This study aims to investigate the effects of a six-week resistance band training programme on strength, vertical jump and sprint performance in young male basketball players. The study employed a pre-test–post-test experimental design with a control group. Twenty male basketball players (age: 16.35 ± 0.67 years; height: 177.95 ± 8.10 cm; body weight: 70.52 ± 10.69 kg) were randomly assigned to two groups (experimental, n = 10; and control, n = 10). The experimental group underwent a six-week resistance band training programme in addition to their basketball training, whilst the control group continued with their routine basketball training only. The players underwent testing for leg strength, back strength, vertical jump height, 30-metre sprint performance and handgrip strength before and after the six-week intervention. Data meeting the assumptions of normality were analysed using Repeated Measures ANOVA. Leg strength (F = 12.909, p = 0.002, ηp² = 0.418), back strength (F = 7.385, p = 0.014, ηp² = 0.291), vertical jump performance (F = 11.780, p = 0.003, ηp² = 0.396) and dominant hand grip strength (F = 13.179, p = 0.002, ηp² = 0.423). In contrast, no significant group × time interaction was observed for 30 m sprint performance (F = 1.099, p = 0.308, ηp² = 0.058) or non-dominant hand grip strength (F = 0.249, p = 0.624, ηp² = 0.014). In conclusion, the findings of the present study suggest that a six-week resistance band training programme may improve leg strength, back strength, dominant-hand grip strength and vertical jump performance in young male basketball players. No significant improvements were observed in non-dominant hand grip strength or 30-m sprint performance. Overall, these findings indicate that resistance band training may represent a practical, low-cost and feasible strategy for supporting the development of strength- and power-related performance during the in-season period in young male basketball players.
Impaired balance control is considered as a key determinant of chronic ankle instability (CAI). Fatigue can exacerbate sensorimotor deficits in athletes with CAI. However, the effects of fatigue on static and dynamic balance control in athletes with CAI remain unclear. This systematic review aimed to synthesize the existing evidence regarding the effects of fatigue on static and dynamic balance control in athletes with CAI. This review included experimental, quasi-experimental, and observational studies. PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, the Cochrane Library, and Google Scholar were searched from their inception to November 2025. Methodological quality was independently assessed by two reviewers using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool (MMAT). Keywords such as “fatigue,” “chronic ankle instability,” and “balance control,” along with their related terms, were used in the search strategy. Findings were synthesized qualitatively. Nine studies with high methodological quality (mean score: 4.11/5) were included in this review. Dynamic balance was assessed using the Star Excursion Balance Test (SEBT) in three studies, the modified SEBT in one study, the Y-Balance Test in three studies, and the unilateral landing tasks on a force platform in two studies. Static balance was assessed using the Romberg test in one study and the single-leg standing tasks on a force platform in two studies. This review consistently demonstrated the deleterious effects of different fatigue protocols on static and dynamic balance control in athletes with CAI, except for one study that the results showed no significant effect of fatigue on dynamic balance control. Moreover, two studies reported significantly poorer SEBT performance following fatigue in athletes with CAI compared to healthy controls. The findings suggest that fatigue can adversely affect both static and dynamic balance control in athletes with CAI. However, the extent to which CAI increases susceptibility to fatigue-related balance impairments remains unclear. Future research employing sport-specific fatigue protocols and sensitive balance measures while accounting for relevant participant characteristics may help clarify the effects of fatigue on balance performance in athletes with CAI and inform more targeted rehabilitation and injury-prevention strategies.
