Research has indicated that teams who cover greater distance during matches and complete more basic tasks such as passes, tackles and shots are more successful. Identifying means of increasing these physical and technical outputs is therefore a significant opportunity for performance enhancement. There has been limited research performed on hockey, especially at the elite level. An issue that is even more relevant given that in the past 15 years the sport has undergone some significant rule changes including the introduction of unlimited substitutions. With sixteen players able to be used per match and eleven players on the field at any one time the coach can make substitutions as frequently as desired to try and maximise the overall performance of the team. The objectives of this thesis were to use methods of performance analysis to measure the physical and technical outputs of players during elite hockey and to specifically measure the impact of differing substitution strategies on the physical and technical outputs of strikers during match play. Three striker conditions were assessed; three strikers with no substitutions, four strikers with a moderate amount of substitutions; and, five strikers with a large amount of substitutions. Five matches between the New Zealand men’s hockey team and Tasmania state representative team were played over eight days. Physical outputs of players were measured using portable GPS units and heart rate monitors and technical aspects of match play were measured using team performance statistics and a set of technical criteria which awarded points to strikers for each contribution they made to the game based upon a scale of effectiveness. Average total distance covered during 70 minutes by a position was 8160 ± 428m of which 479 ± 108m (6.1%) was performed at speeds greater than 19km.h-1. Within this high intensity distance were 34 ± 12 sprints per player with an average duration of 3.3s. Average match HR was 85.3 ± 2.9% HRmax and average peak HR was 96.3 ± 2.7% HRmax. Distance covered decreased by 6.2% between the 1st and 2nd halves and there was a trend of decreasing distance in both halves when total distance was broken into five-minute time periods. When assessing the impact of substitutions on the performance of strikers it was found that there were no significant differences in physical outputs between conditions with total distance (S5 = 8414 ± 125m, S4 = 8422 + 34m; S3 = 8282m) and distance covered at speeds greater than 19km.h-1(S5 = 701 ± 46m, S4 = 685 ± 28m, S3 = 723m) being similar. Substantial differences were found in technical outputs between the substitution conditions with more strikers and greater substitutions offering a better total output than less strikers and fewer substitutions (S5 = 241 ± 35, S4 = 207 ± 38, S3 = 173) but statistical significance between conditions was also not found. In conclusion, the results suggest that although substitutions are not a means to increase the physical work of strikers they do appear to be a way to enhance the contributions that strikers are making to the game.

Research has indicated that teams who cover greater distance during matches and complete more basic tasks such as passes, tackles and shots are more successful. Identifying means of increasing these physical and technical outputs is therefore a significant opportunity for performance enhancement. There has been limited research performed on hockey, especially at the elite level. An issue that is even more relevant given that in the past 15 years the sport has undergone some significant rule changes including the introduction of unlimited substitutions. With sixteen players able to be used per match and eleven players on the field at any one time the coach can make substitutions as frequently as desired to try and maximise the overall performance of the team. The objectives of this thesis were to use methods of performance analysis to measure the physical and technical outputs of players during elite hockey and to specifically measure the impact of differing substitution strategies on the physical and technical outputs of strikers during match play. Three striker conditions were assessed; three strikers with no substitutions, four strikers with a moderate amount of substitutions; and, five strikers with a large amount of substitutions. Five matches between the New Zealand men’s hockey team and Tasmania state representative team were played over eight days. Physical outputs of players were measured using portable GPS units and heart rate monitors and technical aspects of match play were measured using team performance statistics and a set of technical criteria which awarded points to strikers for each contribution they made to the game based upon a scale of effectiveness. Average total distance covered during 70 minutes by a position was 8160 ± 428m of which 479 ± 108m (6.1%) was performed at speeds greater than 19km.h-1. Within this high intensity distance were 34 ± 12 sprints per player with an average duration of 3.3s. Average match HR was 85.3 ± 2.9% HRmax and average peak HR was 96.3 ± 2.7% HRmax. Distance covered decreased by 6.2% between the 1st and 2nd halves and there was a trend of decreasing distance in both halves when total distance was broken into five-minute time periods. When assessing the impact of substitutions on the performance of strikers it was found that there were no significant differences in physical outputs between conditions with total distance (S5 = 8414 ± 125m, S4 = 8422 + 34m; S3 = 8282m) and distance covered at speeds greater than 19km.h-1(S5 = 701 ± 46m, S4 = 685 ± 28m, S3 = 723m) being similar. Substantial differences were found in technical outputs between the substitution conditions with more strikers and greater substitutions offering a better total output than less strikers and fewer substitutions (S5 = 241 ± 35, S4 = 207 ± 38, S3 = 173) but statistical significance between conditions was also not found. In conclusion, the results suggest that although substitutions are not a means to increase the physical work of strikers they do appear to be a way to enhance the contributions that strikers are making to the game.

