This study examined the effects of 8 weeks of twice-weekly combined plyometric and sprint with change-of-direction (CPSCoD) training into habitual training regimes of young male soccer players. Participants were randomly allocated to an experimental group (n = 17, age: 14.6 ± 0.44 years, body mass: 61.2 ± 7.34 kg, height: 1.67 ± 0.09 m, body fat: 11.2 ± 1.56%) and a control group (n = 16, age: 14.6 ± 0.39 years, body mass: 61.1 ± 3.96 kg, height: 1.67 ± 0.05 m, body fat: 11.8 ± 1.47%). Measures obtained pre- and post intervention included vertical and horizontal jump performance (i.e., squat jump (SJ), countermovement jump (CMJ), and standing long jump (SLJ)), and sprint performance (i.e., 5 m and 20 m sprint). In addition, Measures obtained pre- and post-intervention included change-of-direction ability (4 × 5 m sprint test (S 4 × 5 m) and sprint 9–3–6–3–9 m with backward and forward running (SBF)), repeated change of direction (RCoD), and static balance performance (stork balance test). The training group experienced superior jump (all p < 0.05; d ≥ 0.61), sprint (all p < 0.05; d ≥ 0.58), change-of-direction (CoD) ability (all p < 0.05; d ≥ 0.58), RCoD (all parameters except the fatigue index p < 0.01; effect size (d) ≥ 0.71), and static balance (all p < 0.05; d ≥ 0.66) improvement. Adding twice-weekly CPSCoD training to standard training improves the anaerobic performance of U15 male soccer players.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between mental fatigue induced by a demanding cognitive task and impaired physical performance in endurance due to a higher perception of effort. A total of 12 healthy adults and volunteers, who had previously practiced endurance activities for 4 to 8 h per week, performed a one-hour cognitive task involving either the process of response inhibition (Stroop task) or not (visualization of a documentary as control task), then 20 min of pedaling on a cycle ergometer at a constant perception of effort while cardio-respiratory and neuromuscular functions were measured. The Stroop task induces subjective feelings of mental fatigue (vigor: 3.92 ± 2.61; subjective workload: 58.61 ± 14.57) compared to the control task (vigor: 5.67 ± 3.26; p = 0.04; subjective workload: 32.5 ± 10.1; p = 0.005). This fatigue did not act on the produced perceived effort, self-imposed, and did not affect the cardio-respiratory or neuromuscular functions during the subsequent physical task whose type was medium-term endurance. Regardless of the mental condition, the intensity of physical effort is better controlled when the participants in physical activity control their perception of effort. Mental fatigue does not affect subsequent physical performance but estimated perceived exertion, which increases with the intensity and duration of the exercise.

The objective of the study was the translation and adaptation into Arabic language of the Questionnaire on Teacher Interaction and the examination of psychometric properties among students in Tunisia. A set of students (N = 778) were recruited to complete a translated, Arabic version of the Teacher Interaction Questionnaire (AQTI). The subjects represented both female and male with an average age of 15.98 ± 2.17 years. The subjects were divided into exploratory (N = 226) and confirmatory (N = 552) samples. For the exploratory sample, the female sex represented 46.90% and the male 53.10% (N = 120). Likewise, the confirmatory sample consisted of females (48.01%) and males (51.99%). The scale designed in Arabic AQTI presented eight components for exploratory factor analysis. The result was a first factorial solution, which kept these eight components of the predetermined instrument. The confirmatory factor analysis provided good fit indices. Similar results for instrument reliability were confirmed for all dimensions, through good Cronbach’s coefficient, which were superior to 0.80. The Arabic version of AQTI is valid and reliable and can be administered to assess teacher/student interactions in Tunisia. However, further research needs to examine the construct validity of the instrument.

Change of direction is often considered as one of the main determinants of successful performance in many field sports. It is routinely measured using field‐based tests. Thus, coaches have to use valid and reliable tests to assess the change of direction ability for their athletes. However, controversy regarding test selection still exists based upon the specificity of the tests. The purpose of this study was to analyze the validity and reliability of a specific test of change of direction in padel athletes. Methods: Twenty three male Padel players (mean±SD: 31.6 ans±7.96 year; 81.1 kg±9.95 kg; 181.1 cm±5.26 cm) volunteered for this study. They completed the change of direction modified T-tests and a Padel change of direction specific test on separate days. Material and methods. The study was performed in two stages. The first stage of our study investigated the reliability of the Padel change of direction specific test. After familiarization, the athletes performed the Padel change of direction specific test on two occasions, seven days apart and at the same time of day. Relative reliability of the Padel change of direction specific test performance was assessed using the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC3,1), while absolute reliability was expressed in terms of the standard error of measurement. The sensitivity of Padel change of direction specific test was revealed by comparing standard error of measurement to the value of the smallest worthwhile change. In the second stage of our study Pearson product-moment correlation coefficient was used to determine the convergent construct validity between Padel change of direction specific test and the modified T-test. Results and discussion. There were no significant systematic bias between Padel change of direction specific test (7.89±0.47 second) and retest (7.91±0.49 second) performance in the first phase. The Padel change of direction specific test showed good relative (ICC = 0.96) and absolute (SEM % = 1.35%) reliability of the Padel change of direction specific test. The Padel change of direction specific test capacity to detect change was rated as “good”. Its standard error of measurement (0.11) was smaller than its smallest worthwhile change (0.26). The results of the second stage of our study, revealed that the Padel change of direction specific test was significantly associated with the the modified T-test (r= 0.77; R² = 60.2%; p < 0.001). Conclusion. Taking into account the Padel change of direction specific test high relative and absolute reliability and the appropriate level of usefulness, Padel change of direction specific test can be considered as a standard measure and a suitable protocol for quantifying change of direction in Padel players. This information may be considered to be important for trainers aiming to assess change of direction in Padel players

pϽ0.01). No improvement was seen after D-ER discontinuation at weeks 16 and 18 (pϾ0.05 for both). D-ER nonresponders did not show improvement vs. placebo at any visit using either equation. CONCLUSIONS: Regardless of the mapping equation used, D-ER response was associated with an improvement in utility. The UKderived equation resulted in larger estimates of improvement than the NA-derived equation.