effects of a 12-week specific strength-training program on performance in young rhythmic gymnasts. Methods: Thirty-five gymnasts (14.23 +/- 1.80 years) were randomly assigned to an experimental group (EG) or a control group (CG). Both groups continued their regular training, while the EG additionally performed a specific strength-training program. Performance was evaluated through six rhythmic gymnastics technical elements assessed before and after the intervention. Data were analyzed using mixed model analysis of variance, and effect sizes were calculated with partial eta squared. Results: Statistically significant pre-post changes were observed in balance and jump performance in both groups, with the relative changes being greater in the EG than in the CG. No statistically significant changes were found in rotation performance in either group. Conclusions: A specific strength-training program appears to be effective in enhancing balance and jump performance in young rhythmic gymnasts, while having limited impact on rotational skills.
Background: Accurate classification of physical exercise is essential for individualised training and rehabilitation. Self-Organizing Maps (SOM) offer a data-driven way to cluster movement patterns. Objective: To extract the most informative acceleration-and angular-velocity features from children's movements and use SOM to build a map and visualize the similarity structure among exercises based on trunk dynamics. Methods: Eighty-one children (9-11 years) performed eight dynamic tasks while 3-D accelerometers and gyroscopes recorded kinematics. The performed tasks are Shuttle Run, Crawling, Progressive Cone Shuttle Run, Ring Collection and Placement Run, 10x Position Change Drill, 10x Head-to-Foot Hoop Crawl, 10x Bench Jumping, Crawling (repeat). Data were collected in a single session using one back-mounted inertial sensor; the SOM solution with seven super-clusters yielded a mean Silhouette width of 0.36, indicating moderate cluster separation. Time series (records) were described with Recurrence Quantification Analysis, autocorrelation and Fourier transforms. XGBoost selected 27 key features that guided SOM optimisation and clustering. Results: With 27 optimised features, the SOM exceeded 90% accuracy and organised the seven movement tasks, including one repeated task, into seven coherent clusters. For instance, 10x Head-to-Foot Hoop Crawl and 4x 10m Shuttle Run exercises were found to differ primarily due to the presence of locomotion and rapid acceleration changes in the latter, while the former exhibited higher angular velocity during trunk bending. 10x Position Change Drill exercise was characterized by dynamic transitions between standing, prone, and supine positions, whereas Crawling exercise involved steady, low acceleration movements. Conclusions: Advanced feature extraction combined with XGBoost-guided selection yields a compact, informative descriptor set that enables SOM to map children's exercises with high accuracy. This workflow offers a practical, data-driven approach to mapping and organizing exercises based on similarity in trunk dynamics, rather than a discrete classification.
Background: Time spent near VO2max has been suggested as an optimal stimulus for the promotion of greater VO2max improvements. Thus, this study aimed to compare time spent above 90% (t90VO2max) and 95% of VO2max (t95VO2max) during three cycling interval training protocols with decreasing, increasing, or constant work rate distributions within each exercise interval. Methods: After an incremental test to determine VO2max and peak power output (Ppeak), ten physically active male individuals (age 28 +/- 5 years, VO2max 48.4 +/- 8.1 mL & centerdot;kg-1 & centerdot;min-1) performed in a random order three work-matched cycling interval training sessions comprising 8 & times; 60 s efforts with 60 s passive recovery. The power output was held constant (100%Ppeak; ITCON), decreasing (from 110 to 90%Ppeak; ITDEC), or increasing (from 90 to 110%Ppeak; ITINC) throughout each work interval. Time sustained above 90% and 95% of VO2max, above 90% and 95% of maximal heart rate (t90HRmax; t95HRmax), blood lactate concentrations (BLC), and rating of perceived exertion (RPE) were measured. Results: There was no difference in t90VO2max among sessions (ITCON 152 +/- 72 s, ITDEC 157 +/- 81 s, ITINC 161 +/- 81 s, p = .857), t95VO2max (ITCON 84 +/- 65 s, ITDEC 86 +/- 87 s, ITINC 99 +/- 73 s, p = .585), t90HRmax (p = .204), t95HRmax (p = .119), BLC (p = .694), or RPE (p = .482). Conclusions: Short-duration cycling interval training around Ppeak induces similar time spent near VO2max, regardless of the work rate distribution.
