This study aimed to analyse the effect of neurofeedback (NFB) training based on beta-wave amplification and theta-wave inhibition on the visual processing efficiency of judo athletes. The study examined 12 male athletes from the national team of the Polish Judo Association. Participants were divided into the experimental (EG, n = 6) and the control group (CG, n = 6). The NFB training protocol was performed and recorded using a Deymed Truscan system with 24 active channels. The effect of NFB training was examined by computer-based simple and complex reaction tests and selected tests of the Vienna Test System (VST). One – way ANOVA showed statistically significant differences between the CG and the EG in theta and beta values after the first and the second cycle of training. There were statistically significant differences between the CG and the EG in the results of reaction speed tests after individual cycles of training. The highest reduction in simple reaction time was obtained after the second training cycle, when training was performed every second day and lasted four minutes.

Background: This research aimed to identify the most significant predictors of sports level using regression modeling. Methods: This study examined 16 judokas (aged 23 (±2.5)) from four weight categories, with four athletes in each category (66 kg, 73 kg, 81 kg and 90 kg). Each athlete was a member of the Polish National Team, an international master class (IM) or national master class (M). The tests were carried out twice (every two weeks) during the pre-competitive season in the morning, after a 10-min warm-up. The tests were performed according to the following protocol: Explosive Strength Lower Limbs (ExSLL) [W], Strength Endurance Lower Limbs (SELL) [%], Explosive Strength Upper Limbs (ExSUL) [W], Strength Endurance Upper Limbs (SEUL) [%]. The relationships between the dependent variable (ranking score) and the other analyzed variables (predictors) were estimated using the one-factor ridge regression analysis. Results: There were significant intergroup and intragroup differences in the results of explosive strength and strength endurance of the lower and upper limbs. The best predictors were identified using regression modeling: ExSLL, SELL, and SEUL. Conclusions: Increasing the value of these predictors by a unit should significantly affect the scores in the ranking table. Correlation analysis showed that all variables that are strongly correlated with the Polish Judo Association (PJA) ranking table scores may have an effect on the sports performance.

Introduction. The aim of the study is to determine the optimal load for generating the highest value of force, power and the rate of power and force development (RFD and RPD) in the upper limb of mixed martial arts (MMA) fighters with the use of activation and explosive exercises. The training period of MMA players was included in the research. Material and Methods: Twenty-nine MMA fighters participated in the study and were divided into two groups depending on the length of their training period (under and over 5 years). The subjects did 2 ballistic push-ups before the study and after-wards they performed 5 repetitions of press dumbbells while lying down with an increasing load: 50% 1RM, 65% 1RM and 80% 1RM. The rest was 4 minutes. All ballistic push-ups were performed on ForceDecks, and the data was analysed using the manufacturer’s software. To compare differences between the groups, one-way ANOVA and post-hoc test were used. T-Student test was used to deter-mine the differences within the groups. Results: Amateurs obtained greater force and RPD results after the activation exercise performed at 50% 1RM, while power and RFD at 65% 1RM. For professionals, the highest force was achieved with a load of 80% 1RM, power at 50% 1RM, and RFD and RPD at 80% 1RM. Statistically significant differences between the groups were observed before and after each trial in force and RPD. The power did not statistically differ only after the load of 65% 1RM. In RFD, no statistically significant differences were found between the studied groups. Conclusions: Competitors with longer training experience should use a greater load in an activation exercise than competitors with shorter training experience.

Introduction: Resistance towing is perhaps the most specific form of developing strength and power in muscles involved directly during the start, acceleration and at maximum speed. Resisted sprint training may involve towing a sled which provides an overload through the friction between the sled and ground surface or a modern advanced training device which uses drag technology to provide fully controlled resistance during the movement, such as the 1080 Sprint. The main objective of the study was to evaluate the optimal loading for the development of power in the engine assisted drag technology system SPRINT 1080. Material and methods: We evaluated the changes in running velocity and the generated force and power during resisted sprints over 30m with a load of 1, 3, 6, 9, 12 and 15 kg. Seven male sprinters with national and international experience participated in the study. Their average age, body mass and body height were 22.2 +/- 2.4 years, 77.43 +/- 4.63 kg, and 178.6 +/- 3.2 cm, respectively. All athletes performed six 30 m sprints with 5 min rest intervals in between. The first sprint was performed without additional resistance, while the remaining 5 were performed in an random order with additional resistance of 3, 6, 9, 12 and 15 kg. After receiving a verbal signal, the participant started at will from a semi crouched position. During the resisted sprint trials, the time [s] and the following variables were recorded in peak values: power output [W], generated force [N], and sprinting velocity [m/s]. Results: Our results show that loading with 6 kg decreased sprinting velocity by 9.37% while the generated horizontal power increased by 31,32%. The 6 kg loading on the Sprint 1080device corresponded to 8% body mass, yet as mentioned before the baseline results were not fully free sprinting as the tested athletes reached velocities 0.5-0.6 m/s greater without the harness. Conclusion: Taking into account this fact, our results seem to confirm previous findings, that external loads between 8 and 13% may be optimal for improving power and sprinting speed at the same time.

Introduction: The aim of the study was to examine relationships between power of the lower limb and agility, speed, and change of direction (COD) deficit in professional female soccer players. Material and methods: Thirty-three elite Polish Extraliga league soccer players (aged 22 ±5 years; body height 166 ± 4 cm; body weight 58 ± 8 kg) performed the following fitness tests: lower limb muscle power (Leg Press, Half Squat, Counter Movement Jump), straight linear speed (SLS 20 m), and COD speed ( Zig-Zag test, COD deficit). Using the median value as a reference, the players were subdivided into two groups (n=17; n=16) according to their LP, HS 60% 1RM, CMJ (High values below median = stronger group and Low = weaker group ). Results: The COD deficit was calculated as the difference between the 20m speed and the Zig-Zag test. The stronger group was better than the weaker group in SLS 20m (p0.05; ES=0.48; 0.34; 0.34) and this affected the COD deficit, which was higher (p<0.05; ES=0.9; 0.73; 0.72). The most important finding was that the stronger group had a higher COD deficit and its improvement (reduction) occurs only if the results of the agility test are improved (through agility training) [Ydeficit All groups=0.10+0.87*20m - 0.83* Zig-Zag]. Increasing power (HS, LP) lead to the improvement in SLS p<0.05, not to COD abilities. Conclusion: This can be useful for coaches during agility training and to improve COD deficit in soccer players and women in general.