This study investigated the relative age effect (RAE) in elite male professional kickboxers, assessing differences based on competitive success (belt winners vs. non-winners) and weight categories. Data from 452 male professional kickboxers competing in the Glory organization were analyzed across six weight divisions. Athletes were categorized into birth quarters (Q1–Q4), and observed distributions were compared with expected distributions using chi-square goodness-of-fit tests. Effect sizes were calculated with Cramer’s V. Statistical analyses were performed in SPSS 20.0, with significance set at p < 0.05. No statistically significant evidence of RAE was found in the overall sample (χ2 = 1.430; p = 0.698; V = 0.032), across different weight categories, or among belt-winning athletes (χ2 = 2.218; p = 0.528; V = 0.179). Birth-quarter distributions did not significantly deviate from expected normative values, indicating a uniform distribution throughout the calendar year. RAE does not appear to influence professional kickboxing, regardless of athletes’ competitive success or weight class.

This study analyzed the contribution of judging components to podium performance in group rhythmic gymnastics across different age categories using machine learning and SHapley Additive exPlanations (SHAP) for model interpretability. Data were obtained from 111 final-round routines from the 2025 Brazilian Rhythmic Gymnastics Group Championship. Podium classification was defined as achieving a Top3 position. Four judging components were used as predictors: Execution (E), Artistry (A), Difficulty of Apparatus (DA), and Difficulty of Body (DB). Analyses were performed separately for Pre-Juvenile, Youth, Junior, and Senior categories using Random Forest models and 5-fold cross-validation. Cross-validation accuracy ranged from 60.5% to 91.4% across categories. SHAP analysis revealed category-specific patterns in the determinants of competitive success. In the Pre-Juvenile and Youth categories, Execution was the most influential predictor, followed by Artistry and body-related difficulty components. In contrast, in the Junior and Senior categories, Difficulty of Body emerged as the primary determinant of Top3 performance, accompanied by an increased contribution of Difficulty of Apparatus, while the relative importance of Execution progressively decreased. Artistry showed a relatively stable contribution across all categories. These findings indicate a developmental shift in performance determinants, moving from execution-oriented performance in younger athletes to difficulty-based strategies in more advanced categories. These findings suggest that coaches should prioritize execution quality in the Pre-Juvenile and Youth categories and progressively emphasize body and apparatus difficulty from the Junior category onward.

The study aim was to analyse the effects of manipulating the space and number of players in small-sided games on the external load demands of futsal athletes of different age categories. Fifty-six male futsal players from U15, U17, U19, and adult age categories participated. The study lasted 7 weeks. The first week was for familiarization and evaluations to characterize the sample. In the six subsequent weeks there were six futsal tasks T1 (GK + 2 × 2 + GK, 20 × 20 m), T2 (GK + 2 × 2 + GK, 40 × 20 m), T3 (GK + 3 × 3 + GK, 20 × 20 m), T4 (GK + 3 × 3 + GK, 40 × 20 m), T5 (GK + 4 × 4 + GK, 20 × 20 m), and T6 (GK + 4 × 4 + GK, 40 × 20 m). The external load variables were measured with an inertial measurement unit (IMU), and kinematic (total and relative distance) and mechanical (total distance at high intensity accelerations and decelerations) data were extracted. T2 (133 m2) showed higher values for total distance covered (1248.0 ± 97.6 m) and distances covered at speeds between 12.1 and 18 km/h (407.8 ± 44.7 m) and greater than 18.1 km/h (115.2 ± 28.9 m) compared to T5 (40 m2) and T6 (80 m2). In addition, we observed greater variability in high-intensity accelerations and high-intensity decelerations, suggesting that regardless of field size and number of players, relative area might not play as crucial a role in this dimension.