A presente tese apresenta, discute e avalia criticamente o conteúdo e o contributo de uma seleção de trabalhos de pesquisa submetidos ou publicados em revistas internacionais no campo das ciências do esporte. Coletivamente, esses trabalhos contribuem para o campo da análise de jogo em jogadores jovens e adultos de futebol, com implicações para aperfeiçoar a avaliação e o treinamento. As pesquisas foram em parte moldadas pela experiência do autor na prática profissional e acadêmica, mas principalmente impulsionada por necessidades emergentes identificadas durante os anos de atuação prática e em parceria com profissionais atuantes em clubes de futebol. Um total de duas revisões sistemáticas (apresentadas na presente tese como introdução ao campo de estudo), sendo uma metaanálise, e três estudos de campo revisados por pares estão incluídos. Esta tese apresenta criticamente resultados e discussões sobre dois principais fluxos: (i) validação de testes físicos em ambiente de jogo, de acordo com as características gerais e exigências específicas das partidas; (ii) análise dos fatores contextuais e posicionais que afetam potencialmente o desempenho no futebol. Os trabalhos de pesquisa são apresentados em uma sequência conceitual dentro dos dois temas, em vez de uma ordem estritamente cronológica, para demonstrar a coerência e a sinergia dentro dos dois fluxos. Esta tese fornece uma reflexão crítica sobre a contribuição geral para o corpo atual de conhecimento científico e o impacto coletivo dos trabalhos que foi alcançado. As limitações dos estudos encontradas no decorrer do trabalho são discutidas como temas atuais, possibilitando um direcionamento para futuras pesquisas. Por fim, todo conhecimento produzido foi traduzido em forma de um e-book para maior acesso por diferentes recursos humanos / This thesis presents, discusses and critically evaluates the content and the contribution of a selection of research papers submitted or published to international peer-reviewed sports science journals. Collectively, these papers make novel insights to the field of match analysis in young and adults\' soccer players, with implications for improving assessment and training. The researches were partly shaped by the authors\' experience in professional and academic practice, but mainly driven by emerging and evolving needs-analyses identified within his work, identified during the years of practice and in partnership with professionals working in soccer teams. A total of two systematic reviews (presented in this document as an introduction to the field of study), one of them being a metaanalysis, and three original articles are included. These papers present critically comments on work in two main streams: (i) validation of physical fitness tests in a game context, according to general characteristics and specific requirements of the match; (ii) analysis of contextual and positional factors that potentially affect the soccer performance. The original research papers are presented in a conceptual sequence within the two themes, rather than a strictly chronological order to demonstrate coherence and synergy within the two collections. The document provides critical reflection on the general contribution to the current body of scientific knowledge and the collective impact of the work that has been achieved. The limitations of the studies found during the course of the work are discussed as current themes, allowing a direction for future research. Finally, all scientific knowledge produced was translated into an e-book for greater access by different human recourses

Fingerprint impressions are frequently encountered during the investigation of crime scenes, and may establish a crucial linkage between the suspect and the crime scene. Plastic fingerprint impressions found at crime scenes are often transient and delicate, leaving photography the sole means of documentation. A traditional photography approach can be inadequate in documenting impressions that contain three-dimensional (3D) details due to the limitations of camera and lighting conditions on scene. In this study, 3D scanning was proposed as a novel method for the documentation of plastic fingerprints. Structured-light 3D scanning (SLS) captures the distortion of projected light patterns on the subject to obtain its 3D profile, which allows fast acquisition of the complete 3D geometric information of the surface. The contactless operation of SLS also eliminates the risk of destroying fragile evidence, making it a sound choice for forensic applications. In this study, the feasibility of 3D scanning of plastic fingerprint impressions was evaluated and compared with traditional photography regarding the quantity and quality of perceptible friction ridge features. Attempts were made to develop a procedure to extract curvature features from 3D scanned fingerprints and flatten the friction ridge features into two-dimensional (2D) images to allow direct comparison with the traditional photography method in the CSIpix® Matcher and NFIQ 2.0 software. One of the developed methods (3DR) utilizing a discrete geometry operator and convexity features outperformed traditional photography, both in minutiae count and match quality, while traditional photography could not always capture enough high-quality minutiae for comparisons, even after digital enhancement. The reproducibility of the 3D scanning process was evaluated using 3D point cloud statistics. The pair-wise mean distance and standard deviation were calculated for four levels of comparisons with theoretically increasing disparity, including pairs of scans of the same impressions. The results showed minimal shape deviation from scan to scan for the same impression, but high variations for different impressions.

