Symmetric and Asymmetric Information in Physical Education, Physical Activity and Sport

A special issue of Symmetry (ISSN 2073-8994). This special issue belongs to the section "Life Sciences".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 December 2020) | Viewed by 23966

Special Issue Editors

Academy of Mathematics and Systems Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China
Interests: operations management; applied economics; energy policy; big data
School of Physical Education and Sport Training, Shanghai University of Sport, Shanghai, China

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The mechanisms of symmetric and asymmetric information are a key component in the field of athlete training, physical activity and sports, particularly regarding youth sport talent identification, selection, and development issues.

Much of the discussion over symmetric and asymmetric information has focused on the fields of microeconomics, human resources, and marketing, with little attention paid to sport. However, there are a number of research questions that need to be answered in order to minimize information and search costs related to sport.

In recent years, the rapid development of information technology has involved advances in big data analysis, with significant and far reaching effects on competitive sport and national fitness programs as well as sustainable health through engagement in sports activities. However, information asymmetry is a serious problem in the field of big data. Thus, information technology and traditional training modes must be combined.

This Special Issue of Symmetry aims to present the latest research on “Symmetric and asymmetric information in physical activity and sport”. Potential topics include, but are not limited, to the following:

Information asymmetry, athlete transfer, and screening of talent;

Key techniques for physical activity and sport performance analysis;

Application of new technologies in sport performance analysis;

Prevention of injury and related conditions in sport.

Prof. Dr. Miguel Ángel Gómez Ruano
Dr. Tian Wu
Dr. Qing Yi
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Symmetry is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2400 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • symmetry
  • asymmetry
  • simulation
  • forecasting
  • mathematical modelling
  • optimization
  • sports
  • training
  • performance

Published Papers (7 papers)

Order results
Result details
Select all
Export citation of selected articles as:

Research

9 pages, 272 KiB  
Article
Strength Asymmetries in Young Elite Sailors: Windsurfing, Optimist, Laser and 420 Classes
by Israel Caraballo, Francisco Casado-Rodríguez, José V. Gutiérrez-Manzanedo and José Luis González-Montesinos
Symmetry 2021, 13(3), 427; https://doi.org/10.3390/sym13030427 - 06 Mar 2021
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1656
Abstract
Strength asymmetries in the upper and lower limbs may affect the body movements of the joints or limbs. Although asymmetries in the upper limbs have been studied in sailors, those in lower limbs have not been evaluated in this sport population. The aims [...] Read more.
Strength asymmetries in the upper and lower limbs may affect the body movements of the joints or limbs. Although asymmetries in the upper limbs have been studied in sailors, those in lower limbs have not been evaluated in this sport population. The aims of this study were: (i) to analyze lower limb asymmetries in young elite sailors in order to quantify the magnitude of asymmetry between limbs for variables that were established as reliable in a healthy population, and (ii) to evaluate the presence of differences between classes and sexes in inter-limb asymmetries in elite youth sailors. Sixty-eight young Spanish elite sailors (9–19 years of age) participated voluntarily in our study. Single-leg vertical countermovement jump (VCJ), single-leg horizontal countermovement jump and hand dynamometry tests were used to evaluate the strength of the upper and lower limbs. More than 50% of the sailors presented asymmetries in the lower limbs. The boys’ group and Optimist class presented a greater percentage of strength asymmetry. Full article
14 pages, 3466 KiB  
Article
Asymmetry and Tightness of Lower Limb Muscles in Equestrian Athletes: Are They Predictors for Back Pain?
by Antonio Cejudo, Angélica Ginés-Díaz and Pilar Sainz de Baranda
Symmetry 2020, 12(10), 1679; https://doi.org/10.3390/sym12101679 - 14 Oct 2020
Cited by 8 | Viewed by 4054
Abstract
Athletes may suffer from low back pain (LBP). Some studies have considered restricted range of motion (ROM) as a risk factor for LBP in athletes; however, ROM has not been evaluated in equestrian athletes (EAs) with LBP. The aims of this research in [...] Read more.
Athletes may suffer from low back pain (LBP). Some studies have considered restricted range of motion (ROM) as a risk factor for LBP in athletes; however, ROM has not been evaluated in equestrian athletes (EAs) with LBP. The aims of this research in EAs were (I) to analyze the relationship between lower limb ROM (tightness and asymmetry) and LBP and (II) to determine the reference values for lower limb ROM indicating high risk of LBP. Forty-three young (9–18 years old) EAs were voluntarily recruited in technical training camps. The EAs were assessed for 11 passive lower limb ROMs using the ROM-SPORT I Battery. LBP data were taken at the end of a 1-year period through a questionnaire. Binary logistic regression and receiver operating characteristic curves were calculated. Sixty-seven percent of EA had suffered LBP. Hip adduction (OR = 1.347, medium; p = 0.015) and knee flexion (OR = 1.109, small; p = 0.023) were predictors of LBP in EAs. A hip adduction of 26° and knee flexion of 128° were found to be the optimal cutoff values for predictive screening of EAs at high risk of LBP. Full article
Show Figures