Competitive anxiety is common in golf and can negatively affect athletic performance. Psychological interventions are widely used to manage competitive anxiety and enhance performance; however, evidence specific to golfers has not yet been systematically synthesized. This study aims to evaluate the effects of psychological interventions on competitive anxiety and athletic performance in golfers. In addition, subgroup analyses were conducted to explore potential sources of variation in intervention effects. A systematic search of Cochrane, Embase, PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science identified randomized and non-randomized controlled trials evaluating psychological interventions to reduce competitive anxiety or improve athletic performance in golfers. Risk of bias was assessed using the revised Cochrane risk-of-bias tool for randomized trials and the Risk Of Bias In Non-randomized Studies of Interventions tool. Certainty of evidence was evaluated using the Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development and Evaluation approach. Meta-analyses were performed using Stata 18.0. A total of 15 studies involving 606 participants were included. Nine studies were rated as low risk of bias, four as having some concerns, and two as moderate risk of bias. Psychological interventions were associated with reductions in competitive anxiety (SMD = − 0.29, 95
Although high-intensity interval training (HIIT), high-intensity continuous training (HICT), moderate-intensity interval training (MIIT), and moderate-intensity continuous training (MICT) have all been shown to improve health outcomes, few studies have compared these four modalities within the same framework. Therefore, this study aimed to compare the effects of 8 weeks of HIIT, HICT, MIIT, and MICT on body composition, cardiorespiratory fitness, and cardiovascular responses in sedentary young men. We hypothesized that high-intensity training would produce greater improvements than moderate-intensity training. Forty sedentary men aged 20-28 years were randomized to the HIIT, HICT, MIIT, or MICT group, of whom 38 completed the intervention, corresponding to an attrition rate of 5
Volleyball is a high-intensity team sport demanding explosive upper-body skills whose performance depends on effective kinetic chain transfer through the core musculature. Although core training is widely incorporated into athletic conditioning, the differential effects of static versus dynamic core protocols on sport-specific ball-velocity outcomes remain insufficiently examined, particularly in adolescent athletes. This study investigated the effects of a six-week supplementary static or dynamic core exercise program on serve speed and spike speed in elite young male volleyball players. Thirty-one male volleyball players (aged 11–14 years) were randomly assigned to a dynamic core exercise group (DCEG, n = 15) or a static core exercise group (SCEG, n = 16). Both groups continued regular volleyball training and additionally performed a six-week, three-days-per-week core program applied before each training session. Serve and spike speeds were measured with a Bushnell Velocity Gun radar device at pre-test and post-test. Normality was confirmed by the Shapiro-Wilk test. Within-group comparisons used paired t-tests; between-group comparisons used analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) with pre-test values as the covariate. Within-group analyses showed a significant improvement in spike speed for SCEG (t(15) = − 5.115, p < .001) and a significant improvement in serve speed for DCEG (t(14) = − 7.299, p < .001). ANCOVA revealed a significant between-group difference in serve speed (F(1, 28) = 31.001, p < .001, partial η² = 0.525) favouring DCEG, while no significant between-group difference was found for spike speed (F(1, 28) = 0.250, p = .621, partial η² = 0.009). Six weeks of supplementary core training was accompanied by improvements in serve and spike performance in elite young male volleyball players. Dynamic core exercises were more effective for serve speed, whereas static core exercises produced significant gains in spike speed. Because the trial did not include a no-treatment control group and the sample was small, these findings are preliminary and describe a comparison between two active core-training modalities rather than an absolute effect of core training; coaches may consider tailoring core training modality to the specific performance goal, pending confirmation in larger, adequately powered controlled trials. ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT07641439. Registered 05 May 2026. Retrospectively registered (recruitment began 23 March 2026; see Methods for justification).
To investigate the differences in the effects of basketball small-sided games (SSG) and running-based high-intensity interval training (HIIT) on body composition and exercise performance-related physical fitness in untrained young adults. A randomized controlled trial design was adopted, with outcome assessors blinded. Ninety untrained participants (aged 19.83 ± 0.70 years, including 45 females) were randomized to the basketball SSG group, HIIT group, and control group in a 1:1:1 ratio (30 participants per group). One participant in the HIIT group discontinued the intervention, and 89 participants were included in the final analysis. The basketball SSG group and HIIT group trained 3 times a week for 8 weeks; the control group did not receive any structured training. Intra-group analysis showed that after 8 weeks of intervention, both training methods significantly improved core indicators (all p < .05), including body weight, body mass index (BMI), grip strength, lower limb explosive power, linear sprint ability, change of direction (COD) ability, and aerobic endurance; no significant changes were observed in all indicators of the control group (all p > .05). Inter-group comparison revealed that the two intervention groups had significant differences compared with the control group in 10-meter sprint (SSG group: MD=-0.226 s, 95