The purpose of the present study was to examine the role of timeouts in competitive elite table tennis in relation to psychological momentum (PM). To that end, archival data from elite top-international matches (N= 48) was firstly examined to gather information on when timeouts are most taken, and whether these have any objective influence on subsequent performance (set outcome and ultimately match outcome). Secondly, similar archival data for Swedish League matches (N= 36) was examined and interviews with elite coaches from the highest Swedish league (N= 6) at these given matches were carried out to gain further knowledge and understanding on the role and use of timeouts in competitive elite table tennis. Findings showed that timeouts were mostly called following a sequence of three consecutive lost points; that is, coaches used timeouts to break negative PM. However, findings also showed that these given timeouts had no objective impact on neither set nor match outcomes; that is, sets and matches were ultimately lost. Future research examining the subjective coach-player experience revolving around timeouts is needed to comprehend potential ‘secondary’ purposes when calling timeouts and, subsequently, understand timeouts role in table tennis fully.

Cette étude a eu comme objectif l´analyse de les facteurs déterminants de la dynamique fonctionnelle du jeu de Volley-ball Masculin, en ce qui regarde le KI, au haut-niveau compétitif. Pour l'étude ont été considérées des variables adjointes à la dimension interne du jeu, relatives aux dimensions espace, temps, tâche, joueur et performance et au niveau compétitif des équipes, déterminé par le rangement de la compétition. 1698 séquences offensives ont été analyses dès le service adversaire, qui ont été réduites à 1486 pendant la réception, à 1363 pendant da distribution et à 1344 pendant l'attaque et le bloc, obtenues de 19 jeux des équipes Nationales meilleures placées au Championnat Mondial de Volley-ball Masculin de 2006. La collection de données a été obtenue par de moyens audiovisuels. L'instrument d'observation utilisé a été en obéissant aux critères de validation de construction et de contenu. L'analyse des données a inclue la statistique descriptive, par l'obtention de fréquences et de pourcentages. II a aussi été utilisé statistique déductive à travers de la régression logistique multinomial, avec le but de mesurer le possible effet prédictif des variables indépendantes sur la variable dépendante. La fiabilité intra et inter-observateur a été assurée par le recours à l'index Kappa de Cohen. Les resultats de cette étude ont montré la pratique d'un jeu hautement qualifié au KI, configuré par des actions d'excellente qualité, dès la réception jusqu'à la fin de l'attaque, ce que a produit, par conséquence, des conditions désavantageuses pour le bloc adversaire. Les résultats ont démontré que la dynamique fonctionnelle du KI est relativement stable et déterministe. Par contre, le niveau d'interférence de l'adversaire a influencé le pouvoir prédictif des dimensions d'analyse, puisque l'effet de l'attaque a été moins déterminé que l'effet de la réception, en conséquence de l'interaction élevée entre attaqueur et adversaire. La dynamique fonctionnelle du KI a démontré être déterminée par le service et, à son tour, a exercé pouvoir prédictif sur le bloc. Les équipes de niveau compétitif différent ont montré de caractéristiques distinctes au niveau de la dynamique fonctionnelle du KI et des variables adjointes au KII, en prouvant que le rangement obtenu au Championnat a distingué la qualité du jeu pratiqué. / Este estudo teve como objetivo examinar possíveis determinantes da dinâmica funcional do jogo de Voleibol Masculino, ao nível do Complexo I, no alto rendimento competitivo. Para o estudo foram consideradas variáveis adstritas à dimensão interna do jogo, relativas às dimensões espaço, tempo, tarefa, jogador e desempenho e o nível de rendimento competitivo das equipes, determinado pela classificação na competição, em estudo. Foram