Purpose : This study compared the ball-in-play (BIP) running demands between pool stage and knockout matches in professional women’s rugby sevens. Methods : Twenty official matches from the 2023 Super Sevens Championship were analyzed, involving 21 full-time professional athletes (mean age 25.4 ± 6.0 years) from a single team. Global Positioning System (GPS) technology was employed to quantify BIP duration, distance covered per minute, sprint distance per minute (defined as speeds exceeding 18 km/h), and the number of accelerations per minute (above 3.0 m/s 2 ) during both pool stage ( n = 12 matches) and knockout stage ( n = 8 matches) games. The tournament comprised four events, each featuring three pool matches on the first day and two knockout matches on the second day. Comparisons between the pool stage and knockout stage matches were conducted using Paired Samples T-tests, and effect sizes were reported as Cohen’s d. Results: The analysis revealed no significant differences between match types for distance per minute ( p = .167; d = 0.544), sprint distance per minute ( p = .252; d = 0.442), or accelerations per minute ( p = .199; d = 0.502). However, longer BIP durations were observed in the knockout stage matches (difference of 6.1%; p = .022; d = 1.034). Conclusion : These findings highlight the importance of tailored training interventions focusing on sustaining performance under fatigue conditions and emphasize the value of analyzing BIP metrics to avoid underestimating match demands.

This study aims to analyze the differences in Physical Activity Enjoyment Scale (PACES) scores and exercise intensity across small-sided games (SSGs) and high-intensity interval training (HIIT) formats among soccer playersfrom Tier 2 and Tier 3 competitive levels. Utilizing a cross-sectional design, 77 male players(20.64±1.56 years) participated in four training sessions under controlled conditions. Enjoyment was assessed with PACES, while exercise intensity was monitored through heart rate and rating of perceived exertion (RPE). The training formats included 1v1 and 5v5 SSGs and long and short HIIT formats. Players were categorized as Amateur (Tier 2) or Competitor (Tier 3) based on training volume and performance level. The training formats included 1v1 and 5v5 SSGs and long and short HIIT formats. The present study revealed significant differences in PACES scores across the different training formats ( p < 0.001), with the 5v5 format yielding the highest scores and long HIIT the lowest. A significant interaction between training format and competitive level was observed ( p = 0.011). Tier 2 players reported higher PACES scores in the 5v5, 1v1, and Short HIIT formats compared to Tier 3 players. SSGs and HIIT formats significantly influence enjoyment, with smaller-sided formats (1v1) and short HIIT showing the highest enjoyment levels. Tier 2 players reported higher enjoyment and physical efforts than Tier 3 players, in 5v5, 1v1, and short HIIT formats. These findingsshow the importance of programming training sessions according to the competitive level of athletes to maximize enjoyment and manage effort in soccer training programs.

A gray area remains about the intensity of efforts performed in Sevens competitions, especially during the worst-case scenarios (WCS - longest effort during a match). For this reason, the analysis of demands during the ball-in-play (BIP) is increasing in team sports like Rugby Sevens. Through this method, we can also identify the WCS and the demands of distinct phases of play (attack, defense, and transition). Thus, this study aimed to (i) investigate and compare the BIP and WCS external load (EL) demands (distance per minute, sprint distance per minute, and accelerations per minute) during matches; and (ii) compare the BIP running demands across different game phases (attack, defense, and transition). Twenty-one female professional Rugby Sevens players participated, with their running demands analyzed during every BIP phase in all 20 matches of the Super Sevens 2023 using individual GPS tracking. The results indicated no significant differences in any EL variables between WCS and BIP averages. Furthermore, there were no differences in EL experienced by athletes during different phases and actions. In summary, our findings suggest that both the WCS and the BIP methods result in similar EL values across matches. Additionally, the EL remains consistent across different game periods (first half vs. second half) and actions (defense, attack, and transition). These results offer practical guidance for coaches when planning training sessions for female Rugby Sevens athletes, suggesting that preparation focused on WCS may effectively prepare athletes for the entire game.

Aim: The purpose was to analyze the Relative Age Effect (RAE) on players' representativeness in Top American soccer leagues, and analyze the RAE on players' market value in the above-mentioned leagues. Methods: The date of birth and perceived market value from 3494 male elite soccer athletes who participated in the 2022 season of the Argentinian (Superliga), Brazilian (Série A), Colombian (Liga Dimayor I), Mexican (Liga MX), and US American (MLS) soccer leagues were collected. The occurrence of the RAE among players was assessed in each of the leagues through a comparsion of the incidence of athletes born in each quarter and the frequency expected for each quarter. Results: The examinations of the players' birth quarters revealed a disparity in birth distribution across all leagues when compared to the expected values. Conclusion: Results also indicated that market values did not differ based on the players’ quarter of birth in Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Mexico and USA.

