Background: Physical literacy (PL) develops the fundamental movement skills, knowledge, and confidence required for lifelong physical activity (PA), thereby improving fitness and overall health. Objectives: To examine the relationship between PL and physical fitness (PF) in children and adolescents. Methods: Databases were systematically searched in 2023, following PRISMA guidelines and using the PICOD strategy across PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, ERIC, and SPORTDiscus. Study selection, data extraction, and methodological quality assessment (using the Newcastle-Ottawa Scale) were independently conducted by two reviewers. Extracted data included study design, country, sample characteristics (age and sex), PL assessment instruments, PF outcomes, and main findings. PL was assessed with validated scales, and PF was evaluated with standardized fitness tests. Only cross-sectional studies were included. Results: From the 556 studies, nine met the inclusion criteria, totaling 12,228 participants. Higher PL was associated with healthier body composition and better aerobic fitness, with associations primarily reported through correlation and regression analyses. Physical activity acted as a mediator in this relationship. Conclusions: Improved PL is associated with better PF outcomes in children and adolescents, underscoring the importance of promoting PL to support long-term health and PA engagement. Clinical Trial Registration: PROSPERO CRD42023470224.
Background: Delayed-onset muscle soreness (DOMS) significantly impairs functional capacity and exercise tolerance in sedentary college students. Although massage interventions show promise in promoting recovery from DOMS, comparative evidence between mechanical and vibration modalities remains limited. Objectives: To compare the efficacy of mechanical massage (leg massager) versus vibration massage (massage gun) in promoting acute recovery from exercise-induced DOMS in the lower-limb muscles of collegiate athletes. Methods: This single-blind (assessor-blinded) randomised controlled trial enrolled 34 sedentary college students (n = 17 per group), based on an a priori power analysis (G*Power 3.1.9.7; f = 0.25, α = 0.05, power = 0.80), aged 18 - 23 years with a BMI of 18 - 24 kg/m², who underwent exercise-induced gastrocnemius DOMS modelling. Participants were randomly allocated (using a random number table stratified by baseline VAS scores by an independent researcher) to receive either mechanical massage (leg massager, 50 - 80 mmHg, five minutes per limb) or vibration massage (massage gun, 50 Hz, five minutes per limb) at 24 hours post-exercise. The pre-registered primary outcome was pain intensity, measured using the visual analogue scale (VAS) at 24 hours post-intervention. Secondary outcome measures included pain intensity (VAS), pressure pain threshold (PPT), muscle strength (hand-held dynamometer, HHD), range of motion (ROM), and calf circumference, assessed at baseline, immediately post-exercise, and at 24, 48, and 72 hours post-exercise. Data were analysed using a two-factor repeated measures ANOVA (time × group). Results: Both groups showed significant time-dependent improvements across all outcomes (P < 0.05). VAS decreased from 24 to 72 hours (mechanical: 4.24 ± 2.04 to 1.49 ± 1.61; vibration: 3.98 ± 2.06 to 0.57 ± 0.68; F = 30.819, P < 0.001), with no between-group difference (F = 0.598, P = 0.445); the group × time interaction showed a trend toward significance (F = 2.267, P = 0.086). At the prespecified primary endpoint (VAS at T2, 24 hours post-intervention), the between-group mean difference was 0.26 points (95% CI: −1.12 to 1.64; Cohen’s d = 0.13), indicating negligible between-group separation. The time effect was large (partial η² = 0.491). At 72 hours, the between-group difference was 0.92 points (95% CI: 0.09 to 1.75; Cohen’s d = 0.74), which did not exceed the MCID of 1.5 - 2.0 points for acute musculoskeletal pain. PPT, muscle strength, ROM, and calf circumference demonstrated comparable recovery patterns between groups (all P > 0.05). No adverse events occurred. Conclusions: Both mechanical and vibration massage interventions were associated with similar patterns of acute recovery from DOMS, with no statistically or clinically meaningful between-group differences observed in any outcome measure. Because neither modality demonstrated superiority and the absence of a no-treatment control group precludes definitive attribution of improvements to the interventions, these findings support the feasibility and tolerability of both devices as non-pharmacological options for sedentary young adults, pending confirmation in adequately controlled trials.
