Javier Peña

University of Vic - Central University of Catalonia | UVIC · Sport and Physical Activity Studies Centre

Background Due to its significant unilateral predominance, tennis can provoke functional and morphological asymmetries that develop over time and may result in undesired morphological alterations. Hypothesis/Purpose The goals of this study were a) to assess glenohumeral range of motion and muscular stiffness in young tennis players with and withou...

Asymmetry is a hot topic that has motivated a continued interest in sports science and medicine [...]

The influence of athletes' birth distribution across different year periods on sports performance is called the relative age effect. The present research aims to identify this bias in the top male and female national rink hockey competitions in Spain, as well as to assess this effect on variables such as level of competition, gender playing positio...

La influencia de la distribución de los nacimientos de los deportistas en los diferentes períodos del año sobre el rendimiento deportivo se llama efecto de la edad relativa. La presente investigación tiene como objetivo identificar el efecto de la edad relativa en las máximas competiciones nacionales masculinas y femeninas de hockey patines en Espa...

This study investigated the impact of consecutive basketball games on the physical demands and well-being of young players under 18 years old (U-18), focusing on the peak demands (PD). Monitoring 17 players over 10 games (5 weekends), external load expressed as relative distance (RD) (m·min −1), high-speed running distance covered (HSR) (m·min −1),...

The aim of this study was to describe the medical findings and the physical imbalances during pre-participation screenings among rink hockey players. A cross-sectional study was conducted on 773 rink hockey players (645 males and 128 females, 14 to 43 years old) from different teams participating in regional competitions. The pre-participation scre...

Junior tennis players perform many high-intensity serves during practice and competition. These demands can potentially put specific musculoskeletal structures at risk of developing negative adaptations that can increase the likelihood of injury. In addition, serve velocity enhancement sessions commonly include motion-specific resistance training a...

The present study aimed to determine whether neuromuscular fatigue monitored through countermovement jump height was a reliable and helpful marker for monitoring acute (session) and chronic (between sessions/periods of the season) fatigue throughout an entire basketball season. A longitudinal observational study analyzed the neuromuscular performan...

The main objective of this study was to identify the impact on conditional variables through a training intervention. A retrospective observational study was conducted in a professional rugby team, where an intervention was conducted for 4 weeks. Data were collected for a total of 18 weeks: 14 weeks pre-intervention, including 7 matches; and 4 week...

Santos da Silva, V, Nakamura, FY, Gantois, P, Nogueira Gouveia, JN, Peñ a, J, Beato, M, and Abade, E. Effects of upper-body and lower-body conditioning activities on postactivation performance enhancement during sprinting and jumping tasks in female soccer players. J Strength Cond Res XX(X): 000-000, 2023-This study aimed to investigate the postact...

In the last two decades, video games have gone from being pastimes to being a coveted profession with competitions broadcasted worldwide and high earnings for the winners. However, the esports environment is still little known, presenting a lack of knowledge on how to get physically ready to minimize the effect of prolonged sitting or avoid career-...

Acute effects of the use of instep weights on specific coordination in young soccer players Efectos agudos del uso de lastres de empeine en aspectos coordinativos específicos en futbolistas jóvenes Resumen. El objetivo principal de este estudio fue investigar los efectos agudos del uso de lastres de empeine (Powerinstep®) en aspectos técnicos de ag...

The main objective of this study was to identify the relationship between performance parameters and a team's probability of winning and losing during regular season matches. A retrospective observational study of a professional rugby team with thirty players and sixteen regular season matches was carried out. The analyses included the following me...

El presente estudio tuvo como objetivo comparar las variables de rendimiento del hockey patines en los campeonatos nacionales de la máxima categoría masculina en España (OK Liga), Portugal (Primeira Divisao) e Italia (Serie A1). Se analizaron un total de 1.665 partidos disputados entre las temporadas 2018-2019 y 2020-2021, correspondientes a la OK...

