The analysis of penalty kick has played an important role in performance analysis. The study aims are to get formal feedback on the relevance of variables for penalty kick analysis, to design and validate an observational system; and to assess experts’ opinion on the optimum video footage in penalty kick analysis. A structured development process was adopted for content validity, reliability and agreement on video usage. All observational variables included in OSPAF showed Aiken’s V values above the cut-off (for 5-scale V> 0.64; for 2-scale = V > 0.75; p < 0.05). Cohen’s Kappa resulted in mean intra- and inter-rater reliability values of 0.90 and 0.86, respectively. It is recommended to combine at least three different viewing angles (V = 0.90; p = 0.006) with standardization of video quality (V = 0.95; p = 0.006). Changing the viewing angles may influence the observer perception (V = 0.86; p = 0.006). The aerial and pitch-level viewing angle behind the penalty taker and pitch-level viewing angle behind the goalkeeper were indicated as most appropriate for observational analysis (V = 0.97; p = 0.01). The OSPAF met all requirements of instrument validation. It may be recommended as basis of future observational systems on penalty kicks.

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The model indicated a significant effect of distance (F[2, 5,861] = 62.502; p < 0.001) and pitch zone (F[4, 5,861] = 4.729; p = 0.001). Pairwise contrasts of distances were all significant (Z > 6.662; p < 0.001), indicating a decrement in the percentage of shots performed on target as the distance increased. Regarding pitch zone, left-footed players performed worse when shooting from the FR zone (Z > 2.728; p < 0.05) compared to all other zones (SM Table ).2. On target shots of right-footed players.The model indicated a significant effect of distance (F[2, 17,565] = 211.77; p < 0.001) and pitch zone (F[4, 17,565] = 9.18; p < 0.001). Pairwise contrasts of distances were all significant (Z > 10.510; p < 0.001), indicating a decrement in the percentage of shots performed on target as the distance increased. Regarding pitch zone, most pairwise contrasts were significant (Z > 2.01; p < 0.05), except for FL vs. L, FL vs. FR, FR vs. R, and FR vs. L. These results indicate a better overall performance when right-footed players attempted a shot from the central zone (SM Table ).

DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5007/1980-0037.2016v18n3p322 The purpose of the present investigation was to identify the effects of a 130-km cycling race on indices of biochemical indirect markers of muscle damage and muscle soreness responses during a 72-hour recovery period. Fifteen endurance-trained male cyclists which were competing for more than 2 years and were involved in systematic training at least of 3 days/wk underwent a collection of indirect biochemical markers of muscle damage (CK, LDH, Myo) and delayed onset of muscle soreness (DOMS), at five different moments of data collection: before (PRE) and immediately after (POST) a 130-km cycling race, and 24, 48, 72 hours following the cycling race. CK and LDH plasma concentrations significantly increased POST-race (p < 0.001) and remained high throughout the 72 hour recover period (CK: p < 0.05; LDH: p < 0.001). Myo increased significantly POST-race (p < 0.001) and returned to the PRE-race values 24 hours thereafter (p < 0.05). DOMS increased significantly POST-race (p < 0.001) and returned to the PRE-race values at 48 hours after (p > 0.05). A 130-km cycling race has a noteworty effect on indices of biochemical indirect markers of muscle damage and muscle soreness responses, indicating that 72 hour recovery period do not seems to be enough for long-distance cyclist, and reinforce the propositions of scientific literature about the need of a sufficient recovery period for cycling endurance athletes.

Purpose. Back squat (BS) is a popular exercise owing to its capacity to develop lower limb strength. During BS, trunk incli nation and knee range of motion (roM) are relevant aspects of a proper technique, and these movement kinematics parameters can be positively altered with official weightlifting shoes lifting the heel 13 mm above the ground. Wedges are a lowcost alternative to lifting the heel to different heights, but movement kinematics adaptations with higher elevations, above 25 mm, are not well described in the literature. thus, we compared the effect of different heights of heel wedges on BS kinematics. Methods. Fifteen experienced recreational weightlifters (22 ± 5.4 years; 83 ± 11 kg; 179 ± 6 cm; 5 ± 2.1 years of BS experience) were conveniently selected. three randomized conditions were applied: barefoot (B), 25mm (W25), and 50mm wedges (W50). BS movement was assessed by kinematic analysis with an optoelectronic camera system. Results. After ANOVA, the posthoc indicated significant roM differences in reducing trunk (F = 27.27; p < 0.01) and increasing knee (F = 16.87; p < 0.01) flexions between conditions. Posthoc analysis verified decreasing trunk inclination (B > W25 > W50; p < 0.05) and increasing knee (B < W25 < W50; p < 0.05) roM with increasing wedge height. Conclusions. Higher wedges allowed positive adaptations by promoting a more upright trunk position and greater BS depth. Using a heel wedge can be a lowcost and viable strategy to optimize BS technique in a variety of training settings and contexts.