This study aims to examine the tactical behavior, decision-making, and technical skills of young novice basketball players in small-sided games (SSGs) with different numerical configurations and court sizes. Participants were 16 novice male players aged between 11 and 15 years with no competitive experience. A total of 13 games were played, comprising nine SSG formats with numerical equality, superiority, and inferiority, in two court sizes: a full court (FC) and a half court (HC). In SSGs played in the FC, pass efficacy was significantly higher (p < 0.05) in 5 vs. 4 and 4 vs. 3 formats, while dribble efficacy was significantly higher (p < 0.05) in the 2 vs. 1 HC format. The 3 vs. 3 FC format showed greater (p < 0.05) shot efficacy. Reception efficacy was significantly higher (p < 0.05) in the 2 vs. 1 HC format, as well as rebound efficacy. However, appropriate passes were significantly lower (p < 0.05) in the 4 vs. 3 FC format. Dribble efficacy was significantly greater (p < 0.05) in the 2 vs. 1 HC format and appropriate shots were significantly greater (p < 0.05) in the 2 vs. 1 HC format. Regarding defensive and offensive technical-tactical actions, the 3 vs. 3 HC format presented significantly higher values (p < 0.05) of support, while ball marking was significantly greater (p < 0.05) in the 3 vs. 2 HC format. In conclusion, this study indicates that smaller (balanced and unbalanced) SSG formats tend to enhance the frequency, effectiveness, and appropriateness of attacking and defensive behaviors, particularly those involving direct actions.

The study aimed to examine how head coach turnover in professional men's soccer teams influenced final league placements in Brazil's S & eacute;rie A over the 2018-2024 seasons. A total of 2,660 match reports were analyzed, retrieved from the official website of the Brazilian Football Confederation. Teams were categorized into three groups: those directly qualifying for the Copa Libertadores, mid-table teams, and those relegated to S & eacute;rie B. The correlation between the number of coaches and final placements was assessed using Spearman's rank correlation coefficient, while group comparisons were conducted through the non-parametric Kruskal-Wallis test. Relegated teams had the highest coaching turnover, followed by mid-table teams, and finally by Libertadores qualifiers. Coaching changes accounted for 31.47% of the variance in final standings, with each change associated with an average drop of 2.87 positions in the league table. Teams maintaining greater managerial stability tend to achieve better competitive outcomes throughout the season.

Background and Objectives: Religiosity has been associated with various psychosocial outcomes in older adults, including cognitive function, quality of life (QoL), and attitudes toward death. However, the interplay among these variables remains underexplored. This study aimed to examine the relationships between religiosity, cognitive performance, fear of death, and QoL in community-dwelling older adults. Methods: An analytical cross-sectional study was conducted with 105 older adults from a senior community center in Cuiabá, Brazil. Cognitive function was assessed using the Mini-Mental State Examination, Verbal Fluency Test, and Trail Making Test. Religiosity was measured via the Duke University Religion Index, fear of death using the Death Anxiety Questionnaire, and QoL with the WHOQOL-OLD. Spearman’s correlations evaluated associations among variables. Results: Participants demonstrated high religiosity and moderate death anxiety. Weak, positive correlations were observed between intrinsic religiosity and MMSE (r=0.28, p=0.04) and verbal fluency (r=0.22, p=0.02). Non-organizational religiosity was positively associated with verbal fluency (r=0.38, p=0.01) and overall QoL (r=0.20, p=0.03). Death anxiety showed a weak, negative correlation with QoL (r=-0.22, p=0.02). Advancing age was associated with poorer cognitive performance in verbal fluency (animals: r=-0.33, p=0.01; colors: r=-0.41, p=0.01) and reduced autonomy (r=-0.23, p=0.01). Discussion and Implications: Findings suggest that private and intrinsic religious engagement may support cognitive health and aspects of QoL in older adults, while organizational religiosity did not consistently correlate with well-being. The minimal association between religiosity and death anxiety challenges assumptions of a protective effect. These results underscore the value of integrating individualized spiritual considerations into gerontological interventions.