analisadas 1698 seqüências ofensivas a partir do saque adversário, sendo que se reduzem para 1486 durante a recepção, 1363 na ação de levantamento e para 1344 na ação do ataque e de bloqueio, retiradas de 19 jogos entre as dez Seleções Nacionais melhores classificadas no Campeonato Mundial de Voleibol Masculino de 2006. A coleta de dados foi garantida pelo sistema de vídeo. O instrumento de observação utilizado foi testado, obedecendo aos critérios de validação de construção e de conteúdo. A análise de dados comportou a estatística descritiva, pela obtenção de freqüências e percentagens, e a estatística inferencial pelo recurso à regressão logística multinomial, no sentido de medir o possível efeito preditor de variáveis independentes sobre uma variável dependente. As fiabilidades intra e interobservador foram apuradas através do recurso ao índice Kappa de Cohen. Os resultados decorrentes da amostra estudada evidenciaram a prática de um jogo altamente qualificado no Complexo I, configurado por ações de excelente qualidade desde a recepção até a finalização do ataque, o que gerou, conseqüentemente, condições desvantajosas para o bloqueio adversário. Os resultados evidenciaram que a dinâmica funcional do Complexo I é relativamente estável e determinista. Todavia, o nível de interferência do adversário influenciou o poder preditor das dimensões de análise, uma vez que o efeito do ataque foi menos determinado do que o efeito da recepção, em razão da elevada interação entre atacante e oponente. A dinâmica funcional do Complexo I mostrou ser determinada pelo saque e, por sua vez, exerceu poder preditor sobre o bloqueio. As equipes de nível de rendimento competitivo distinto evidenciaram características diferenciadas na dinâmica funcional do Complexo I e nas variáveis adstritas ao Complexo II, evidenciando que a classificação obtida no Campeonato diferenciou a qualidade do jogo praticado. / The purpose of this study was to examine possible determinants on the functional dynamics of high level men's Volleyball, in complex I. Hence, variables related to the internal dimension of the game were considered, regarding the dimensions of space, time, task, player, and performance, allied to the team's competitive level (determined by the ranking within the analyzed competition). A total of 1698 sequences from the opponent's serve were analyzed. From these, 1486 allowed serve reception, 1363 allowed setting, and 1344 culminated in attack and blocking actions. These sequences were retrieved from 19 matches between the ten best National Teams, according to their classification on the 2006 Men's World Championships. Data was recorded in video support. The observation instrument was previously tested, following criteria for construction and content validation. Data analysis consisted in descriptive statistics (frequencies and percentages), and inferential statistics, namely multinomial logistic regression, with the purpose of measuring the predictive effect of independent variables upon a dependent variable. Intra- and inter-observer reliability was assessed with Cohen's Kappa. Our sample revealed a highly effective game in Complex I, configured by actions of excellent quality, from serve reception to the attack, consequently generating disadvantageous situations for the opponent's block. Results evidenced that the functional dynamics of Complex I are relatively stable and deterministic. However, the opponent's interference level has influenced the predictive power of the analysis dimensions since the attack effect was less determinant than the reception effect, due to the high interaction between attacker and opponent. The functional dynamics of Complex I are strongly determined by the serve, which, in turn, had predictive power over the blocking action. Teams from distinct performance levels have evidenced different characteristics within the functional dynamics of Complex I and related features of Complex II. Hence, the Championship's final ranking allowed differentiating the quality of the practiced game.

