Generally, in sports performance, the relationship between movement science and physiological function has been conducted integrating neuronal mechanism over the past decades. However, understanding those interaction between neural network and motor performance comprehensively in achieving optimal performance is still lacking, mainly in cycling. The purpose of this study was to discuss the issues in neuroscience related to brain activity, physiology and biomechanics in achieving optimal performance in cycling. As sports technology improves, more objective measurement can be demonstrated in solving specific issue in cycling, with optimization of performance as the main focus. In this review, the focus on brain activity will be based on the evaluation of the alpha and beta brainwaves as well as the alpha/beta ratio since they are biomarkers of EEG specifically related to cycling performance. Further in-depth understanding of the mechanism and interaction between brain activity, physiology and biomechanics in competitive cycling were acquired and discussed. Moreover, the biomarkers of brain activity related to cycling performance from previous studies were clearly identified and discussed and recommendations to be incorporated in future research were proposed.

Cognitive skills are one of the components of mental skills. These skills deal with a high level of cognitive processing, including decision-making. Athletes with high cognitive skills have superior positive thinking and decision-making. The objectives of this study are to evaluate mental skills performance on athletes and non-athletes in university and to investigate the difference of mental skills among athletes and non-athletes in university. 229 active students from Bachelor of Sports Science, Universiti Teknologi MARA Perlis Branch participated in this study. Descriptive statistical methods were used using Microsoft Excel 2020 and the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS 25.0 version). The significant value for determining the significant difference of the data gathered was valued as p < 0.001 and p < 0.05. All descriptive data calculated were presented in mean ± standard deviation (SD). A statistically significant of the result for vigilance’s approach showed that there was no significant difference between athletes and non-athletes. As for buck-passing and procrastination approach, there was a significant difference recorded as the test result indicated p < 0.001 and p < 0.05 respectively. Lastly, hypervigilance approach showed that there was a significant difference between athletes and non-athletes with the value p < 0.001. This study suggests that there is a significant difference of buck-passing, procrastination and hypervigilance between athletes and non-athletes among university students. Future study can consider investigating demographic and athletes’ competitiveness factors to understand better on the underlying influences on how individual participation and exposure in sports affecting mental skills development.

The ability to possess the ball during soccer matches is linked to success. The domination of Johor Darul Ta'zim FC (JDT FC) in recent years in the Malaysia Super League has impressed many. The aim of this study was to compare the performance between JDT FC and their opponents in Malaysia Super League 2015 season. Successful and unsuccessful passes, ball possession rates, attempt on goal, shot on target, and goals scored were selected as Performance Indicators (P.I) in this study. Twelve matches from Malaysia Super League (MSL) season 2015 were selected. Video of 12 matches was obtained from Media Prima Sdn. Bhd., www.youtube.com and live recordings. Longo Match 1.0 match analysis software was used for post-coding. Kolmogorov-Smirnov Z was used to analyses the differences while Spearman's rho correlation test was utilized to determine the correlation. Percentage of successful passes (p=0.034), ball possessions rate (p=0.000), and goal scored (p=0.002) were significantly difference between JDT FC and their opponents. There were also positive correlations between possessions and all variables except for unsuccessful passes. This study concludes that in Malaysian soccer matches, a high percentage of successful passes and high rate of ball possessions influence total shots in a soccer game.

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Article HistoryThe purpose of this study was to determine physiological profile of body composition, power, speed, agility, VO₂max, anaerobic capacity and muscular endurance of Malaysian 3rd tier football league players based on four different positions named goalkeepers, defenders, midfielders and strikers. An ex post facto design was employed. Twenty eight [ n: 28; mean (±SD) age 24.78 (±3.28); height 172.69 (±4.63) cm; and weight 71.19 (± 8.42) kg] of footballers of Sime Darby FC participated with different positions of play in the field (goalkeeper: 4, defender: 11, midfielder: 8, striker: 5). The fitness testing involved were anthropometrics which include skinfold test, squat vertical jump, 30 meters maximal sprint, Illinois agility run test, Yo-Yo intermittent recovery level 1 test, repeated sprint ability test, and maximum push up test. All testing were in accordance to standard procedures. Inferential analysis was carried out using one-way ANOVA and Tukey post hoc to reveal the sources of significant with p<.05 denoting significant. Goalkeepers were observed in their best performance in terms of height, weight, body fat percentages and lean body weight; and also best performance in peak power of squat jump and anaerobic capacity in terms of fatigue index. Defenders were observed in their best performance in terms of height and relative power of squat jump; and muscular endurance. Midfielders were observed in their highest distance and VO²max of aerobic capacity. Strikers were observed in their best performance in speed and agility and anaerobic power in terms of best and mean time score. The overall findings did not reveal the significant difference in height, body fat percentages, power, speed, and aerobic capacity. However, the significant difference was found in body weight and lean body weight between goalkeeper (p: 0.037) vs midfielder (p: 0.033) respectively. The significant difference was observed in agility between goalkeeper vs defender (p: 0.001), midfielder (p: 0.000) and striker (p: 0.000), and respectively; and defender vs striker (p: 0.001). It also showed the significant difference in RSA mean time score between goalkeeper vs defender (p: 0.013), midfielder and striker, (p: 0.020) and (p: 0.046) respectively. All parameters met the assumption of homogeneity and demonstrated the moderate level of power estimation based on Omega-square index. There were general similarities among members of the team, probably the result of a typical common training programme of the team. The significant difference found in weight, lean body weight, agility and anaerobic power in terms of mean score parameters were insightful with regards to specific fitness requirement based on different playing positions on other health and skill related to the aspect of the games.