Introduction: The Relative Age Effect (RAE) encompasses variations associated with the age of athletes within the same category and is present in various sports, including futsal. Objective: This study aimed to compare the RAE in male professional players from the Brazilian National Futsal League (Liga Nacional de Futsal [LNF]) and the Spanish National Futsal League (Liga Nacional de Fútbol Sala [LNFS]), considering differences between native and foreign players. Methodology: The sample consisted of 401 players registered in LNF and 307 in LNFS during the 2020/2021 season. Players were grouped according to their birth quartiles (Q1-Q4) and semesters (S1 and S2). The goodness-of-fit chi-square test (χ2) was used in the statistical analysis of RAE, comparing differences between observed and expected distributions. Cramer’s V was calculated as an effect size measurement. Odds ratios were also calculated for the likelihood of being born in Q1 vs. Q4 and for the first vs. second semester of the year. Results: The main results indicated that RAE was observed only in Brazilian players from the LNF, where players born in Q1 were more frequent than those born in Q3 and Q4. Discussion: Considering the natives and foreigners in the LNFS no deviation from the expected birthdate distribution was observed. Conclusions: Therefore, the conclusion is that RAE is a phenomenon in Brazil's LNF. However, no evidence exists in the LNFS of Spain, whether considering natives or foreigners.

Este trabalho buscou verificar e sistematizar a literatura existente sobre a utilização dos Jogos Reduzidos e Condicionados no ensino dos esportes coletivos para pessoas com Transtorno do Espectro Autista através de uma revisão bibliográfica. Foram realizadas buscas nas bases de dados digitais Scielo, PubMed, Scopus e Web of Science no mês de dezembro de 2023. Foram encontrados 91 artigos e incluídos 6, os quais abordaram programas de treinamento de basquete e futebol. Os resultados demonstraram que os Jogos Reduzidos e Condicionados são uma estratégia eficaz para propiciar a participação e apresentam melhorias na aptidão física, mobilidade, comunicação social, controle de função executiva e redução dos sintomas característicos do Transtorno do Espectro Autista. São necessários estudos relacionados ao ensino esportivo nas aulas de Educação Física escolar.

Quantifying the most intense periods of Rugby Sevens matches is essential for optimizing training and improving performance. This study aimed to: (i) compare ball-in-play (BIP) running demands across game phases (attack, defense, and transition), and (ii) examine correlations between BIP duration and physical and technical variables. Eighteen professional female Rugby Sevens athletes were monitored across 18 matches in the 2024 Super Sevens Championship (Brazil) using 10-Hz GPS units and post-match video analysis. Friedman tests revealed significant phase differences for sprint distance per minute, χ2(2, N = 310) = 11.98, p = .003, η2 = .032; sprints per minute, χ2(2, N = 310) = 7.45, p = .024, η2 = .018; and decelerations per minute, χ2(2, N = 310) = 10.00, p = .007, η2 = .026. Post hoc analyses showed greater sprint output during the attacking phase (p < .05). No significant differences were found for distance per minute or accelerations per minute (p > .05). Spearman correlations indicated negative relationships between BIP duration and sprints (ρ = -.125, p = .027) and accelerations per minute (ρ = –.191, p < .001). Conversely, BIP duration showed significant positive correlations with several technical actions, including tackles (ρ = .578, p < .001), passes (ρ = .325, p < .001), and rucks (ρ = .321, p < .001). These findings underscore the importance of game-phase-specific conditioning and suggest that longer BIP durations are characterized by reduced physical intensity but increased technical engagement.

This cross-sectional study aimed to analyse the effects of manipulating game space and number of players on the tactical-technical actions and internal load (IL) of young futsal players. Forty-two male Under-17 (U-17) players (age = 15.62 +/- 0.58 years) from three futsal teams participated. The tasks analysed were GK + 2 x 2+GK and GK + 3 x 3+GK in 20 x 20(T1/T4), 30 x 20(T2/T5) and 40 x 20(T3/T6) and GK + 4 x 4+GK in 40 x 20meters (T7). The tactical-technical performance analysis was performed using Videobserver (R) software. The IL demands during futsal tasks was performed using the RPE and RPE-session (s-RPE). The results showed how passing, RPE and s-RPE increased in tasks where the relative surface area per player was higher than that of the competition (>80 m(2)), both in relation to larger spaces and with fewer players (mainly, T2, T3 and T6). Shooting actions increased in tasks with smaller space and fewer players (T1/T4). Total offensive actions increased when the number of players was reduced, tending to increase with greater playing space (mainly, T2 and T3). In general, the competition format represented the lowest values (T7). Manipulating futsal tasks allows coaches to adjust them to training and competition objectives. These results represent an advance in futsal research, requiring future studies.