Background: Physical inactivity has become a pressing global concern, posing significant risks to public health. University students, in particular, experience a marked decline in physical activity (PA) levels as they transition to independent living, often due to motivational, social, and environmental barriers. In the Philippines, the Commission on Higher Education has introduced the Physical Activity Towards Health and Fitness (PATHFit) program to address this concern by offering diverse activity options based on student preferences. Objective: This study aimed to explore the lived experiences of PATHFit students, focusing on how they derive meaning from their PA choices. Methods: A phenomenological research design was employed, utilizing exploratory, semi-structured interviews with 12 purposively selected participants (six males and six females) from various PATHFit 4 classes, including volleyball, basketball, arnis, badminton, dance sports, and traditional games. Data were analyzed through thematic analysis to identify patterns and essential themes from participants' experiences. Results: The analysis revealed five essential themes: (1) building confidence and social skills through active participation, (2) gaining understanding through meaningful participation, (3) developing self-belief over time through practice and self-awareness, (4) balancing identity, peer pressure, and cultural influences in sports, and (5) overcoming personal, social, and time barriers to participation. These themes highlighted that students' PA preferences were shaped by intrinsic motivation, peer relationships, cultural identity, and the perceived challenges and rewards of participation. Conclusions: Findings underscore the importance of offering diverse, culturally relevant physical activities that foster skill development, confidence, and social connection. The study provides evidence-based insights for refining PATHFit curriculum guidelines to ensure inclusivity and sustained engagement among students. Strengthening support structures and accommodating students' varying needs and interests can contribute to higher PA levels, ultimately advancing health and wellness in higher education.
Background: Calf muscle fatigue has been shown to affect movement patterns and may contribute to increased injury risk, particularly in the knee joint. Objective: This study aims to investigate the effect of calf muscle fatigue on lower limb kinematics during cutting maneuvers in female athletes with and without dynamic knee valgus (DKV). Methods: This case-control study included female athletes with (n = 12) and without dynamic knee valgus (n = 12). The cutting maneuver kinematics were measured with 10 cameras motion analysis before and after calf muscle fatigue, which was induced using an isokinetic dynamometer through repeated maximal plantarflexion contractions at the time point corresponding with peak knee valgus angle. A two-way mixed-design analysis of variance was conducted to analyze within-group differences between the pre-test and post-test results. Results: The findings indicated that calf muscle fatigue was associated with a significant decrease in knee flexion (p = .006) and increases in valgus angle (p = .003) and external rotation angle (p = .028), during the cutting maneuver. Also, calf muscle fatigue significantly increased ankle inversion (p = .028) and decreased hip flexion (p = .030) in the DKV group. Moreover, a significant difference was observed in the effect of fatigue between the two groups, such that the ankle inversion (p = .021) and hip flexion angle (p = .006) changed more in the DKV group than in the group without DKV. Conclusions: This study showed significant effects of calf muscle fatigue on the lower limb kinematics of female athletes. These alterations in movement patterns, especially in athletes with DKV, may contribute to a higher risk of injury, particularly anterior cruciate ligament injuries, due to compromised joint stability and altered biomechanics.
Background: Female athletes often face unique challenges in their career progression due to societal perceptions and gender inequality. These barriers can significantly hinder long-term success and lead to premature termination of athletic careers. In the Turkish cultural context, such challenges are further reinforced by patriarchal family expectations, uneven regional opportunities, and entrenched gender norms, underscoring the importance of examining barriers in both global and local dimensions. Objective: This study aims to identify and analyze the career barriers experienced by female athletes in Turkey, with a particular focus on the influence of cultural context, social structure, gender norms, and lack of support on their sporting careers. Methods: Using Q methodology, which combines qualitative and quantitative approaches, data were collected from 22 female athletes selected through snowball sampling. Semi-structured interviews were conducted to generate authentic statements, which were then used in a Q sort process. Data analysis was carried out using principal component analysis via PQMethod software. Results: Participants' responses clustered under a single dominant factor. The most significant barriers identified included misguidance from coaches (Z = 1.426), lack of opportunities in residential areas (Z = 1.408), insufficient coaching knowledge (Z = 1.152), economic difficulties (Z = 1.124), and patriarchal family structures (Z = 1.112). These findings highlight the multidimensional and context-specific nature of the obstacles female athletes face. Conclusions: The study underscores the need for structural reforms in sports environments to support female athletes. In Turkey, patriarchal family expectations and regional inequalities play a decisive role in shaping women's sporting trajectories. Addressing these barriers requires both locally grounded interventions and globally informed strategies. This research contributes to the development of inclusive practices that can promote career sustainability for women in sports.
