The present paper describes a new multiplatform software application, LINCE, whose versatility makes it ideally suited to the analysis of sports performance. LINCE (see Figure 1) can be used to observe any episode of physical activity or sport since it has been constructed as a software package that automates the functions of: the design of observational systems, video recording, the calculation of data quality and the presentation of results which can be exported in various formats (THEME, GSEQ, EXCEL and SAS). The application overcomes some of the traditional problems faced in relation to the registration and computation of observational data in the field of physical activity and sports sciences.Peer ReviewedPostprint (published version

Mixed methods studies are been increasingly applied to a diversity of fields. In this paper, we discuss the growing use—and enormous potential—of mixed methods research in the field of sport and physical activity. A second aim is to contribute to strengthening the characteristics of mixed methods research by showing how systematic observation offers rigor within a flexible framework that can be applied to a wide range of situations. Observational methodology is characterized by high scientific rigor and flexibility throughout its different stages and allows the objective study of spontaneous behavior in natural settings, with no external influence. Mixed methods researchers need to take bold yet thoughtful decisions regarding both substantive and procedural issues. We present three fundamental and complementary ideas to guide researchers in this respect: we show why studies of sport and physical activity that use a mixed methods research approach should be included in the field of mixed methods research, we highlight the numerous possibilities offered by observational methodology in this field through the transformation of descriptive data into quantifiable code matrices, and we discuss possible solutions for achieving true integration of qualitative and quantitative findings.

Research in soccer has traditionally given more weight to players’ technical and tactical skills, but few studies have analyzed the motor skills that underpin specific motor actions. The objective of this study was to investigate the style of play of the world’s top soccer players, Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi, and how they use their motor skills in attacking actions that result in a goal. We used and improved the easy-to-use observation instrument (OSMOS-soccer player) with 9 criteria, each one expanded to build 50 categories. Associations between these categories were investigated by T-pattern detection and polar coordinate analysis. T-pattern analysis detects temporal structures of complex behavioral sequences composed of simpler or directly distinguishable events within specified observation periods (time point series). Polar coordinate analysis involves the application of a complex procedure to provide a vector map of interrelated behaviors obtained from prospective and retrospective sequential analysis. The T-patterns showed that for both players the combined criteria were mainly between the different aspects of motor skills, namely the use of lower limbs, contact with the ball using the outside of the foot, locomotion, body orientation with respect to the opponent goal line, and the criteria of technical actions and the right midfield. Polar coordinate analysis detected significant associations between the same criteria included in the T-patterns as well as the criteria of turning the body, numerical equality with no pressure, and relative numerical superiority.

Scientific sport magazines, scientific phisical education magazines

Soccer research has traditionally focused on technical and tactical aspects of team play, but few studies have analyzed motor skills in individual actions, such as goal scoring. The objective of this study was to investigate how Lionel Messi, one of the world’s top soccer players, uses his motor skills and laterality in individual attacking actions resulting in a goal. We analyzed 103 goals scored by Messi between over a decade in three competitions: La Liga (n = 74), Copa del Rey (n = 8), and the UEFA Champions League (n = 21). We used an ad hoc observation instrument (OSMOS-soccer player) comprising 10 criteria and 50 categories; polar coordinate analysis, a powerful data reduction technique, revealed significant associations for body part and orientation, foot contact zone, turn direction, and locomotion. No significant associations were observed for pitch area or interaction with opponents. Our analysis confirms significant associations between different aspects of motor skill use by Messi immediately before scoring, namely use of lower limbs, foot contact zones, turn direction, use of wings, and orientation of body to move towards the goal. Studies of motor skills in soccer could shed light on the qualities that make certain players unique.

This paper aims to offer a free software program, LINCE PLUS, suitable for systematic observational studies in sports and health, conducted in natural contexts such as training, education or psychology. Using one or several videos simultaneously, different parameters such as behaviors, decision-making or strategies can be analyzed. The software includes several functionalities for studies that researchers need to utilize throughout the observational study process. Collaborative work can be accomplished by using simultaneous videos and multiple observers. The results of all research conducted by LINCE PLUS are offered inside the application in real time, enabling common calculations or including specific analysis with R language without the need for any other external tool. Moreover, LINCE PLUS shows the results of each study with interactive charts or, if needed, it exports the data to specific data analysis software programs (e.g., SAS, Excel, Theme, GSEQ 5, Hoisan). We include examples of sports and health studies that have been conducted with LINCE PLUS to show the suitability of this software program.