This study aimed to assess if internal and external load parameters were different between sided game formats, if players' positions influenced these parameters, and if load parameters were different among sided game types (from 2vs2 to 10vs10) in professional football players. Twenty-five male players of the same club were enrolled in this study (...

El objetivo principal de este trabajo fue revisar la literatura disponible sobre las variables contextuales y de juego en el deporte del hockey sobre patines. Se identificaron los temas de investigación más comunes, se describieron sus metodologías y se sistematizaron las tendencias evolutivas de esta área de investigación. Se realizó una revisión...

L’objectiu principal d’aquest treball va ser revisar la literatura disponible sobre les variables contextuals i de joc en l’esport de l’hoquei sobre patins. Es van identificar els temes de recerca més comuns, se’n van descriure les metodologies i es van sistematitzar les tendències evolutives d’aquesta àrea de recerca. Es va fer una revisió sistemà...

El objetivo principal de este trabajo fue revisar la literatura disponible sobre las variables contextuales y de juego en el deporte del hockey sobre patines. Se identificaron los temas de investigación más comunes, se describieron sus metodologías y se sistematizaron las tendencias evolutivas de esta área de investigación. Se realizó una revisión...

Resumen Los objetivos del estudio fueron determinar el perfil epidemiológico de jóvenes deportistas de categoría femenina de Cataluña (España) practicantes de deportes de equipo y analizar los factores de riesgo sobre dichas lesiones. Un total de 1,235 adolescentes (15 ± 2.4 años) pertenecientes a 168 equipos de 17 clubes (n = 8 de baloncesto, n =...

The aims of the study were to determine the epidemiological profile of young female athletes in Catalonia (Spain) who play team sports, and to analyse the risk factors for these injuries. A total of 1,235 adolescents (15 ± 2.4 years old) belonging to 168 teams from 17 clubs (n = 8 basketball, n = 3 football, and n = 6 volleyball) participated in th...

Resum Els objectius de l’estudi van ser determinar el perfil epidemiològic de joves esportistes de categoria femenina de Catalunya (Espanya) practicants d’esports d’equip i analitzar els factors de risc sobre aquestes lesions. Un total de 1,235 adolescents (15 ± 2.4 anys) pertanyents a 168 equips de 17 clubs (n = 8 de bàsquet, n = 3 de futbol, i n...

Elite soccer players consistently report using several recovery methods after practices and games. However, it is unclear how their subsequent performance could be enhanced using broad protocols. The aim of this study was to compare the effectiveness of two different comprehensive recovery protocols in physiological, neuromuscular, and perceptual o...

In this research, we aimed to (1) describe the differences in internal and external load between playing positions and (2) characterize the training demands of the days before competitive events for professional handball players. Fifteen players (5 wings, 2 centre backs, 4 backs, and 2 pivots) were equipped with a local positioning system device du...

Background. Superimposition of vibration has been proposed in sports training using several devices and methods to enhance muscle activation and strength adaptations. Due to the popularity of suspension training, vibration systems have recently been developed to increase the effects of this training method. The present cross-sectional study aims to...

There is some debate as to whether professional eSports players should be regarded as athletes in the traditional sense. With an eye toward addressing this controversy, this study was undertaken with the aim of analyzing elite eSports players' characteristics and their training and competition routines, and of comparing them with data on their coun...

(1) Background: asymmetry is ubiquitous in nature and humans have well-established bilateral asymmetries in structure and function. However, there are (mostly unsubstantiated) claims that bilateral asymmetries may impair sports performance or increase injury risk. (2) Objective: to critically review the evidence of the occurrence and effects of asy...

This systematic review aims to analyze studies on the extent of injuries in rink hockey athletes. Quality of the reported information was also analyzed. A literature search was performed from January 1992 until August 2020 using the main databases The search terms were: “rink hockey” or the synonym “roller hockey” and “injur*”. A total of 11 studie...