The objective of this study was to examine the differences in neuromuscular fatigue, physiological responses, and physical performance between the Curved (Bangsbo) Repeated Sprint Ability Test (C-RSA) and the Linear Repeated Sprint Ability Test (L-RSA) in amateur soccer players. Fourteen amateur male soccer players (mean age: 19.8 ± 1.4 years) voluntarily participated in this randomized, counterbalanced crossover study. Participants completed the C-RSA and the L-RSA in a randomized and counterbalanced order, with a 72-hour recovery period between testing sessions. Neuromuscular fatigue was evaluated through the countermovement jump test performance (CMJ) administered before and after the protocols, and change score were calculated. Physical performance was analyzed using total sprint time (TST), mean sprint time (MST), best sprint time (BST), and sprint decrement percentage (SDec
Abstract Background Sports nutrition knowledge may influence athletes’ dietary practices, but its relationship with dietary intake and body composition remains unclear, particularly across different competitive levels. This study examined the associations among sports nutrition knowledge, dietary intake, and body composition and compared these variables between amateur and elite collegiate athletes. Methods This cross-sectional study included 100 male collegiate athletes (60 amateur and 40 elite). Sports nutrition knowledge was assessed using an adapted Sports Nutrition Knowledge Questionnaire (SNKQ) developed for this study based on the conceptual framework of the Nutrition for Sport Knowledge Questionnaire (NSKQ). Dietary intake was evaluated using three-day food records, and body composition was measured by multifrequency bioelectrical impedance analysis. Between-group differences were analyzed using independent-samples t -tests with 95% confidence intervals and Cohen’s d . Pearson correlation and multiple linear regression analyses were used to examine associations and identify predictors of body composition. Results Elite athletes consumed significantly more energy, protein, and carbohydrates and reported higher meal frequency and daily fluid intake than amateur athletes (all p < 0.001). Sports nutrition knowledge scores were similar between groups ( p = 0.57). Although elite athletes had lower body fat and higher skeletal muscle mass percentages, these differences were not statistically significant. Dietary intake, particularly protein intake, showed stronger associations with body composition than sports nutrition knowledge. Multiple regression analysis identified protein intake and competitive level as independent predictors of body composition. Conclusions Competitive level was associated with healthier dietary practices but not with sports nutrition knowledge among collegiate athletes. Dietary intake, particularly protein intake, was more strongly associated with body composition than nutrition knowledge. These findings suggest that improving dietary behaviors may have greater practical value than increasing nutrition knowledge alone. Longitudinal and intervention studies are needed to confirm these relationships.
Abstract Background Inspiratory muscle dysfunction, exercise intolerance, dyspnea, and reduced well-being contribute to the burden of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). We compared the short-term effects of inspiratory muscle training (IMT), aerobic exercise (AE), combined IMT and AE (IMT AE ), placebo IMT, and usual care on respiratory, functional, and patient-reported outcomes in women with stable COPD and examined early changes during two weeks after training cessation. Methods In this single-center, five-arm, partially blinded randomized controlled trial, 68 women with stable GOLD stage I–II COPD were randomized; 59 completed all assessments and were included in the per-protocol analysis. The four-week intervention was followed by assessments 7 and 14 days after cessation. The prespecified primary outcome was baseline-to-post change in maximal inspiratory pressure (MIP). Secondary outcomes were maximal expiratory pressure (MEP), peak inspiratory flow rate (PIFR), inspiratory volume (IV), forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV₁), FEV₁/FVC, 6-min walk test (6MWT) distance, post-exercise Borg dyspnea, and WHO-5 well-being. The primary analysis tested the baseline-to-post group × time interaction for MIP using a 5-group × 2-time mixed-design repeated-measures analysis of variance. Four-time analyses examined secondary and detraining trajectories; additional Welch change-score comparisons were exploratory and unadjusted for multiplicity. Results The primary MIP interaction was significant (F(4, 54) = 28.969, p < 0.001, ηp² = 0.682). Secondary four-time interactions were significant for MIP, MEP, PIFR, IV, 6MWT distance, FVC, FEV₁, Borg dyspnea, and WHO-5, but not FEV₁/FVC. Combined training produced the largest improvements in inspiratory performance, walking distance, dyspnea, and well-being. Its 6MWT gain, however, was modest relative to commonly reported minimal clinically important differences. Several outcomes declined during detraining. Conclusions Within this sample of women with stable GOLD stage I–II COPD, combined IMT and AE produced the broadest short-term response across respiratory, functional, and patient-reported outcomes. Larger, prospectively registered trials with longer intervention and follow-up periods are needed to confirm these findings. Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT07604961; first submitted on 17 May 2026 and first posted on 22 May 2026 (retrospectively registered).