Background: Understanding differences in game demands between senior and U18 basketball players is essential for optimizing training and facilitating the transition to professional basketball. Objective: This study aimed to compare physical and physiological game demands between senior and U18 male basketball players from the same club, with an emphasis on positional differences. Methods: Twenty-four male players (senior team n = 12; U18 n = 12) were monitored during home matches across one competitive season. Game demands were assessed using performance metrics such as distance covered, sprints, accelerations, and heart rate responses. Normality of distribution was tested, and independent t-tests or Mann-Whitney tests were applied to identify significant differences between groups. Results: Senior players exhibited higher values in training impulse (mean difference 38.98, p < .001, moderate effect size) and heart rate (% of maximum; mean difference 3%, p < .05), while U18 players performed more sprints per minute (mean difference-0.11 n/min, p < .05, small effect size). Positional analysis revealed that U18 backcourt players achieved higher jump loads per mass (mean difference-0.37, p < .05), whereas senior frontcourt players covered significantly greater total distances (mean difference 1304.65 m, p < .001, large effect size). Conclusions: Understanding differences in game demands between senior and U18 basketball players is essential for optimizing training and facilitating the transition to professional basketball, as these differences highlight the specific areas where U18 players need development. These findings provide actionable insights for coaches to optimize training and facilitate the progression of youth players to professional competition.
Background: There is limited knowledge on the latency of eye-foot reaction in the elderly, although some of their activities of daily living demand a quick response of the lower limbs. Objective: The aim of the study was to examine age-related changes in simple visual lower limb reaction time (RT) and RT variability in females across the 7th and 8th decades of their lives. Methods: Women aged 60-79 years (N = 66) performed the sidestep simple eye-foot reaction test using the optoelectronic device Optogait, including 24 trials for each leg. Results: The older age group of women (70-79 years) achieved significantly longer RT than the younger group (60-69 years). Across the entire sample, RT significantly correlated with age, but RT variability did not change with the age of women. Functional laterality of lower limbs did not prove to be a significant factor for both RT and RT variability. Conclusions: The study showed progressive slowing of eye-foot reaction with the age of women from 60 to 79 years, but no age-related changes in neurobiological disturbances indicated by RT variability. In the context of the prolongation of working life today in European countries, the results suggest the need to respect the natural aging of cognitive-motor functions.
Background: Heart rate (HR) during different shooting phases, along with other biophysical parameters, is used for performance analysis. Given the stochastic and complex nature of these parameters, machine learning (ML) models have recently been used in predicting performance. Objective: We aimed to develop an ML model to predict the archery performance score using key performance parameters, including the HR values during key phases of shooting, and determine the predictive importance of these parameters to provide personalised training to an archer. Methods: A total of 32 archers (15 elite and 17 non-elite) shot two sessions of 30 arrows each indoors, wearing an HR chest monitor and were videographed. When each arrow was shot, 11 HR values were identified at different shooting phases. Biophysical parameters consisting of 35 linear variables and second-degree polynomial HR values were used to build ML models in Python. The total scores of Sessions 1 and 2 were used to train and test, respectively. Model performance was evaluated using root mean squared error and highest accuracy. Shapley's additive explanation method was used to show the predictive importance of each variable. Results: The Cat Boost ML model with the lowest error and better accuracy was used to predict the archery score. Sports age, resting systolic blood pressure, previous competition score, right-hand grip strength, age, HR rate before 2 s of arrow release, waist-to-hip ratio, concentration disruption, trait anxiety and HR after 5 s of release are the top parameters that predicted the score. Conclusions: This study highlights that the ML approach can be a useful tool to predict top parameters to optimise archery performance. The ML model has been trained and tested for indoor archery settings in a controlled environment, which may be a limitation in generalising this ML model for prediction during outdoor competitive settings.
Background: The aerobic adaptations of sprint interval training (SIT) and anaerobic adaptations of plyometric training (PT) are well documented in the literature. Bidirectional SIT (including forward and backward "all-out" runs with change of direction) is a new approach to target aerobic and anaerobic traits in football players. Objective: This study intended to evaluate and compare the efficacy of bidirectional SIT versus PT on aerobic parameters, anaerobic parameters and sport-specific skill in university-level football players. Methods: In this two-arm randomized clinical trial, 26 university-level male football players (age 20.88 +/- 1.69 years, height 173.70 +/- 6.17 cm, mass 66.41 +/- 7.60 kg, body mass index 22.04 +/- 2.62 kg/m2) were divided into two groups, bidirectional SIT (n = 13) and PT (n = 13, dropout of 1 subject during intervention) groups, respectively. Lower limb power (vertical jump height), sport-specific skill (wall volley), speed, agility, maximum oxygen consumption and running economy at 8, 10, and 12 km/h were analysed before and after four weeks of training. Results: The result revealed that the time effect was significant for all the parameters, while time x group interaction was significant for all variables except running economy, speed and wall volley. However, there is no significant group effect for all variables. Conclusions: Findings suggest that four weeks of bidirectional SIT results in significant improvement in aerobic as well as anaerobic parameters in football players. Therefore, bidirectional SIT can be used as a substitute for PT for anaerobic adaptations with added aerobic benefits in football players.