Figure 1

12 pages, 3884 KiB  
Article
Multifractal Analysis of Movement Behavior in Association Football
by Igor Freitas Cruz and Jaime Sampaio
Symmetry 2020, 12(8), 1287; https://doi.org/10.3390/sym12081287 - 03 Aug 2020
Cited by 6 | Viewed by 3292
Abstract
Research in football has been embracing the complex systems paradigm in order to identify different insights about key determinants of performance. The present study explored the multifractal properties of several football-related scenarios, as a candidate method to describe movement dynamics. The sample consisted [...] Read more.
Research in football has been embracing the complex systems paradigm in order to identify different insights about key determinants of performance. The present study explored the multifractal properties of several football-related scenarios, as a candidate method to describe movement dynamics. The sample consisted of five footballers that were engaged in six different training situations (jogging, high intensity interval protocol, running circuit, 5 vs. 5, 8 vs. 8 and a 10 vs. 10 small-sided game). All kinematic measures were collected using a 100 Hz wireless and wearable inertial measurement unit (WIMUPRO©). Data were processed using a discrete wavelet leader transform in order to obtain a spectrum of singularities that could best describe the movement dynamics. The Holder exponent for each of all six conditions revealed mean values h < 0.5 indicating presence of long memory with anti-correlated behavior. A strong trend was found between the width of the multifractal spectrum and the type of task performed, with jogging showing the weakest multifractality ∆h = 0.215 ± 0.020, whereas, 10 vs. 10 small-sided game revealed the strongest ∆h = 0.992 ± 0.104. The Hausdorff dimension indicates that a maximal fluctuation rate occurs with a higher probability than that of the minimal fluctuation rate for all tasks, with the exception of the high intensity interval protocol. Moreover, the spectrum asymmetry values of jogging, running circuit, 5 vs. 5, 8 vs. 8 and 10 vs. 10 small-sided games reveal their multifractal structures are more sensitive to the local fluctuations with small magnitudes. The multifractal analysis has shown a potential to systematically elucidate the dynamics and variability structure over time for the training situations. Full article
Show Figures

Graphical abstract

8 pages, 1411 KiB  
Article
Asymmetries in Football: The Pass—Goal Paradox
by Daniel R. Antequera, David Garrido, Ignacio Echegoyen, Roberto López del Campo, Ricardo Resta Serra and Javier M. Buldú
Symmetry 2020, 12(6), 1052; https://doi.org/10.3390/sym12061052 - 24 Jun 2020
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2979
Abstract
We investigate the relation between the number of passes made by a football team and the number of goals. We analyze the 380 matches of a complete season of the Spanish national league “LaLiga" (2018/2019). We observe how the number of scored goals [...] Read more.
We investigate the relation between the number of passes made by a football team and the number of goals. We analyze the 380 matches of a complete season of the Spanish national league “LaLiga" (2018/2019). We observe how the number of scored goals is positively correlated with the number of passes made by a team. In this way, teams on the top (bottom) of the ranking at the end of the season make more (less) passes than the rest of the teams. However, we observe a strong asymmetry when the analysis is made depending on the part of the match. Interestingly, fewer passes are made in the second half of a match, while, at the same time, more goals are scored. This paradox appears in the majority of teams, and it is independent of the number of passes made. These results confirm that goals in the first half of matches are more “costly” in terms of passes than those scored in second halves. Full article
Show Figures

Figure 1

9 pages, 679 KiB  
Article
A Time-Motion Analysis of the Cross-Over Step Block Technique in Volleyball: Non-Linear and Asymmetric Performances
by Elena Hernández-Hernández, Antonio Montalvo-Espinosa and Antonio García-de-Alcaraz
Symmetry 2020, 12(6), 1027; https://doi.org/10.3390/sym12061027 - 18 Jun 2020
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2982
Abstract
Blocking performance in volleyball is strongly affected by the time in which the action is executed. This study analyzes the time-motion variables in terms of the player’s role and movement direction (right or left), in different phases of the displacement and jump actions [...] Read more.
Blocking performance in volleyball is strongly affected by the time in which the action is executed. This study analyzes the time-motion variables in terms of the player’s role and movement direction (right or left), in different phases of the displacement and jump actions in the cross-over step block technique. A kinematic analysis was conducted with 10 senior male volleyball players. Two series of five repetitions were each recorded and classified in terms of middle-blockers (block in the center and sides of the net) and wing-players (only block in the sides). The results showed that the middle-blockers were significantly slower than the wing-players in the first (0.75 ± 0.24 vs. 0.66 ± 0.19 sec; p = 0.020; ES = −0.37 ± 0.30) and fourth phases (0.33 ± 0.8 vs. 0.29 ± 0.8 sec; p = 0.001; ES = −0.44 ± 0.31), and in the total time for blocking (3.15 ± 0.6 vs. 3 ± 0.58 sec; p = 0.003; ES = −0.23 ± 0.31). Overall, players were significantly faster when moving to the right side, showing performance asymmetries. The fastest phases were also performed just before the jump. These findings provide specific knowledge about the cross-over step block technique in its different phases and displacement direction. This information can be used to improve the movement time in the first defensive action in volleyball. Full article
Show Figures