Peak braking velocity (PBV) during the countermovement jump (CMJ) is used to describe descent strategy, but its interpretation is affected by countermovement depth. This study introduced free-fall normalised peak braking velocity (PBVFF), a dimensionless index expressing PBV relative to the displacement-specific theoretical free-fall velocity limit, and evaluated its reliability, performance associations and ranking consequences. Seventy injury-free male academy footballers (18.7 ± 1.6 years) performed three maximal hands-on-hips CMJs on dual force plates. Using retrospective observational routine monitoring data, one representative testing day per athlete was analysed. Two PBVFF variants were examined: PBVFF normalised to countermovement depth (PBVFFCMD) and PBVFF normalised to displacement at PBV (PBVFFPBV_d). Reliability was assessed using coefficient of variation and two-way mixed-effects intraclass correlation coefficients. Associations with modified reactive strength index (mRSI) and jump height (JH) were assessed using Pearson correlations, Benjamini–Hochberg false discovery rate correction and partial correlations controlling for JH. Ranking effects were examined using Spearman rank correlations, Kendall’s coefficient of concordance and absolute rank shifts. PBVFFCMD showed reliability comparable to raw PBV, with a pooled coefficient of variation of 5.81
Although balance deficits in chronic ankle instability (CAI) have been well documented, the diagnostic accuracy of instrumented balance measures—particularly under dual-task conditions—for differentiating individuals with CAI from copers remains unclear. To examine the discriminative ability and diagnostic accuracy of Biodex Balance System stability indices, with and without a concurrent cognitive task, in differentiating individuals with CAI from copers. Seventy participants with a history of lateral ankle sprain were classified into a CAI group (n = 35) or a coper group (n = 35) based on clinical history and Identification of Functional Ankle Instability (IdFAI) scores. Dynamic balance was assessed using the Biodex Balance System at stability levels 5 and 7. Anterior–posterior (AP), medial–lateral (ML), and overall stability indices were recorded under single-task and dual-task (cognitive counting) conditions. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analyses were used to determine sensitivity, specificity, area under the curve (AUC), likelihood ratios, predictive values, and optimal cutoff points. Significant between-group differences were observed for 13 of the 24 assessed stability indices, with medium-to-large effect sizes identified for several ML stability measures under dual-task conditions. The ML stability index at level 5 (eyes open with and without a cognitive task), level 5 with eyes closed and cognitive task, overall stability index at level 5 with eyes open and cognitive task, and ML stability index at level 7 with eyes open and cognitive task yielded moderate AUC values (0.71–0.76). Among these measures, the ML stability index at level 7 with eyes open and cognitive task showed the highest sensitivity (0.74) and lowest negative likelihood ratio (0.40), while the ML stability index at level 5 with eyes open demonstrated the highest specificity (0.75) and positive likelihood ratio (2.44). Biodex Balance System stability indices, particularly medial–lateral measures obtained under dual-task conditions, demonstrated moderate diagnostic utility for differentiating individuals with CAI from copers. These measures may provide complementary information regarding sensorimotor impairments and may assist clinical assessment and rehabilitation monitoring when used alongside patient history and self-reported instability measures.
The affordability and portability of mini-bikes have contributed to their growing popularity as individuals seek convenient ways to increase daily energy expenditure. However, there is limited research examining the biomechanics and physiological responses associated with cycling on these devices. This study examined the biomechanical and physiological demands of mini-bikes in comparison to conventional stationary cycling at comparable subjective exercise intensity. Fourteen adults cycled for 15-min on a mini-bike and on a cycle ergometer in a randomised order whilst V̇ O2, HR and RPE, movement (torso and lower limbs) and pedal forces were recorded. Power output (PO), external and internal work (hip, knee, ankle and lower limb) were compared between bikes and temporal comparisons were conducted for joint angles, joint and pedal power and pedal forces. Without differences in V̇ O2, HR or RPE between bikes, cycling mini-bikes elicited lower PO and work (external, internal, hip and knee joints) than with the cycle ergometer (p < 0.01 and effect size > 1.44). Temporal analysis highlighted a more limited range of motion for the hip and knee joints for the mini-bike. These results suggest that a combination of reduced crank length and difference in posture makes the mini-bikes a convenient alternative to conventional stationary cycling, potentially reducing internal load and lower mechanical efficiency that may impact energy expenditure. https://www.anzctr.org.au/Trial/Registration/TrialReview.aspx?ACTRN=12624001195549p on the 30/09/2024 (number ACTRN12624001195549p).