Background: The effects of Integrative Neuromuscular Training (INT) on injury prevention in young populations are well-established, yet its impact on performance enhancement remains uncertain. Objective: This study investigates the effects of an 8-week INT program on physical performance and technical proficiency in prepubertal badminton players aged 9 to 11. Methods: Forty-four players were randomly assigned to an experimental group (EXP) or a control group (CON). The EXP performed a specific INT program following a general warm-up, with three sessions per week for 8 weeks. The CON continued their regular training regimen. Both groups followed identical training protocols for the remainder of their sessions. Athletes' vertical jump, 10-m sprint, lateral agility, 20-m shuttle run, and backhand and forehand service performances were observed. Results: A significant group x time interaction was detected across all tests conducted: vertical jump (F = 26.23, p < .001, eta(2) = .38, large effect), 10-m sprint (F = 20.49, p < .001, eta(2)(p) = .75, large effect), lateral agility (F = 41.34, p < .001, eta(2)(p) = .49, large effect), 20-m shuttle run (F = 12.52, p < .001, eta(2)(p) = .23, large effect), forehand long serve (F = 5.18, p = .02, eta(2)(p) = .11, medium effect), and backhand short serve (F = 6.08, p = .01, eta(2)(p) = .12, medium effect). Greater improvements were observed in all performance variables in the EXP compared to the CON. Conclusions: Compared to routine training, the 8-week INT program conducted three times per week produced large effects on physical performance and medium effects on technical proficiency in prepubertal badminton players. These findings suggest that INT is an effective training strategy during early developmental stages.
Background: Psychological inflexibility is considered a transdiagnostic etiological factor in the development and maintenance of psychological disorders and emotional difficulties. In turn, it can be stated that psychological health is directly related to behavioral efficiency in responding to situations faced on a daily basis. Objective: This study investigated whether psychological inflexibility and coping are related to psychopathological symptomatology in soccer referees. Methods: This cross-sectional study included 156 active referees (96.8% men), with 63.5% in amateur categories and 36.5% in semi-professional or professional categories. Psychopathological symptoms were assessed using the Symptom Assessment-45 Questionnaire, psychological inflexibility with the Acceptance and Action Questionnaire-II, and coping strategies with the Coping Inventory for Competitive Sport. Results: No significant differences were observed between amateur and semi-professional/professional referees in terms of mental health, coping strategies, or psychological inflexibility. High psychological inflexibility scores were associated with emotion-oriented coping (p < .001) but not with distraction (p = .110), or task-oriented coping (p = .744). Increased psychological inflexibility correlated with higher scores on psychopathological symptoms (p < .001). In regression models, task-oriented and distraction-oriented coping did not significantly contribute to the outcomes. Rather, psychological inflexibility (p < .001) and emotion-oriented coping (p = .001) were the strongest predictors of psychopathological symptoms. Conclusions: The study confirmed that psychological inflexibility is significantly related to mental health and with the choice of coping strategies, mainly emotion-oriented coping and distraction-oriented coping.
Background: Rugby union coaches design small-sided games (SSGs) by altering task conditions to guide players toward the desired objectives. Placing greater value on scoring a try in the centre of the in-goal area may encourage players to play more centrally. Objective: To compare the tactical and conditional responses, along with perceptions of enjoyment and competence, of rugby union academy players during regular (SSG(REG)) and conditioned (SSG(COND)) SSGs. Methods: Sixteen U18 male rugby union players competed in two 4 x 5 min eight-a-side games (219 m(2) per player) with (SSG(COND)) and without (SSG(REG)) triple point value in the central part of the in-goal area. Players' tactical (central tendency and approximate entropy measures of surface area, length, width, dyads, and stretch and spatial exploration indices) and conditional (total distance travelled and distances at different speed zones) responses were assessed using GPS data. Players also rated their enjoyment and perceived competence for each SSG. Results: Young rugby union players significantly (p < .05) occupied less space (surface area: r = .13; length: r = .05; width: r = .24), played closer together (dyads: r = .16; stretch index: r = .14) and explored less (r = .63) in the SSG(COND) than in the SSG(REG), with no differences in entropy measures (p > .05) across task conditions. They also ran significantly (p < .001) more overall (d = 1.21) and at low-to-medium speed (d = 0.85) but not at higher speeds (p > .05) in the conditioned scenario than in the regular one. Players' perceptions of enjoyment and competence did not differ (p > .05) across SSGs. Conclusions: Manipulating the scoring system in rugby union SSGs encouraged players to play more compactly and run more, with no changes in distances travelled at highest speeds nor in perceptions of enjoyment and competence. Thus, academy coaches can benefit from the tactical impact of this manipulation without exceeding habitual high-speed running demands or impairing players' subjective experience.