Graphical abstract

17 pages, 4406 KiB  
Article
Straight Leg Raise Test: Influence of Lumbosant© and Assistant Examiner in Hip, Pelvis Tilt and Lumbar Lordosis
by Fernando Santonja-Medina, Sara Santonja-Renedo, Antonio Cejudo, Francisco Ayala, Vicente Ferrer, Antonio Pastor, Mónica Collazo-Diéguez, Olga Rodríguez-Ferrán, Pilar Andújar and Pilar Sainz de Baranda
Symmetry 2020, 12(6), 927; https://doi.org/10.3390/sym12060927 - 02 Jun 2020
Cited by 8 | Viewed by 3760
Abstract
The passive straight leg raise (PSLR) test is widely used to assess hamstring extensibility. However, to accurately measure hamstring extensibility throughout PSLR, appropriate stabilization of the pelvis must be provided in order to minimize the possible influence of any compensatory movement in the [...] Read more.
The passive straight leg raise (PSLR) test is widely used to assess hamstring extensibility. However, to accurately measure hamstring extensibility throughout PSLR, appropriate stabilization of the pelvis must be provided in order to minimize the possible influence of any compensatory movement in the scores reached. The main purpose of this study was to demonstrate the degree of influence of the Lumbosant© and an assistant examiner in hamstring extensibility in healthy young adults. A secondary objective was to verify the variability of the posterior pelvic tilt movement. Hamstring muscle extensibility was measured using the traditional (only an examiner) and new (using a low-back protection support Lumbosant© and two trained [principal and assistant] examiners) PSLR procedures. Correlation coefficients were expressed using r values, accompanying descriptors and 90% confidence intervals. Variance explained was expressed via the R2 statistic. To examine possible differences, the Mann-Whitney U-test was conducted. Additionally, Cohen’s d was calculated for all results, and the magnitudes of the effect were interpreted and statistical significance set at p < 0.05. A stepwise multiple regression analysis was performed to examine the relationship between scores and values. The final score that was determined with the new PSLR is significantly lower (13° approximately) than the one obtained through the traditional procedure (75.3 ± 14.4° vs. 89.2 ± 20.8°; d = −0.777 [moderate]). The data presented in this study suggest that the PSLR may overestimate hamstring extensibility unless lumbopelvic movement is controlled. Therefore, we recommend the use of Lumbosant© and an auxiliary examiner to obtain more accurate hamstring extensibility scores. Full article
Show Figures

Figure 1

12 pages, 376 KiB  
Article
How Individuals’ Characteristics Influence Their Wellbeing through Physical Activity and Sport: Motivated by the Signaling Theory
by Gang Xiao, Qing Yi and Jinyi Zhou
Symmetry 2020, 12(5), 854; https://doi.org/10.3390/sym12050854 - 22 May 2020
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2814
Abstract
Sports activities engagement is a sustainable lifestyle that can signal that individuals have the potential to become successful. The lifetime wellbeing that comes from participating in sports activities results in a general and global policy agenda encouraging populations to be part of it. [...] Read more.
Sports activities engagement is a sustainable lifestyle that can signal that individuals have the potential to become successful. The lifetime wellbeing that comes from participating in sports activities results in a general and global policy agenda encouraging populations to be part of it. However, prior studies have seldom tested how individuals’ characteristics influence their wellbeing through sports activities engagement from a lifetime perspective. In the current study, based on the conservation of resources and signaling theories, we suggest that with a high level of personal control and self-esteem, individuals will proactively maintain a good lifestyle by engaging in more sports activities. Moreover, this engagement is not only good for these individuals’ physical and mental health, but will also bring them much more life satisfaction than others. A large and representative sample with 12,686 participants collected from over 35-year surveys across different social classes in the United States is used to test our hypotheses. The results indicate that individuals’ characteristics will indeed influence their wellbeing, even after 40 years of age, by changing their sports activities engagement, which includes both light activities such as walking and vigorous activities such as running and swimming. Potential theoretical contributions and policy implications are also proposed. Full article
Show Figures

Figure 1

Back to TopTop