Cette étude a eu comme objectif l´analyse de les facteurs déterminants de la dynamique fonctionnelle du jeu de Volley-ball Masculin, en ce qui regarde le KI, au haut-niveau compétitif. Pour l'étude ont été considérées des variables adjointes à la dimension interne du jeu, relatives aux dimensions espace, temps, tâche, joueur et performance et au niveau compétitif des équipes, déterminé par le rangement de la compétition. 1698 séquences offensives ont été analyses dès le service adversaire, qui ont été réduites à 1486 pendant la réception, à 1363 pendant da distribution et à 1344 pendant l'attaque et le bloc, obtenues de 19 jeux des équipes Nationales meilleures placées au Championnat Mondial de Volley-ball Masculin de 2006. La collection de données a été obtenue par de moyens audiovisuels. L'instrument d'observation utilisé a été en obéissant aux critères de validation de construction et de contenu. L'analyse des données a inclue la statistique descriptive, par l'obtention de fréquences et de pourcentages. II a aussi été utilisé statistique déductive à travers de la régression logistique multinomial, avec le but de mesurer le possible effet prédictif des variables indépendantes sur la variable dépendante. La fiabilité intra et inter-observateur a été assurée par le recours à l'index Kappa de Cohen. Les resultats de cette étude ont montré la pratique d'un jeu hautement qualifié au KI, configuré par des actions d'excellente qualité, dès la réception jusqu'à la fin de l'attaque, ce que a produit, par conséquence, des conditions désavantageuses pour le bloc adversaire. Les résultats ont démontré que la dynamique fonctionnelle du KI est relativement stable et déterministe. Par contre, le niveau d'interférence de l'adversaire a influencé le pouvoir prédictif des dimensions d'analyse, puisque l'effet de l'attaque a été moins déterminé que l'effet de la réception, en conséquence de l'interaction élevée entre attaqueur et adversaire. La dynamique fonctionnelle du KI a démontré être déterminée par le service et, à son tour, a exercé pouvoir prédictif sur le bloc. Les équipes de niveau compétitif différent ont montré de caractéristiques distinctes au niveau de la dynamique fonctionnelle du KI et des variables adjointes au KII, en prouvant que le rangement obtenu au Championnat a distingué la qualité du jeu pratiqué. / Este estudo teve como objetivo examinar possíveis determinantes da dinâmica funcional do jogo de Voleibol Masculino, ao nível do Complexo I, no alto rendimento competitivo. Para o estudo foram consideradas variáveis adstritas à dimensão interna do jogo, relativas às dimensões espaço, tempo, tarefa, jogador e desempenho e o nível de rendimento competitivo das equipes, determinado pela classificação na competição, em estudo. Foram analisadas 1698 seqüências ofensivas a partir do saque adversário, sendo que se reduzem para 1486 durante a recepção, 1363 na ação de levantamento e para 1344 na ação do ataque e de bloqueio, retiradas de 19 jogos entre as dez Seleções Nacionais melhores classificadas no Campeonato Mundial de Voleibol Masculino de 2006. A coleta de dados foi garantida pelo sistema de vídeo. O instrumento de observação utilizado foi testado, obedecendo aos critérios de validação de construção e de conteúdo. A análise de dados comportou a estatística descritiva, pela obtenção de freqüências e percentagens, e a estatística inferencial pelo recurso à regressão logística multinomial, no sentido de medir o possível efeito preditor de variáveis independentes sobre uma variável dependente. As fiabilidades intra e interobservador foram apuradas através do recurso ao índice Kappa de Cohen. Os resultados decorrentes da amostra estudada evidenciaram a prática de um jogo altamente qualificado no Complexo I, configurado por ações de excelente qualidade desde a recepção até a finalização do ataque, o que gerou, conseqüentemente, condições desvantajosas para o bloqueio adversário. Os resultados evidenciaram que a dinâmica funcional do Complexo I é relativamente estável e determinista. Todavia, o nível de interferência do adversário influenciou o poder preditor das dimensões de análise, uma vez que o efeito do ataque foi menos determinado do que o efeito da recepção, em razão da elevada interação entre atacante e oponente. A dinâmica funcional do Complexo I mostrou ser determinada pelo saque e, por sua vez, exerceu poder preditor sobre o bloqueio. As equipes de nível de rendimento competitivo distinto evidenciaram características diferenciadas na dinâmica funcional do Complexo I e nas variáveis adstritas ao Complexo II, evidenciando que a classificação obtida no Campeonato diferenciou a qualidade do jogo praticado. / The purpose of this study was to examine possible determinants on the functional dynamics of high level men's Volleyball, in complex I. Hence, variables related to the internal dimension of the game were considered, regarding the dimensions of space, time, task, player, and performance, allied to the team's competitive level (determined by the ranking within the analyzed competition). A total of 1698 sequences from the opponent's serve were analyzed. From these, 1486 allowed serve reception, 1363 allowed setting, and 1344 culminated in attack and blocking actions. These sequences were retrieved from 19 matches between the ten best National Teams, according to their classification on the 2006 Men's World Championships. Data was recorded in video support. The observation instrument was previously tested, following criteria for construction and content validation. Data analysis consisted in descriptive statistics (frequencies and percentages), and inferential statistics, namely multinomial logistic regression, with the purpose of measuring the predictive effect of independent variables upon a dependent variable. Intra- and inter-observer reliability was assessed with Cohen's Kappa. Our sample revealed a highly effective game in Complex I, configured by actions of excellent quality, from serve reception to the attack, consequently generating disadvantageous situations for the opponent's block. Results evidenced that the functional dynamics of Complex I are relatively stable and deterministic. However, the opponent's interference level has influenced the predictive power of the analysis dimensions since the attack effect was less determinant than the reception effect, due to the high interaction between attacker and opponent. The functional dynamics of Complex I are strongly determined by the serve, which, in turn, had predictive power over the blocking action. Teams from distinct performance levels have evidenced different characteristics within the functional dynamics of Complex I and related features of Complex II. Hence, the Championship's final ranking allowed differentiating the quality of the practiced game.