We imagine that you want to be healthy; nobody likes to be ill because that often prevents us from doing the things we like to do. However, we often do not do everything in our power to keep ourselves healthy because modern life is designed to be comfortable. Consequently, we are moving and exercising less than ever, and even young people are suffe...

Neuromuscular fatigue is defined as a reduction induced by exercise in the maximal voluntary force that a muscle or group of muscles can generate. An accumulation of work or an incomplete force restoration can significantly influence the neuromuscular performance in both the short and long terms. Thus, fatigue management is essential for controllin...

This study aims to determine possible associations between strength parameters, injury rates, and performance outcomes over six seasons in professional basketball settings. Thirty-six male professional basketball players [mean ± standard deviation (SD): age, 30.5 ± 4.7 years; height, 199.5 ± 9.5 cm; body mass, 97.9 ± 12.9 kg; BMI 24.6 ± 2.5 kg/m²]...

Effects of 8-weeks of stable vs unstable surface destabilizing training on shot outcome in elite golfers Efectos de 8 semanas de entrenamiento desestabilizador en superficies estables vs inestables sobre el resultado de los golpes en golfistas de élite Abstract. Purpose: This research aimed to compare the effect of two intervention programs using s...

This study aimed to analyse the influence of various game variables on the final result of rink hockey matches. The influence of the game location, scoring the first goal of the match, winning at halftime and winning at halftime were analysed. A total of 480 matches of the Spanish first division (OK Liga) played during the 2017-2018 and 2018-2019 s...

El presente estudio tuvo como objetivo analizar la influencia de las distintas variables de juego en el resultado final de los partidos de hockey sobre patines. Se analizó la influencia de la localización del partido, marcar el primer gol del encuentro, ir ganando al finalizar la primera parte e ir ganando al finalizar la primera parte por más de u...

The primary purpose of the present study was to compare the home advantage (HA) and the home team performance in the most relevant European rink hockey leagues (Spanish, Portuguese and Italian), considering the presence or absence of spectators in the competition venues due to the effect of COVID-19 restrictions. The sample was composed of 1665 rin...

The main purpose of the present study was to build a parsimonious model to predict the probability of winning in rink hockey from different situational variables and evaluate each predictor's contribution to the match outcome. A sample of 238 matches played during the last season in the Spanish first division (OkLiga) was analysed. The best predict...

Background Proper load monitoring can help to determine if athletes are adjusting properly to training loads, minimizing the risk of developing illnesses and injuries. Objective The main objective of this study was to find relationships between internal and external load variables, and fatigue to enable a better understanding of specific adaptatio...

Monitoring training load provides information about the physical demands of the sport in which athletes are competing. Strength and conditioning coaches need to use this information to periodize and make decisions on training to optimize performance and prevent injuries. The following narrative review presents the current state of knowledge on moni...

Data related to 141 sessions of 10 semi-professional basketball players were analyzed during the competitive period of the 2018-2019 season using a multivariable model to determine possible associations between internal and external load variables and fatigue. Age, height, weight, sessional rate of perceived exertion (sRPE), summated-heart-rate-zon...

Objectives: different active and passive post-exercise recovery techniques such as massage, foam rolling, stretching or ice baths among others, are used by elite athletes to promote effective physiological, physical, and mental restoration. However, limited research is available investigating the use of recovery strategies in professional soccer....

Traditionally in strength and conditioning environments, vibration has been transmitted using platforms, barbells, dumbbells, or cables but not suspension devices. This study aimed to examine the effects on the lower limb of applying superimposed vibration on a suspension device. Twenty-one physically active men and women performed supine bridge an...

El interés en el equilibrio competitivo de los diferentes deportes de equipo ha ido en aumento en los últimos años. Sin embargo, todavía hay pocas investigaciones referentes a deportes minoritarios como el hockey sobre patines. Por este motivo, el objetivo del estudio fue cuantificar el balance competitivo de diferentes ligas europeas profesionales...