Background: The effect of menstrual cycle phases (MCPs) on athletic performance remains inconclusive. While hormonal fluctuations throughout the cycle may influence performance, the impact on anaerobic and short-term maximal performance, as well as mood states, has yet to be fully understood. Objective: To investigate the effect of MCPs on anaerobic and short-term maximal performances, as well as mood states among physically active young females. Methods: Fourteen moderately active female athletes (age 21 +/- 2 years, height 162 +/- 5 cm, body mass 56.0 +/- 4.0 kg) undertook squat jump, countermovement jump, and Wingate tests in randomized three MCPs (menstrual, MP; luteal, LP; and follicular, FP). Females were asked to respond to self-administered questionnaires (Profile of Mood States and Hooper) at the beginning of each session. Results: The results of the present study indicated that the peak power and mean power assessed by the Wingate test were significantly higher in the LP compared to the MP and FP (p < .001 and p < .01, respectively). Similarly, the score vigor was higher in LP compared to the MP and FP. Moreover, stress, sleep, and fatigue were significantly higher (p < .001) in the MP compared to the FP and LP. On the other hand, the performance of squat and countermovement jumps, as well as the fatigue index assessed through the Wingate test, were unaffected by MCP (p > .05). No significant differences were observed for anxiety, anger, confusion, depression, interpersonal relationships, and delayed onset muscle soreness (p > .05) in the different MCP. Conclusions: MCP did not influence short-term maximal performance. However, it may have an impact on anaerobic performance, and this influence could be attributed to physiological and/or psychological factors.
Background: Physical inactivity represents a growing global concern, particularly affecting middle-aged women by increasing risks of adverse health outcomes and functional limitations. Existing research has demonstrated significant health and fitness benefits from individual land-based (e.g., Aerobics) and water-based (e.g., Aquafitness) exercise programs. However, limited evidence exists regarding the effects of combining these training modalities. Objective: This study aimed to examine the effects of a 10-week combined Aerobics and Aquafitness training program on anthropometric parameters, aerobic fitness, muscle endurance, and dynamic balance in middle-aged women. Methods: Thirty middle-aged women (mean age +/- SD = 55.5 +/- 4.1 years) were allocated into an experimental group (EG) or a control group (CG). The EG completed a 10-week training program consisting of two Aerobics sessions and two Aquafitness sessions per week. The CG maintained their usual activity levels without structured exercise. Outcome measures included test, chair squat test, crunch test, and tandem walking backwards. Results: Baseline comparisons revealed no significant difference between EG and CG except waist-to-hip ratio (p < .001) and chair squat test (p < .001). Within-group analysis showed significant reductions in body weight (p < .001), waist circumference (p < .001), hip circumference (p = .002), body mass index (p < .001), and 2 km walk test (p < .001) in the EG. Additionally, significant improvements were observed in the EG for chair squat test (p = .003), crunch test (p < .001), and tandem walking backwards (p < .001). The CG showed no significant within-group changes for these variables. Conclusions: A 10-week combined Aerobics and Aquafitness program significantly improved anthropometric parameters, aerobic fitness, muscle endurance, and dynamic balance in middle-aged women. These findings support the efficacy of combined training approaches, particularly for women with sedentary occupations.
Background: A review of the literature indicates that the physical performance of soccer players declines during the early minutes of the second half. However, incorporating re-warm-up (RWU) strategies has proven to significantly boost their performance during this critical period. Objective: The present study aimed to examine the acute effects of a re-warm-up on cognition, as reflected in the Psychomotor Vigilance Task (PVT). Methods: Twenty-two male under-16 soccer players from a non-professional team in Andalusia, Spain, successfully completed the study. These players were divided into two parallel groups: a control group and an experimental group. The young soccer players were evaluated using the Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery Test to obtain VO(2)max. Additionally, heart rate was monitored with a heart rate monitor, and PVT was assessed using a mobile application. Results: A t-test was used to analyze heart rate and PVT data over a 5-min period. The results showed that soccer players responded faster after performing a RWU (315.82 +/- 32.31 ms) than the control group after traditional rest (350.59 +/- 50.23 ms), p =.001, d = -0.58. Conclusions: The results of this study suggest that a 7-min RWU after half-time improves reaction time. The findings offer valuable insights that soccer coaching staff can utilize to enhance their team's performance.