Cette étude a eu comme objectif l´analyse de les facteurs déterminants de la dynamique fonctionnelle du jeu de Volley-ball Masculin, en ce qui regarde le KI, au haut-niveau compétitif. Pour l'étude ont été considérées des variables adjointes à la dimension interne du jeu, relatives aux dimensions espace, temps, tâche, joueur et performance et au niveau compétitif des équipes, déterminé par le rangement de la compétition. 1698 séquences offensives ont été analyses dès le service adversaire, qui ont été réduites à 1486 pendant la réception, à 1363 pendant da distribution et à 1344 pendant l'attaque et le bloc, obtenues de 19 jeux des équipes Nationales meilleures placées au Championnat Mondial de Volley-ball Masculin de 2006. La collection de données a été obtenue par de moyens audiovisuels. L'instrument d'observation utilisé a été en obéissant aux critères de validation de construction et de contenu. L'analyse des données a inclue la statistique descriptive, par l'obtention de fréquences et de pourcentages. II a aussi été utilisé statistique déductive à travers de la régression logistique multinomial, avec le but de mesurer le possible effet prédictif des variables indépendantes sur la variable dépendante. La fiabilité intra et inter-observateur a été assurée par le recours à l'index Kappa de Cohen. Les resultats de cette étude ont montré la pratique d'un jeu hautement qualifié au KI, configuré par des actions d'excellente qualité, dès la réception jusqu'à la fin de l'attaque, ce que a produit, par conséquence, des conditions désavantageuses pour le bloc adversaire. Les résultats ont démontré que la dynamique fonctionnelle du KI est relativement stable et déterministe. Par contre, le niveau d'interférence de l'adversaire a influencé le pouvoir prédictif des dimensions d'analyse, puisque l'effet de l'attaque a été moins déterminé que l'effet de la réception, en conséquence de l'interaction élevée entre attaqueur et adversaire. La dynamique fonctionnelle du KI a démontré être déterminée par le service et, à son tour, a exercé pouvoir prédictif sur le bloc. Les équipes de niveau compétitif différent ont montré de caractéristiques distinctes au niveau de la dynamique fonctionnelle du KI et des variables adjointes au KII, en prouvant que le rangement obtenu au Championnat a distingué la qualité du jeu pratiqué. / Este estudo teve como objetivo examinar possíveis determinantes da dinâmica funcional do jogo de Voleibol Masculino, ao nível do Complexo I, no alto rendimento competitivo. Para o estudo foram consideradas variáveis adstritas à dimensão interna do jogo, relativas às dimensões espaço, tempo, tarefa, jogador e desempenho e o nível de rendimento competitivo das equipes, determinado pela classificação na competição, em estudo. Foram analisadas 1698 seqüências ofensivas a partir do saque adversário, sendo que se reduzem para 1486 durante a recepção, 1363 na ação de levantamento e para 1344 na ação do ataque e de bloqueio, retiradas de 19 jogos entre as dez Seleções Nacionais melhores classificadas no Campeonato Mundial de Voleibol Masculino de 2006. A coleta de dados foi garantida pelo sistema de vídeo. O instrumento de observação utilizado foi testado, obedecendo aos critérios de validação de construção e de conteúdo. A análise de dados comportou a estatística descritiva, pela obtenção de freqüências e percentagens, e a estatística inferencial pelo recurso à regressão logística multinomial, no sentido de medir o possível efeito preditor de variáveis independentes sobre uma variável dependente. As fiabilidades intra e interobservador foram apuradas através do recurso ao índice Kappa de Cohen. Os resultados decorrentes da amostra estudada evidenciaram a prática de um jogo altamente qualificado no Complexo I, configurado por ações de excelente qualidade desde a recepção até a finalização do ataque, o que gerou, conseqüentemente, condições desvantajosas para o bloqueio adversário. Os resultados evidenciaram que a dinâmica funcional do Complexo I é relativamente estável e determinista. Todavia, o nível de interferência do adversário influenciou o poder preditor das dimensões de análise, uma vez que o efeito do ataque foi menos determinado do que o efeito da recepção, em razão da elevada interação entre