The interest in competitive balance in different team sports has increased over time. However, hitherto, scant research has been conducted into minority sports, such as rink hockey. With these circumstances in mind, the primary objective of this study was to quantify the competitive balance in different European professional rink hockey leagues (Sp...

This study aimed to describe the recovery strategies used by the Spanish professional basketball teams playing in the “Liga ACB.” Data from all teams during the 2019-2020 season (n = 18), and the team promoted for the season 2020-2021 were collected using a six-section online survey. Protocols, timings, and recovery strategies employed differed amo...

Introduction Monitoring load has been a key point in team sports during last years. This study aimed to determine the relationship between the external and internal training load during full basketball practices in elite female youth basketball players. Material and methods Thirteen elite female youth basketball players (age 16.3±1 years, height 1...

La carga de entrenamiento se ha descrito como la variable que gestionada de forma adecuada, ayuda a obtener la respuesta de entrenamiento deseada (Impellizzeri, Marcora, & Coutts, 2019). Su control tiene como objetivo optimizar este proceso, facilitando la toma de decisiones del cuerpo técnico y la reducción de factores de riesgo de lesión (Sánchez...

The main objective of this research was to find associations between the outcome of a simulated CrossFit® competition, anthropometric measures, and standardized fitness tests. Ten experienced male CrossFit® athletes (age 28.8 ± 3.5 years; height 175 ± 10.0 cm; weight 80.3 ± 12.5 kg) participated in a simulated CrossFit® competition with three bench...

The COVID-19 pandemic has affected many sectors of our global society since its detection in Wuhan in December 2019, and team sports have been no stranger to this reality. This special article presents a review of the literature exposing the dangers for athletes of this virus, reporting the effects of the pandemic on competitive sport, and making e...

This study aimed to understand the acute responses on the muscular activity of primary movers during the execution of a half-squat under different unstable devices. Fourteen male and female high-standard track and field athletes were voluntarily recruited. A repeated measures design was used to establish the differences between muscle activity of t...

This poster shows the level of activity of the muscles of the lower limbs, both the prime movers and the stabilisers, in a unilateral exercise such as the Bulgarian squat, performed under conditions of stability (floor), single instability (suspension or BOSU) and dual instability (suspension and BOSU). In addition, the comparison between force pro...

Aims The main aim of the present review was to update the available evidence on the value interest of post-competition recovery strategies in male professional or semi-professional soccer players to determine its effect on post-game performance outcomes, physiological markers, and wellness indicators. Methods A structured search was carried out fo...

Objetivo: valorar la aplicabilidad del índice de esfuerzo percibido como herramienta para el control de la carga interna en baloncesto femenino y masculino. Método: se llevó a cabo un estudio descriptivo, observacional y prospectivo durante una temporada completa. En cada sesión de entrenamiento se registraron tiempo de exposición, índice de esfue...

In order to better understand the possible relationships between the application of training loads and the risk of injury in professional women's basketball, four parameters from a professional women's basketball team (N = 11) were analysed: exposure time, number of injuries, rate of perceived exertion (RPE), and workload (sRPE). A total of 3182 h...

Suspension training is an adjunct to traditional strength and conditioning. The effect of added instability on muscle activation during traditional exercises is unclear and depends on the exercise and type of instability. The purpose of this review was to compare the activations of different muscles in suspension training exercises and their tradit...

This study aimed to assess the effect of the scoring moment on the conditional probability of winning or losing a professional soccer match, as well as identified the most influential variables contributing to victory in Major League Soccer (MLS), the men's professional league in the United States. Data from 680 matches played in the 2015 and 2016...

This article reports data concerning the body centre of mass ac- celeration, muscle activity, and forces exerted during a suspended lunge under different stability conditions. Ten high-standard track and field athletes were recruited to perform one set of 5 repeti- tions of the following exercises: suspended lunge, suspended lunge-Foam (front leg o...

Temporal trends of youth muscular fitness (i.e., muscular strength, muscular power and local muscular endurance) indicate that contemporary children and adolescents are weaker and slower than previous generations. Consequently, this generation of millennials appear to be just as vulnerable as older adults to the inevitable consequences of muscle di...