Background and Objectives: Atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) and B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) changes are known to be associated with the occurrence of cardiac diseases in individuals with muscular dystrophy (MS). Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the effect of endurance training (ET) and royal jelly (RJ) consumption on ANP and BNP in an experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) model. Methods: In this experimental study, 49 female rats with EAE (induced by complete Freund’s adjuvant) were divided into seven groups: EAE, Sham (Sh), 50 mg/kg RJ (RJ50), RJ100, ET, ET+RJ50, and ET+RJ100. Additionally, seven healthy control rats (HC) were included to evaluate the effect of disease induction on the research variables. ET was performed for five weeks, four sessions per week at a speed of 11 - 15 m/min for 30 minutes per session. RJ was injected intraperitoneally daily at doses of 50 and 100 mg/kg, dissolved in normal saline. All outcome measurements of ANP and BNP levels in brain tissue were performed immediately after the 5-week intervention period using validated ELISA kits according to the manufacturers’ instructions. Statistical analysis included the Shapiro-Wilk test for normality, one-way ANOVA for group comparisons, and Tukey’s post-hoc test for pairwise comparisons. Results: In the ET group, ANP levels were lower than in the EAE group. In the RJ100 and ET+RJ100 groups, ANP and BNP levels were lower than in the EAE group. Also, in the RJ50 group, ANP levels were lower than in the EAE group. ANP levels in the ET+RJ100 group were lower than in the RJ50 and RJ100 groups; Also, in the ET+RJ100 group were lower than ET+RJ50 group as well as BNP levels in the ET+RJ50 group were lower than EAE group (P ≤ 0.05). Conclusion: Although ET leads to an increase in BNP and ANP, and RJ with different doses leads to a decrease in them, the use of RJ along with ET, in addition to the efficiency of the effect of training on cardiac and cerebral natriuretics, controls their excessive increase.
Context: Muscle injuries are among the most common sports-related traumas, accounting for 30%–55% of all athletic injuries. This review evaluates the therapeutic efficacy of three regenerative approaches—platelet-rich plasma (PRP), platelet-rich fibrin (PRF), and prolotherapy—in the treatment of muscle strains. Evidence Acquisition: This narrative review synthesized current clinical and mechanistic evidence on PRP, PRF, and prolotherapy in the management of muscle strain injuries. A targeted search of the relevant literature was performed to identify influential and representative studies. The aim was to summarize key patterns, physiological mechanisms, and clinical implications rather than to conduct a systematic or exhaustive analysis. Results: Platelet-rich plasma demonstrated promising regenerative effects through growth factor-mediated modulation of inflammation and tissue repair; however, clinical outcomes varied because of differences in preparation protocols. Platelet-rich fibrin may provide a fibrin-based scaffold with sustained release of bioactive molecules, making it a potential option for chronic or severe injuries; however, high-quality clinical trials remain limited. Prolotherapy, by inducing controlled inflammation, may provide symptomatic improvement, but its regenerative impact appears less consistent than that of platelet-based therapies. Across all modalities, methodological variability and limited comparative studies remain major challenges. Conclusions: Current evidence suggests that PRP and PRF may be beneficial treatment options for muscle injuries. However, owing to heterogeneity in study design and preparation protocols, as well as the limited number of high-quality comparative trials, definitive conclusions regarding their superiority or routine clinical use cannot yet be established. Protocol standardization remains crucial. Future research should prioritize direct comparative studies and the evaluation of combination therapies with novel regenerative approaches.