Objective: this study analyzed the influence of the specificity of sports practice on Brazilian children's motor coordination levels. Methodology: the sample consisted of 80 male children with an average age of 10.4 (standard deviation = 1.3 years), engaged in different sports modalities (futsal, handball, and capoeira) and school physical education, and children not participating in extracurricular systematic sports training. Motor coordination level was assessed using the KTK (general motor coordination) and TECOBOL (motor coordination with a ball) tests. Results: the results revealed that, for general motor coordination, children practicing capoeira (p = 0.016) and futsal (p = 0.004) showed a higher overall score than the physical education group. The futsal group also scored higher overall than the handball group (p = 0.025). In motor coordination with a ball, the handball group outperformed the physical education (p < 0.001), capoeira (p = 0.001), and futsal (p = 0.004) groups in the dribbling test. Conclusions: the findings suggest that the specificity of sports practice influences motor coordination, and engaging in systematic sports improves children’s motor coordination.

Esto estudio examino cómo la rotación de entrenadores principales en equipos profesionales de fútbol masculino influyó en las posiciones finales de la Serie A 2018 a 2024 de Brasil. Se analizaron 2.660 actas. La correlación entre el número de entrenadores y las posiciones finales se evaluó mediante el coeficiente de correlación por rangos de Spearman, mientras que las comparaciones entre grupos se realizaron con la prueba no paramétrica de Kruskal–Wallis. Los equipos descendidos presentaron la mayor rotación de entrenadores, seguidos por los equipos de mitad de tabla y, finalmente, por los clasificados a la Libertadores. Los cambios de entrenador explicaron el 31,47 % de la varianza en las clasificaciones finales, y cada cambio se asoció con una caída promedio de 2,87 posiciones en la tabla del campeonato. Los equipos que mantienen una mayor estabilidad en la gestión técnica tienden a alcanzar mejores resultados competitivos a lo largo de la temporada.

Small-sided games (SSGs) have gained prominence in rugby union training due to their potential to simultaneously develop players’ physical, technical, and tactical capacities. However, a comprehensive understanding of how SSGs are structured and applied remains limited. This narrative review aimed to identify and analyze studies that implemented SSGs in rugby union training, focusing on game formats, participant characteristics, and training outcomes. A literature search was conducted in PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, SPORTDiscus, and SciELO databases up to March 2025. Sixteen studies published between 2012 and 2024 met the inclusion criteria. Data extraction was performed independently by two reviewers using a structured coding framework, and findings were synthesized narratively due to the heterogeneity of studies’ designs and outcomes. Results revealed considerable variation in SSG designs regarding the number of players (1v1 to 12v12), pitch dimensions (15×12 m to 100×70 m), and contact rules (touch, tackle, or non-contact). SSGs with fewer players and larger fields were associated with greater physical and perceptual demands. Technical and tactical benefits were also observed, particularly when SSGs were pedagogically adapted to the athletes’ experience and developmental level. Nonetheless, most studies involved adult male or elite players, highlighting a gap in research with female and youth categories. Furthermore, few studies examined how contact rules influenced training outcomes. Future investigations should include more diverse populations and explore how constraint manipulations affect game representativeness and skill acquisition in rugby union.

The aim of this study was to comprehensively describe and compare the effects of different practice tasks, specifically 4 x 4, 3 x 3, 2 x 2 with goalkeepers (GK) in a 40 x 20 m field court. Forty-two male U17 players (age = 15.62 +/- 0.58 years) from three futsal teams participated in the study. The tactical-technical offensive and defensive actions were measured using Videobserver (R) software. To measure external load (EL) and internal load (IL) during futsal tasks, the WIMU PROTM Ultra-Wideband (UWB) tracking system was used. To compare the tasks, the ANOVA for repeated measures was used. Results revealed that the reduction on the number of players contributed to increase the number of passing and shooting actions, while a generalised increase in physical and physiological responses were observed. In general, the major differences were observed between GK + 2 x 2 + GK and GK + 3 x 3 + GK in relation to GK + 4 x 4 + GK while some differences in physical and tactical-technical actions were also observed between GK + 2 x 2 + GK and GK + 3 x 3 + GK. Thus, the reduction on the number of players in large games can be considered a pedagogical strategy to promote an increase in the tactical-technical actions, such as passing and shooting actions, increasing the physical intensity of players.