This study aimed to analyze anthropometric and physiological profiles of highly trained sailors and the differences between sailors regarding various training levels. Forty-two sailors (22 male, 22.4 ± 3.8 years; 20 females, 21.3 ± 3.6 years) were divided into helmsmen and crew groups, and the high- and low-level were distinguished. Sailors completed height, sitting height, legs length, weight, BMI, VO2max, 30 s all-out sprint, isometric mid-thigh pull (IMTP), countermovement jump, bench pull, core endurance tests. The results showed the crew had higher height, sitting height, weight, VO2max and lower trunk flexor endurance test times compared to the helmsmen (p < 0.05). The helmsmen had higher relative peak power/force in the 30 s all-out sprint and IMTP tests compared to the crew, whereas the crew had better absolute strength in bench pull, with significant differences between female sailors (p < 0.05). The high-level sailors showed more sailing experience than low-level sailors (p < 0.05). In conclusion, highly trained crew tend to be taller and heavier, while helmsmen have better trunk flexor endurance. For female sailors, helmsmen have better lower-body power and strength and crew have better upper-body strength. Sailing experience is a reliable variable to distinguish sailors’ levels. The specific anthropometric and physiological profiles of sailors in various positions can assist sailing coaches in athlete selection and intervention training.

To investigate the effects of 8-week hiking bench training on cardiorespiratory and muscular responses of highly trained sailors during hiking emulation. Twenty-four sailors were assigned into two groups: the hiking bench training group (HTG, n = 12) and the control group (CG, n = 12). Both groups maintained their regular training with the HTG performed two additional hiking bench training sessions per week for 8 weeks, while the CG performed an equivalent duration of on-water sailing training. Physiological responses were assessed by performing four successive 3-min hiking bouts on a sailing emulation ergometer before and after the 8-week training period. Comparing the pretest, both groups exhibited a significant decrease (p < 0.05) in the percentage of maximal oxygen uptake (%VO2max) and maximal heart rate (%HRmax); the HTG experienced a greater decrease in %VO2max in bouts 2 and 3. The root mean square (RMS) of rectus femoris (RF), vastus lateralis (VL), rectus abdominis (RA), and external oblique decreased significantly (p < 0.05), whereas the mean power frequency (MPF) of RF, VL, and RA exhibited an increasing trend. The RMS of RF and RA in HTG were lower than those in CG in the initial three bouts; VL and EA in HTG were lower than those in CG in bouts 1 and 2 (p < 0.05). The MPF of RA in HTG was significantly increased in bouts 2, 3, and 4 (p < 0.05). Eight-week hiking bench training could improve hiking economy and the activation of lower limb and trunk muscles delaying the onset of fatigue in sailors.

ObjectivesThis study explores the significant impact of expressive ties (EI) between DanceSport couples on their competitive performance (CP). Utilizing a dyadic approach, we examined the performance achievement processes of DanceSport couples in relation to their EI.MethodsParticipants comprised 67 dyads of Chinese elite dancers aged between 16 and 30 years. The dyadic analysis was carried out using a structural equation model based on the actor-partner interdependence mediation model.ResultsWith regard to actor effects, both male (β = 0.292, p = 0.012) and female (β = 0.443, p < 0.001) dancers’ perceived quality of EI had a positive correlation with CP. The males’ athlete engagement (AE) partially mediated the impact of EI on CP [indirect effect = 0.144, SE = 0.072, 95% confidence intervals (CI) = 0.020, 0.283]. Regarding partner effects, females’ perceived EI quality positively influenced the male’s CP (β = 0.26, p = 0.023) and mediated this association through the male’s AE [indirect effect = 0.086, SE = 0.041, 95% confidence intervals (CI) = 0.003, 0.149]. Similarly, the females’ AE mediated the effect of males’ perceived EI quality on the females’ CP [indirect effect = 0.152, SE = 0.074, 95% confidence intervals (CI) =0.002, 0.256].ConclusionWe not only validated the propositions of the self-determination theory but also provided valuable insights to further enrich it. Our findings underscore that self-determination theory must account for individual gender characteristics.

Abstract Background: The obligatory instrumental ties between DanceSport couples has an important impact on the competitive performance(CP). The purpose of this research is to study the mechanism of the dyadic influence of the obligatory instrumental ties' influence on competitive performance. Methods: The participants included 67 dyads of Chinese elite dancers aged 16 to 30 years. The Obligatory Instrumental Ties Questionnaire (QIT), the Athlete Engagement Questionnaire (AEQ), and the Competitive Performance Questionnaire (CPQ) is used to collect data on DanceSport couples. The structural equation model was employed in the dyadic analysis based on the actor-partner interdependence mediation model. Results: Regarding the actor effects, male’(β=0.223, P=0.017) and female’ (β=0.241, P=0.012) perceived obligatory instrumental ties quality was positively associated with competitive performance; the males’ AE partially mediated the effect of obligatory instrumental ties on competitive performance [indirect effect=0.147, SE=0.081, 95% confidence intervals (CI)=0.010,0.359]. The female’ athlete engagement mediated the effect of her perceived obligatory instrumental ties quality on her competitive performance [indirect effect=0.328, SE=0.328, 95% confidence intervals (CI)= 0.072,0.513]. Regarding the partner effects, female’ athlete engagement partially mediated the effect of her perceived obligatory instrumental ties quality on male’s competitive performance [indirect effect=0.315, SE=0.083, 95% confidence intervals (CI)=0.155,0.547]. Conclusions: The results of this study not only verify the views of the theory of self-determination, but more importantly provide evidence to enrich and improve the theory of self-determination to a certain extent, requiring that the theory of self-determination should fully consider the gender characteristics of individuals.