Background: The intersegmental coordination between the pelvis and hand is a key component of sound hitting mechanics in baseball. Several training methods have been used in the field to alter the hand-pelvis coordination during hitting, but the effectiveness of these methods has not been experimentally examined. Objectives: The purpose of this study was to investigate the immediate effects of three selected hitting drills on the kinematics of the hand and pelvis during baseball hitting. Methods: Nine Division I Collegiate baseball players were recruited and underwent four hitting drills in a random order: (1) No drill (BASELINE), (2) holding an 8.5-inch ball with the elbow of the front arm (FRONT), (3) holding the same ball between the bicep and forearm of the back arm (BACK), and (4) stepping down with their left leg from a 4-inch step (STEP). The hand and pelvis motion were recorded with a camera-based motion capture system with markers placed on each subject. Linear distance between the hand and pelvis, magnitude of pelvic rotation, and acceleration of pelvic rotation at bat-ball contact were calculated. Results: The STEP drill was associated with an increase in the hand-pelvis linear distance at ball contact (P = 0.02). The FRONT and BACK drills were associated with an increase in the magnitude of pelvic rotation (P = 0.05, P < 0.01). The STEP drill was also associated with a decrease in the pelvic acceleration (P < 0.01). Conclusions: All three drills (Front Ball Drill, Back Ball Drill, and Step-Down Drill) contributed to significant differences in affecting the participant’s hand-pelvis linear distance at ball contact, magnitude of pelvic rotation at ball contact, or pelvic acceleration at ball contact. The three hitting drills tested could be used to address different deficiency in hitting mechanics, specifically targeting hand-pelvis linear distance at ball contact, magnitude of pelvic rotation at ball contact, and pelvic acceleration at ball contact.
Introduction: Athlete’s Heart refers to the structural and functional remodeling of the heart due to intense physical activity, such as benign cardiac changes from a demanding soccer regimen. Physiological and training-related changes in athletes typically do not warrant further investigation, but some cases require additional analysis to distinguish pathology from normal variants. Evaluating an athlete’s electrocardiogram (ECG) is challenging in Black African athletes, as various physiological adaptations can overlap with conditions associated with an increased risk of sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) or sudden cardiac death (SCD). This case report series aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the clinical presentation, diagnostic challenges, and management strategies for overlapping patterns found in ECG patterns in Black African soccer players during a preseason screening. Case Presentation: This case series involves two South African male professional soccer players, aged 26 (Case A) and 23 (Case B), who presented themselves for preseason medical screening. These athletes were recruited from a research study examining the ECG profiles of black South African soccer players. Athlete A reported intermittent palpitations and throbbing abdominal pain during games, without collapsing or experiencing chest pain. Athlete B was asymptomatic, but exhibited changes consistent with the typical black athlete’s heart, as classified by the international consensus standards for ECG interpretation in black athletes. Conclusions: Although SCA on the soccer field is rare, its occurrence during play underscores its life-threatening nature and the profound impact it has on witnesses, reinforcing the need for effective preventive strategies. South African soccer players often present with moderate-to-high risk profiles for SCA and SCD, revealing distinct trends in Athlete’s Heart manifestations that diverge from established patterns in other populations. Electrocardiogram screening enhances detection of cardiovascular conditions predisposing to SCD/SCA, but these case reports highlight the need for more nuanced evaluation of cardiomyopathy in black athletes. Differentiating between physiological adaptations of black athlete’s heart and pathological changes remains challenging due to considerable overlap between benign and disease-related cardiac remodeling.
Background: Understanding the epidemiology of injuries in volleyball is crucial for implementing preventive strategies and tracking long-term trends in their occurrence and nature. To obtain reliable epidemiological data, it is essential to monitor injuries that occur during both training sessions and competitions. Objectives: Recognizing typical injuries in volleyball and analyzing the regions where they frequently occur among volleyball players. Methods: The epidemiology of volleyball injuries was studied over one season for 3 women’s premier league teams in 2023 - 2024, consisting of 48 players, via reports from the teams’ athletic trainers or physicians using an injury report form. Teams were selected via convenience sampling. Injury rates per 1,000 athlete-exposures (AEs) were calculated. All descriptive analyses were performed using Microsoft Excel and SPSS software (version 26). Results: Among 48 volleyball players, a total of 11,616 hours of athlete exposure were recorded during training, while 1,854 hours were noted for competitions. A total of 59 injuries were documented, resulting in an incidence rate of 4.3 injuries per 1,000 athlete exposures. The incidence rates were 4.7 for training and 2.1 for matches. The most frequently occurring types of injuries were muscle spasms (28.8%), sprains (16.9%), and tendonitis (15.2%). Injuries during the first half of the season (44%) were more prevalent than those in the preseason (22%) and the second half of the season (33.8%). Acute injuries accounted for approximately 67.7%, while chronic injuries made up 32.2%. The predominant mechanism of injury was non-contact, representing 66.1% of cases. The lumbar spine (18.6%), shoulder (16.9%), and shin (13.5%) were the body parts most commonly affected. Conclusions: The shoulder, lumbar spine, and shin incurred most of the injuries. Muscle spasm, sprain, and tendonitis were the injury types that occurred most frequently. Preventive measures should be considered for the shoulder and lumbar spine in women’s volleyball players after considering the injury mechanisms. Further study is needed in women’s volleyball players in a larger population and with more supervision on injury mechanisms as well.