Practitioners of strength and conditioning are increasingly using vibration and unstable environments to enhance training effects. However, little evidence has been found comparing the use of suspension devices and vibratory platforms used in the Bulgarian squat. The purpose of this cross-sectional study was to examine the effect of suspension devi...

INTRODUCTION:The acute effects of fatigue on serve speed, accuracy, and consistency were examined over consecutive days of pro- longed tennis match play (2,3) or when a fatiguing exercise protocol was performed (1,4) in college or high-standard tennis players. However, these previous studies showed a lack of consensus in their results. For this rea...

Sports analytics is defined as the process that identifies and acquires knowledge and insight about players and teams’ performances. To do so, analysts use a wide variety of data sources coming from matches and individual players’ performances (O'Donoghue & Holmes 2014; Jayal, McRobert, Oatley & O’Donoghue, 2018). Nowadays, detailed data from diffe...

Unstable surfaces have been used to enhance the muscle activity (MA) in different strength and conditioning exercises. Some evidence supports that the unstable surface increases the motor unit recruitment and improves the neuromuscular coordination in order to maintain balance. Thus, an emerging trend is the utilization of suspension devices to inc...

The forces exerted on a suspension device have been examined in the upper body exercises such as push-ups or inverted row. However, there is a lack of evidence with regard to the effects of a suspension device on force production in lower limb exercises. For this reason, this aim of this study was to determine the effects of body position, contract...

Introduction: The assessment of muscle activity and forces had been examined in different upper body exercises like push-ups, inverted row and plank (Mok et al., 2014), all of these performed in traditional and suspended conditions. In lower body exercises, Malliaropoulos et al. (2015) assessed the suspension device effect on muscle activity in ham...

The primary purpose of this study was to identify potential risk factors for sports injuries in professional basketball. An observational retrospective cohort study involving a male professional basketball team, using game tracking data was conducted during three consecutive seasons. Thirty-three professional basketball players took part in this st...

Background Basketball players commonly use mouthguards for protecting their mouths from collisions with other players. Besides, literature reports that specific types of mouthguards may become an ergogenic device that facilitates a powerful jaw clenching, and a subsequent concurrent activation potentiation through this remote voluntary contraction...

Patellar tendinopathy is an overuse injury commonly known as “jumper’s knee” that causes pain in the inferior region of the patella. This pathology is recurrent in team sports and has more impact on male athletes. Some anatomical intrinsic factors and several extrinsic factors seem to be key in triggering this condition that is also increasingly ap...

BACKGROUND: The aims of this study were (a) to examine the effects of a trail mountain race (TMR) on hydration status and neuromuscular performance of recreational trail runners and (b) to determine the relationship among these parameters, subject’s characteristics and competitive performance. METHODS: 35 male recreational trail runners (age, 38.1...

The present study was designed to assess the relevance of game-related performance factors as outcome predictors in high-level volleyball. To carry out the analysis, the official box scores of 399 matches played by 47 different teams in four different European male professional volleyball leagues (Italy, Poland, Germany and Turkey) during the 2013-...

Agility and quickness is required by the beach volleyball players, such as sudden falls, short sprints and jumps. The surface where the beach volleyball is played constitutes a different paradigm to study these actions. This paper analyses the relationship between the agility test and the ability to jump on the sand among beach volleyball players....

Introduction Distances covered and number of sprints is value information about the activity profile of professional soccer players during a match in a whole season (Di Salvo et al., 2009). The profile is clearly influenced by the playing position and the half period of matches (Di Salvo, 2007). Fatigue seems to be a great influence on distances co...

Introduction Several attempts have been carried out in the last years to establish a methodology and a set of actions that may be implemented in team sports warm-up, increasing athletes’ performance and avoiding injuries. Well-structured protocols have been proven effective to enhance power and prevent injuries in sports like basketball, handball,...