Hikers and trapeze sailors are two main Olympic groups based on their specific role during sail racing. This study was to analyze the characteristics and relationships of lower limbs strength and power of hikers and trapeze sailors with different levels. Forty-five hikers and trapeze sailors were divided into high-level and low-level groups, respectively. The isokinetic dynamometer was used to measure sailors' lower limbs strength. Concentric and eccentric peak torque (PT) were measured for hamstrings and quadriceps at 60°/s, and isometric knee extensions at 45° knee flexion (0° = full extension). The counter movement jump (CMJ) was performed by Kistler to reflect sailors' lower limbs power. The results showed the hikers had higher quadriceps isometric PT, and male hikers had higher concentric and eccentric PT compared to trapeze sailors (p<0.05). For female sailors, the quadriceps' concentric, eccentric and isometric PT of high-level group were higher than low-level group' (p<0.05). The sailors' conventional and functional H/Q ratio ranged from 0.44 to 0.56 and 0.52 to 0.65, respectively. High-level and low-level groups had no difference in CMJ, which was moderately to strongly correlated with the isokinetic strength (r ranging 0.50-0.81, p<0.01). These findings suggest that long-term training can induce specificity in lower limbs strength of sailors. Hikers have better quadriceps isometric strength compared to trapeze sailors. The quadriceps concentric and eccentric PT can be used as parameters to distinguish between high-level and low-level sailors, but CMJ cannot.

Objective:The aims of this study were to describe the characteristics of sailing variables and differences between different ranking sailors under the condition of certain wind speed, and predict the variables that affect performance. Methods:Five regatta's data of the 2019-2020 Hempel World Cup Series and Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games for a total of 63 races were analyzed in this study. The wind speed was defined as light wind below 8 knots, medium wind at 8-12 knots and strong wind above 12 knots. Sailors were divided into top 10 and other ranked groups based on their performance for each race. Results:1) The race time of Laser class was about 50 min. The sailing distance traveled, VMG, percentage of upwind time, and the number of downwind maneuvers increased with an increase in the wind speed, while upwind maneuvers decreased increasing wind speed. Under the same wind speed, the VMG of reaching legs was the highest, followed by downwind and upwind legs in same wind speed. (2) The top 10 sailors had a high VMG, less race time, upwind/reaching legs' time and distance compared to other ranked sailors in all categories of wind speed (p < 0.05). There was no significant difference in the number of maneuvers among sailors of different rankings (p > 0.05). (3) There was a moderate to high correlation between first upwind mark position of sailors and the race ranking (r ranging 0.762-0.851, p < 0.01), and the top 10 sailors' first upwind ranking was close to the race performance. Conclusions:Wind speeds affect sailing variables and race characteristics. VMG and time and distance in upwind and reaching legs are important variables for differentiating sailors' level. Regardless of the wind speed, the first upwind mark position of sailors can be used as an effective factor in predicting the performance of the race.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the differences in the physical fitness characteristics of Chinese single-handed dinghy and 470 sailors, predict the single-handed dinghy sailors' physical factors on the performance by equation to guide the training. The sample of this study consisted of one hundred and sixty-seven Chinese sailors who participated in the 2020 China National Sailing Championships, K Independent Samples Test was used to analyze the differences of different classes sailors, and the per-formance of Laser and Laser Radial sailors were analyzed by step multivariate linear regression. The results showed that the 470 helmsmen are shorter, lighter and have a lower BMI, 470 crew are similar in height to the single-handed dinghy sailors, but lower in weight and BMI. Laser sailors have better strength and flexibility than the ones of male 470. There is no significant difference in the physical fitness characteristics between the Laser Radial sailors and the female 470 crew, they both had better upper and lower body strength than female 470 helmsmen. The regression equation is possible to explain 65.5% of the performance of the sailors in Laser = 90.963-1.33 x sailing experience-0.461 x bench press-0.018 x cycling peak power out; The regression equation is possible to explain 76.7% of the performance of the sailors in Laser Radial = 27.433-0.391 x sailing experience+0.351 x vertical jump-0.329 x pull-up-0.027 x cycling peak power out. Performance in laser and Laser Radial sailors will be determined by the technique and tactics (sailing experience) as well as physical fitness. (c) 2021 The Society of Chinese Scholars on Exercise Physiology and Fitness. Published by Elsevier (Singapore) Pte Ltd. This is an open access article under the CC BY-NC-ND license (http:// creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/).