Background: The optimal execution of sports skills results from the complex interaction of anthropometric, biomechanical, physiological, and psychological factors. It is crucial to understand the key indicators of each of these factors in male and female elite shooting players to identify, discover, and support talents, as well as design appropriate training programs. This can lead to better performance, success, and decreased injuries. Objectives: The present study compares key anthropometric, biomechanical, physiological, and psychological factors in male and female elite shooting players. Methods: Iranian national shooting team members, n = 32 (16 female shooters and 16 male shooters), were recruited to participate in this study. They underwent an examination to assess and compare their main anthropometric (weight, height, limb length, limb height, limb widths, limb circumferences, body composition, and subcutaneous fat percentage), biomechanical (static balance, speed, acceleration, agility, leg power, abdominal muscle strength and endurance, reaction time, and flexibility), physiological (heart rate, cardiorespiratory fitness), and psychological indicators (basic psychological skills, psychomotor skills, and cognitive skills). The principal component analysis (PCA) statistical method was used to determine the principal components of the evaluated indicators, followed by the independent t-test statistical method to compare the two groups of males and females (P ≤ 0.05). Results: Significant differences were found between male and female shooters, including anthropometric measurements (such as waist circumference, knee circumference, forearm length, head circumference, arm length, hand length, arm circumference in contraction, arm circumference at rest, and height), biomechanical attributes (like agility, speed, abdominal muscle endurance, and finger reaction time), physiological indicators (including maximum heart rate and maximum oxygen consumption), and psychological factors (basic skills) (P ≤ 0.05). Conclusions: According to the research findings, it is crucial to segregate talent search and development programs for shooting sports into separate groups for men and women. Coaches should monitor athletes during the off-season because there are differences between genders in anthropometric measurements, biomechanical traits, physiological parameters, and basic psychological skills. Furthermore, when designing an annual training schedule, it is essential to consider gender differences and tailor workouts to the distinct strengths, abilities, and characteristics of each gender to improve performance in competition.
Background: Completing a full marathon induces substantial physiological stress in the body, leading to an increase in biomarkers associated with transient acute kidney injury (AKI). In this study, we focused on the apoptosis inhibitor of macrophages (AIM) and kidney injury molecule-1 (KIM-1), non-intrusive biomarkers implicated in AKI, responsible for eliminating necrotic cellular entities in the renal milieu. Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the dynamics of AIM and KIM-1 levels in blood and urine samples before and after full marathons. Methods: Twenty-three male participants actively participated in a full marathon, and blood and urine samples were collected before and after the marathon. The measurements included plasma AIM, urinary AIM, and urinary KIM-1 levels. Results: Our results showed that plasma AIM levels significantly decreased (5.3 ± 2.1 vs. 4.5 ± 1.7 pg/mL), whereas urinary AIM and KIM-1 levels significantly increased after full marathons (0.21 ± 0.25 vs. 0.99 ± 1.10 pg/mL/g creatinine, 99.0 ± 40.9 vs. 136.9 ± 74.1 pg/mL/g creatinine). Furthermore, a positive correlation was observed between urinary AIM and KIM-1 levels concerning the amount of change after a full marathon (R = 0.560, P = 0.005). Conclusions: This study presents temporal variations in circulating and urinary AIM levels and urinary KIM-1 levels during a full marathon for the first time, suggesting their potential role as non-invasive urinary biomarkers for renal assessments.
