The effects of different factors—such as age, sex, performance level, and athletic shoe features—on postural balance in athletes remain unclear. The main objective of our study is to identify the features of postural stability in athletes of different age, sex, performance level, and using different types of athletic shoes. This study assessed postural stability in athletes (n = 936, 6–47 years) in a normal bipedal stance with eyes open (EO) and eyes closed (EC). Postural stability was evaluated based on the center of pressure (COP), sway area (AS), and velocity (VCP) while standing on a stabiloplatform. Children (6–12 years) and teen athletes (13–17 years) showed reduced AS-EO (p < 0.01) and VCP-EO (p < 0.01) compared to control (n = 225, 7–30 years). In male and female athletes aged 18+, only VCP-EC was lower versus control. In females (13–17 and 18+), VCP-EO and EC were lower than in males (p < 0.05). Only in the Shooting group, the athletes’ performance levels had an effect on VCP-EO (p = 0.020). Long use of rigid athletic shoes with stiff ankle support was associated with reduced posture stability. Postural stability in athletes was mostly influenced by the athlete‘s age, and, to a lesser extent, by their sex, performance level, and athlete shoe features.

Relevance. The prevention of overtraining in student sports is an important task for achieving optimal athletic results and minimizing the risks of illnesses and injuries. It requires consideration of both training loads and assessment of the functional state. The aim of the study was to identify individual dynamics and average group values of functional state indicators and physical load doses in student-athletes of team sports and martial arts. The objective of the study was to identify individual dynamics and average group values of functional state indicators and physical load doses in student-athletes of team sports and martial arts. Material and methods. The research involved 24 qualified student-athletes aged 19-20 with an average sports experience of 10.7 ± 1.7 years. Data were collected using an electronic athlete diary, which analyzed data on heart rate, recovery status, and other indicators over the course of a month. Results. According to the data obtained, the average value of the monotony index was 2.1 ± 0.8 units, the tension index was 107.4 ± 51.2 units, the ACWR index was 1.1 ± 0.2 points, and the TRIMP was 55 ± 31.5 units. The integral indicator of the functional state of the student-athletes was, on average, assessed as "good". Conclusions. The research showed that the electronic athlete diary can serve as an effective tool for monitoring functional states and adjusting training loads, which will help reduce the risk of overtraining, illness, and injuries among student-athletes.

Relevance. Scientific research, coaching practice, and athletic training necessitate real-time monitoring of key parameter such as the anaerobic component of exercise. While this metric can be derived from heart rate data, there is currently a lack of comprehensive domestic software solutions capable of automating these calculations and delivering immediate post-exercise results. Aim. To develop an algorithm for calculating and displaying the anaerobic dose of physical load in real time, along with a prototype computer program for assessing physical performance parameters based on heart rate data obtained during standardized exercise tests. Methods. The algorithm development utilized the standardized PWC170 test conducted via step-ergometry as a primary validation protocol, though the proposed methodology demonstrates extensibility to alternative exercise testing modalities. HR parameters were derived from continuous heart rate monitoring using the Polar H10 chest-worn transmitter, with real-time data acquisition facilitated through Bluetooth protocol. Implementation was achieved through a client-side web application architecture utilizing JavaScript (ECMAScript 6+) and HTML5 standards. The system demonstrates efficient computational performance, generating and displaying a comprehensive panel of 9 exercise load parameters immediately upon test termination. This near-instantaneous analytical capability provides significant advantages for real-time training monitoring and immediate physiological assessment. Results. The study successfully developed an innovative algorithm for real-time assessment of anaerobic exercise load components using heart rate data. This computational approach enabled precise quantification of anaerobic contribution through advanced processing of cardiometric parameters. The software solution generates 9 key performance metrics immediately after test completion, with particular focus on anaerobic load evaluation The prototype has been made publicly available as a web application compatible with standard heart rate monitors, demonstrating practical utility for sports science applications (https://github.com/Denisqe/box). Conclusions. The developed software enables real-time heart rate data processing, instantly calculating exercise parameters post-test. This enhances training monitoring efficiency and decision-making while maintaining scientific accuracy, offering a practical tool for sports science applications. The solution combines methodological rigor with operational speed, providing reliable physiological assessments. Its immediate feedback and precision make it valuable for both research and athletic practice.

Relevance. The association between competitive anxiety and heart rate variability (HRV) remains inconsistent, especially when athletes are evaluated outside the immediate pre-competition period. Objective. To examine relationships between competitive anxiety and autonomic, respiratory, and sensorimotor regulation in martial arts athletes during a non-competitive training phase. Methods. Forty athletes (aged 16–27) who practice karate, kyokushin, wushu, or taekwondo were assessed during regular training sessions. Competitive anxiety was measured using the Competitive State Anxiety Inventory-2 (CSAI-2). Resting photoplethysmography (5-minutes, seated) was recorded to calculate linear and nonlinear heart rate variability (HRV) indices, as well as respiratory parameters. Sensorimotor performance was assessed using a battery of visual-motor tasks. All variables were standardized using z-scores. Correlation analysis, k-means clustering, and PERMANOVA were used for analysis. Results. No significant correlations were found between anxiety subscales and autonomic or sensorimotor indicators. Cluster analysis identified two psychological profiles: a group with higher anxiety and lower confidence, and a more adaptive group with lower anxiety and higher confidence. Although univariate differences did not reach statistical significance, the group with higher anxiety showed consistent trends towards lower vagal activity (RMSSD, pNN50), reduced abdominal respiratory amplitude, reduced autonomic complexity, and increased variability in choice reaction time. Multivariate analysis suggested a trend towards differentiation of integrated psychophysiological profiles (p=0.08). Conclusion. In non-competitive conditions, anxiety was not related to individual physiological markers, but rather reflected in integrated, multivariate configurations. These findings emphasize the significance of multidimensional approaches in sports psychophysiology.

Relevance. The prevention of overtraining in student sports is an important task for achieving optimal athletic results and minimizing the risks of illnesses and injuries. It requires consideration of both training loads and assessment of the functional state. The aim of the study was to identify individual dynamics and average group values of functional state indicators and physical load doses in student-athletes of team sports and martial arts. The objective of the study was to identify individual dynamics and average group values of functional state indicators and physical load doses in student-athletes of team sports and martial arts. Material and methods. The research involved 24 qualified student-athletes aged 19-20 with an average sports experience of 10.7 ± 1.7 years. Data were collected using an electronic athlete diary, which analyzed data on heart rate, recovery status, and other indicators over the course of a month. Results. According to the data obtained, the average value of the monotony index was 2.1 ± 0.8 units, the tension index was 107.4 ± 51.2 units, the ACWR index was 1.1 ± 0.2 points, and the TRIMP was 55 ± 31.5 units. The integral indicator of the functional state of the student-athletes was, on average, assessed as "good". Conclusions. The research showed that the electronic athlete diary can serve as an effective tool for monitoring functional states and adjusting training loads, which will help reduce the risk of overtraining, illness, and injuries among student-athletes.