atacante e oponente. A dinâmica funcional do Complexo I mostrou ser determinada pelo saque e, por sua vez, exerceu poder preditor sobre o bloqueio. As equipes de nível de rendimento competitivo distinto evidenciaram características diferenciadas na dinâmica funcional do Complexo I e nas variáveis adstritas ao Complexo II, evidenciando que a classificação obtida no Campeonato diferenciou a qualidade do jogo praticado. / The purpose of this study was to examine possible determinants on the functional dynamics of high level men's Volleyball, in complex I. Hence, variables related to the internal dimension of the game were considered, regarding the dimensions of space, time, task, player, and performance, allied to the team's competitive level (determined by the ranking within the analyzed competition). A total of 1698 sequences from the opponent's serve were analyzed. From these, 1486 allowed serve reception, 1363 allowed setting, and 1344 culminated in attack and blocking actions. These sequences were retrieved from 19 matches between the ten best National Teams, according to their classification on the 2006 Men's World Championships. Data was recorded in video support. The observation instrument was previously tested, following criteria for construction and content validation. Data analysis consisted in descriptive statistics (frequencies and percentages), and inferential statistics, namely multinomial logistic regression, with the purpose of measuring the predictive effect of independent variables upon a dependent variable. Intra- and inter-observer reliability was assessed with Cohen's Kappa. Our sample revealed a highly effective game in Complex I, configured by actions of excellent quality, from serve reception to the attack, consequently generating disadvantageous situations for the opponent's block. Results evidenced that the functional dynamics of Complex I are relatively stable and deterministic. However, the opponent's interference level has influenced the predictive power of the analysis dimensions since the attack effect was less determinant than the reception effect, due to the high interaction between attacker and opponent. The functional dynamics of Complex I are strongly determined by the serve, which, in turn, had predictive power over the blocking action. Teams from distinct performance levels have evidenced different characteristics within the functional dynamics of Complex I and related features of Complex II. Hence, the Championship's final ranking allowed differentiating the quality of the practiced game.

エリートラグビー選手が試合中に装着しているGPSユニットのデータを分析し，ポジション毎の1試合あたりのパフォーマンスや試合時間の経過あるいは試合展開によるパフォーマンスへの影響を明らかにした．試合中に要求される各ポジションの特性を基にパフォーマンスの最適化や傷害発生予防にむけたスポーツ実践現場のコンディショニングに応用する際の方法を提示した． / Data from GPS units worn by elite rugby players during matches was analyzed to determine player performance in each match and the impact of match time and match results on performance for each position. Furthermore, a method for applying conditioning to optimize performance and prevent injury based on the characteristics required of each position was presented. / 博士(スポーツ健康科学) / Doctor of Philosophy in Health and Sports Science / 同志社大学 / Doshisha University

The purposes of this study were to develop a notational system to evaluate passing, dribbling, first touch, and individual defensive skills as they relate to success during women's soccer games and to develop a statistical model to weight the importance of each skill on creating scoring opportunities. Sequences of skills in 10 Division I intercollegiate women's soccer games were coded using well defined performance scores and outcomes. The notational analysis system was highly reliable as demonstrated by high test-retest Spearman's correlations (>0.98) between the first and second notation of 3 games for all four skills. The importance scores calculated from a Bayesian model demonstrated that dribbling (0.0127) was the most important skill on creating scoring opportunities, followed by first touch (0.0079), passing (0.0075), and individual defense (0.0050). The notational system developed by this study provides coaches with reliable and objective information in order to improve the specificity of practices and to prepare individuals for optimal performance.