Background: Post-acute sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 (PASC), a complication following SARS-CoV-2 infection, frequently manifests as persistent fatigue. Exercise rehabilitation may offer a strategy to combat PASC. Objectives: We aimed to evaluate the impact of an 8-week selected-exercise-rehabilitation (SER) program on fatigue, inflammatory markers, physical function, and mental health in COVID-19 survivors. Methods: COVID-19 survivors with pulmonary damage and experiencing fatigue were recruited from Al Zahra Hospital and randomized into an experimental (SER program; online and in-person delivery) or a control group. Assessments were conducted at baseline and after 8 weeks, including: White blood cell count (WBC), C-reactive protein (CRP), handgrip strength, two-minute walk test, forced expiratory volume in the first second (FEV1)/forced vital capacity (FVC) ratio, Chalder Fatigue Scale, Beck Depression Inventory, and a Quality of Life Questionnaire. Results: Statistical analysis (SPSS) revealed significant improvements across all measured variables within the SER group following the intervention (P < 0.001). Compared to the control group, participants in the SER group showed significantly greater improvements in inflammatory markers, physical function, fatigue, depression scores, and quality of life at the 8-week follow-up (P < 0.001). Conclusions: An 8-week SER program significantly reduced fatigue and inflammation while improving physical function and mental well-being in COVID-19 survivors with prior pulmonary damage. These results support the potential use of personalized SER, initiated early post-infection, as a therapeutic approach to manage long-term fatigue following COVID-19 and potentially other infectious diseases.
Background: Our study examined the sex differences in the relationship between meteorological conditions and objectively measured daily step counts among Japanese individuals living in the community. Objectives: In this study, we explored the correlations between meteorological conditions [including maximum, minimum, and mean temperatures, and the Temperature-Humidity Index (THI)] and objectively measured daily step counts. Methods: The data collected throughout the year included a sample of 2,076 sedentary individuals in good health (631 men and 1,445 women). Furthermore, we collected additional information such as the healthy lifestyle scores of the participants and medication data. Using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analyses, we identified the weather conditions that correlated with optimal daily step counts and stratified them with respect to the sex of the participants. Results: The mean daily step count values for men and women were 9,516 and 7,450 steps, respectively. For men, the identified cut-off values [area under the curve (AUC)] of various weather parameters for achieving 10,000 daily step counts were as follows: Maximum temperature of 17.4°C (0.732), mean temperature of 15.7°C (0.713), minimum temperature of 12.4°C (0.691), THI of 59.7 (0.711), and a maximum THI of 63.1 (0.724). In contrast, for women, the corresponding cut-off values (AUC) of various weather parameters for achieving 8,000 daily step counts were as follows: Maximum temperature of 20.2°C (0.645), mean temperature of 15.7°C (0.630), minimum temperature of 12.6°C (0.613), THI of 59.7 (0.626), and a maximum THI of 66.1 (0.637). Conclusions: Our findings demonstrated the impact of meteorological data, including maximum temperature and THI, on the daily step count. Such information is deemed invaluable in providing exercise guidance to mitigate the risk of lifestyle-related diseases, such as diabetes.
Background: Fish is a valuable source of food for athletes. The present study aimed to investigate the effects of consuming farmed and wild trout on sport performance, lipid profile levels, and 25-hydroxyvitamin D in trained female bodybuilders. Methods: In this quasi-experimental study, 30 active female bodybuilders aged 20 to 30 years were randomly assigned to three equal groups: Farmed trout consumers, wild trout consumers, and a control group. During the intervention, 50 grams of fish were included in the lunch meal at least four to five times a week for four weeks. Sport performance, including maximum upper and lower body muscle strength measured by the chest press and leg press tests, average anaerobic power assessed through the RAST test, lipid profile, and vitamin D levels, was evaluated through blood tests conducted 48 hours before and after the study. Data were analyzed using analysis of covariance at a significance level of P < 0.05. Results: No significant differences were observed in sport performance, triglyceride levels, cholesterol levels, or HDL levels among the three groups (P > 0.05). Vitamin D increased significantly in both fish consumption groups compared to the control group (P = 0.000). LDL decreased significantly in the wild trout group compared to the other two groups (P = 0.000). Conclusions: The consumption of both farmed and wild trout increased vitamin D levels. LDL was reduced only in the wild trout group, and the effect of wild trout was superior to that of farmed trout.
Background: Cheerleading has the highest number of direct fatalities and catastrophic injuries among female sports. Injuries occur more frequently among high school students than college students; however, few studies of high school cheerleaders have reported on the severity of injuries. Objectives: To examine the incidence of injury and days absent among high school cheerleaders in Japan. Methods: This prospective cohort study recorded injuries among 74 high school cheerleaders who participated over the 6-month period from September 1, 2019, to February 29, 2020. The study included cheerleaders aged 15 - 17 years who belonged to a team affiliated with the Regional Federation of the Japan Cheerleading Association and had competed in the 2018 Japan Cup. Over the 6-month observation period, 10 participants were lost to follow-up, resulting in a final sample of 64 athletes for analysis. The 64 participants had a mean age of 15.8 ± 0.6 years and an average of 1.8 ± 2.0 years of cheerleading experience. The number of days of activity, injury type, injury location, maneuver attempted at the time of injury, date of injury, and duration of absence were obtained via interviews with participants. The incidence of injuries was determined by calculating the number of injuries per 1,000 athlete-exposures (AEs). Results: A total of 29 injuries were reported across 8,025 AEs, resulting in an injury rate of 3.61 per 1,000 AEs. The most commonly injured body areas were the head and knee [0.62/1000 AEs, 95% confidence interval (CI): 0.08 - 1.17]. Joint sprain (1.37/1000 AEs, 95% CI: 0.56 - 2.18) was the most common injury pathology. Most time-loss injuries resulted in a duration of absence of > 28 days (n = 12, 41.4%). Within this duration of absence, the most commonly injured locations were the elbow and wrist (each n = 3, 25.0%), the injury type was joint sprain (n = 6, 50.0%), and the maneuver attempted at the time of injury was a stunt (n = 7, 58.3%). Two injuries resulted in a duration of absence of > 6 months, both of which were anterior cruciate ligament injuries of the knee. The highest number of injuries occurred during stunts (n = 23), accounting for 79.3% of all injuries. Conclusions: Among all injuries sustained by high school cheerleaders, knee ligament injuries occurred most frequently and resulted in the highest durations of absence. However, as this study was limited to a sample of 64 cheerleaders from teams competing at the championship level, the findings may not be generalizable to all high school cheerleaders in Japan.
Background: Hypertension is a non-communicable disease with a high prevalence and increasing incidence annually. Slow deep breathing exercises (SDBE) is a complementary therapy that can be used as an alternative to address the ineffectiveness of antihypertensive treatment in controlling blood pressure and its complications, including decreased lung function. Objectives: The present study aimed to determine the profile of lung function and analyze the effect of SDBE on pulmonary function test values (FEV1, FVC, and FEV1/FVC) in the hypertensive population. Methods: This was a quasi-experimental study with a one-group pretest-posttest approach. The study subjects were patients with hypertension aged ≥ 45 years in Banyumas Regency, Central Java Province, Indonesia. A total of 26 subjects were obtained with eligibility criteria including not having hearing impairment, not smoking, not having respiratory system disorders, and willingness to participate in the study by signing informed consent. Subjects were given a slow deep breathing Pranayama intervention with a duration of 5 cycles (25 minutes) with a frequency of 3 times per week for 6 weeks. A pulmonary function test with spirometry was used to determine the values of FEV1, FVC, and FEV1/FVC measured before and after the intervention. Bivariate analysis was performed using a paired t-test on FEV1 and FVC variables and the Wilcoxon test for FEV1/FVC variables. Results: The pulmonary function of hypertensive patients in this study was primarily normal (61.54%), followed by restrictive lung disorder (23.08%), obstructive lung disorder (7.69%), and mixed restriction-obstruction (7.69%). There was a significant mean difference in FEV1 (P = 0.016) and FVC (P = 0.009) before and after the SDBE intervention, with a positive difference. However, there was no significant mean difference in the FEV1/FVC variables (P = 0.989). Conclusions: The SDBE improves forced expiratory volume in 1 second (FEV1) and forced vital capacity (FVC) values in the hypertensive population.
Background: Individual, social, and cultural constraints can significantly impact physical activity throughout an individual's lifespan. Objectives: This study aims to predict the socio-cultural and individual constraints that affect regular physical activity in adults. Methods: The present study is correlational research. Participants comprised 5,822 employees working in the Ministry of Sports and Youth, sports federations, and provincial sports and youth departments in Iran, totaling a sample size of 360 individuals with a mean age of 44.88 ± 0.33 years. The sample was determined randomly according to the Morgan table, ensuring an unbiased selection of participants. The eligibility criteria included informed consent for study participation and an age range of 40 to 63 years, whereas the exclusion criteria included individuals with physical or mental impairments. The instruments for data collection were the BAZNEF Model Structures Questionnaire and the Standard Physical Activity Questionnaire (IPAQ). Chi-square, logistic regression, and linear regression statistical analyses were employed for data evaluation. Results: The results showed a significant relationship between the demographic variables of age, field of study, and level of education with regular physical activity in adults. Among the constructs of the BAZNEF model, the construct of behavioral intention is considered the most important individual predictor of regular physical activity among adults. Additionally, subjective norms and attitude (participation motivation) influence the behavioral intention to engage in physical activity in adults. The individual attribute of behavioral intention is the most predictive factor of engaging in regular physical activity among adults. Conclusions: Socio-cultural and individual constraints (participation motivation) influence the intention to engage in regular physical activity among adults.
Background: With the development of the economy and changes in lifestyle, sedentary behavior (SB) and lack of physical activity (PA) have become prevalent trends among middle-aged and elderly individuals, significantly affecting their physical and bone health. Objectives: The present study aimed to explore the relationship between daily SB, PA, body composition, and bone mineral density (BMD) in obese middle-aged and elderly women, providing a theoretical basis for improving bone health and preventing and treating osteoporosis in this demographic. Methods: This study was a descriptive cross-sectional study. One hundred and twelve eligible middle-aged and elderly obese female subjects participated in this study. Dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) was used to quantify body composition and BMD, and a triaxial accelerometer was used to collect data on PA over a seven-day period. The data were analyzed using correlation coefficients and multivariate regression. Results: The present study found that the osteopenia group presented lower body weight, fat mass, fat-free mass (FFM), and body fat percentage than the normal group. The SB and PA duration did not significantly differ between the normal and osteopenia groups at any level (all P > 0.05). No significant correlation was found between SB, PA, and BMD in any region and the whole body. Moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) time has a very weak negative correlation with body fat percentage and fat mass. There exists a positive correlation between regions and whole-body BMD and body weight, fat mass, and FFM to varying degrees. Conclusions: The BMD is influenced by body composition, particularly by body weight and FFM, but it is not directly influenced by SB or PA. It is suggested that the influence of different intensities and forms of resistance exercise intervention on BMD should be investigated in the future to explore the relationship between exercise and BMD and the mechanism behind it.
Background: Fear of re-injury is a common psychological challenge in athletes that can negatively impact the rehabilitation process and return to sport. Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the prevalence and related factors of fear of re-injury among elite Iranian male and female handball players. Methods: In 2023, a descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted involving elite handball players from Iran's Premier League and Divisions One and Two. Participants were distributed an online questionnaire, including the Re-injury Anxiety Inventory (RIAI) and a Sports Injury History Questionnaire. Two hundred twenty players (164 men and 56 women) completed the survey. Data on injury type, location, and timing were also collected. Statistical analysis was performed using independent t-tests with SPSS22 software. Results: Most handball players had a history of serious sports injuries, with higher rates in women (98.21%) than men (93.90%). Non-contact injuries were more common in men (60.36%), while contact injuries were slightly more common in women (51.78%). Injuries occurred more frequently during training in women (53.57%) and competition in men (49.39%). Men had a significantly higher fear of re-injury than women (P = 0.002), and this fear was greater in athletes with a history of injury (P = 0.014). Conclusions: Fear of re-injury is prevalent among elite handball players, especially men and those with prior injuries. Injury patterns differ between men and women, and protective equipment prevents injuries. These insights can aid in creating intervention programs to reduce re-injury fears and enhance return-to-sport outcomes in handball players.
Background: The impact of oxidative stress (OS) on exercise performance and recovery depends on the mode, intensity, and duration of physical activity, which can lead to inflammation, fatigue, and muscle dysfunction. The effects of carbohydrate (CHO) and protein (PRO) supplementation, as well as their combination (CHO-PRO), on exercise performance remain controversial, particularly under normal and hot environmental conditions. Objectives: The present study examined the influence of locally based isocaloric carbohydrate (CHO) and protein (PRO) supplements on muscle damage and oxidative stress (OS) biomarkers during cycling in the heat (31°C, 70% relative humidity), compared to a placebo (PL). Methods: Sago (Sa), Soy (So), and Sago+Soy (SS) were used as the carbohydrate (CHO), protein (PRO), and CHO-PRO supplements, respectively. The Sa, So, and SS supplements contained 7.5% Sa, 7.5% So, and 6.0% Sa+1.5% So, respectively. Twelve well-trained male cyclists (age: 19.0 ± 5.6 years, height: 170.8 ± 7.6 cm, body weight: 60.1 ± 11.2 kg, and VO2max: 56.5 ± 6.5 mL·kg⁻¹·min⁻¹) participated in four experimental trials. Each trial involved 90 minutes of steady-state cycling on an ergometer at 60% VO2max, followed by a 20-km exhaustive cycling time-trial performance. During the steady-state cycling, participants received supplements five times at 0, 20, 40, 60, and 80 minutes. Results: Plasma concentrations of creatine kinase and F2-isoprostanes, which are biomarkers of muscle damage and oxidative stress (OS), significantly decreased after the trials (P < 0.05). The reduction in these biomarkers in the placebo group indicated that Sa, So, and SS supplementation did not provide additional benefits, as the placebo exhibited similar effects. Conclusions: In conclusion, despite the unexpected results, endurance athletes exercising in hot and humid conditions may potentially reduce symptoms of muscle damage and oxidative stress by consuming greater amounts of carbohydrate and protein supplements.
Background: Overweight and obesity have become a problem for younger generations, so weight management must be introduced. Moderate-intensity interval training (MIIT) has been recommended for aging and obese populations because it is friendly and accessible. However, little information is known about the physiological response during moderate-interval intensity exercise, especially for overweight and obese persons. Objectives: To evaluate cardiorespiratory alteration upon a single bout of MIIT exercise among sedentary, overweight young Thai adults. Methods: Fifteen overweight young adults (8 males and 7 females, body mass index between 25.0 - 29.9 kg/m2, aged between 18 - 25 years) underwent cycling ergometry for 45 minutes (warm-up 5 minutes; 3 × 5 minutes at 20 - 40% of heart rate reserve and 5 minutes at 50 - 60%; cool down 10 minutes). A gas analyzer and limb lead electrocardiogram were used to record oxygen consumption (V̇O2), heart rate (HR), and dioxide production (V̇CO2) throughout the experiment. Results: During the 45-minute MIIT exercise protocol, the participants consumed 25.1 ± 8.1 L, equal to approximately 530 ± 171 kJ. As expected, heart rate, O2 uptake, and CO2 production increased during moderated-intensity exercise and declined during low-intensity exercise. A low to moderate duration ratio of 1: 1 was sufficient to return both O2 consumption and CO2 production to their stage level, but not for heart rate. Although there was a very linear relationship between V̇O2 and heart rate for the overall period (0.761 ± 0.090), the correlation was weaker when selectively computed during low (0.549 ± 0.161) or moderate exercises (0.658 ± 0.105). Interestingly, RER larger than one during moderate-intensity exercise indicated the possibility of high acid accumulation. Conclusions: The MIIT protocol in the present study provided a responsive effect on overweight persons toward anaerobic metabolism but was a little aggressive.