Understanding match performance from a productivity perspective has become increasingly important in professional football. Although previous studies have examined technical and physical performance indicators, limited research has evaluated productivity-based efficiency across different competitive contexts in the Chinese Super League (CSL). This study aims to model and evaluate team match performance using a productivity-based analytical framework. Data from 1,899 matches across the 2012–2019 CSL seasons were analysed. A two-stage methodological approach was adopted, integrating canonical correlation analysis (CCA) and an input-oriented variable returns-to-scale (VRS) DEA–Malmquist model. Technical and running-performance indicators were treated as input variables, while average points per match were used as the output measure. Contextual factors, including match location and opponent strength, were incorporated. CCA revealed a strong association between the input and output variables (canonical correlation = 0.931, p < 0.001). Technical variables—particularly ball possession and passing accuracy—were strongly associated with match performance productivity. The contribution of physical and defensive indicators varied depending on situational conditions. Higher-ranked teams tended to exhibit higher efficiency through a combination of attacking and defensive execution, whereas lower-ranked teams were more closely associated with basic technical control and physical output. Additionally, defensive actions were more relevant in matches against stronger opponents, while attacking efficiency was more prominent when facing weaker teams. Productivity-related performance patterns in the CSL appeared to be context dependent and varied according to team level, match location, and opponent strength. The findings support the application of a DEA–Malmquist productivity framework for evaluating football performance and provide practical insights for performance monitoring and tactical decision-making.
BACKGROUND:Accumulated time ≥ 90% of maximal oxygen uptake (V̇O2max) during high-intensity interval training (HIIT) represents a key stimulus for aerobic adaptations. Thus, this network meta-analysis (NMA) aimed to compare different HIIT protocol structures with respect to accumulated time ≥ 90% V̇O2max using direct and indirect evidence. METHODS:We systematically searched PubMed, Web of Science, and SPORTDiscus up to January 31st, 2026 for controlled HIIT studies reporting accumulated time ≥ 90% V̇O₂max in healthy athletes. HIIT protocols were classified using predefined operational rules based on interval duration, work-to-rest structure, intensity pattern, and within-session progression. We conducted a frequentist NMA using standardized mean differences (SMD) within a random effects model, with even long intervals as the reference condition, and added local inconsistency and contribution diagnostics. RESULTS:Nineteen publications contributed 20 study units, including 240 athletes (25.5 ± 5.3 years; V̇O₂max 60.5 ± 8.1 ml·kg⁻¹·min⁻¹). The network demonstrated substantial heterogeneity and significant inconsistency (I² = 69.2%, 95% CI 49.9% to 81.0%; total Q = 55.12, df = 17, p < 0.0001; between-design Q = 20.78, df = 6, p = 0.002). None of the HIIT approaches differed significantly from even long intervals in accumulated time ≥ 90% V̇O₂max. Point estimates were highest for decreased-duration (SMD = 0.87, 95% CI -0.30 to 2.04) and varied-intensity protocols (SMD = 0.54, 95% CI -0.42 to 1.49), whereas 1:1 blocks showed the lowest point estimate (SMD = -0.68, 95% CI -1.40 to 0.04). P-score ranking favored decreased-duration (89.6%), followed by varied-intensity (76.7%) and decreased-intensity protocols (68.4%), while 1:1 blocks ranked lowest (2.8%). CONCLUSION:No HIIT protocol structure showed clear superiority for accumulated time ≥ 90% V̇O₂max. Decreased-duration and varied-intensity protocols ranked highest, but these rankings were exploratory because all reference comparisons were statistically non-significant and the network showed substantial heterogeneity, significant inconsistency, and sparse evidence for several nodes. Protocol selection should therefore prioritize feasibility, athlete characteristics, and workload-matching considerations rather than ranking alone.
The purpose of the study was to assess energy expenditure and substrate oxidation to treadmill running (TR) and cycle ergometer (CE) exercise in normal-weight (NW) and obese (OB) men. 27 NW (BMI: 21.2 ± 1.2 kg/m2) and 25 OB (BMI: 27.2 ± 1.3 kg/m2) men were recruited in this study. Each participant completed resting metabolic rate and energy expenditure tests during the fixed absolute workloads (TR at 7 and 8 km/h and CE at 50 and 100 W) by indirect calorimetry. Gross VO2 (L/min) was higher for OB during CE at 100 W (p < 0.05), and TR at 7 and 8 km/h (both p < 0.01), no difference was found when the values were adjusted for FFM, but lower gross (all p < 0.01) and net VO2 (all p < 0.05) when the values were adjusted for body mass. While net energy expenditure (kcal/min) was greater for OB group during TR at 7 and 8 km/h (both p < 0.01), but similar in both groups during CE at 50 and 100 W. For CE, gross efficiency was significantly lower in OB during CE at 50 and 100 W (both p < 0.01), but no difference was found in net efficiency. A higher fat oxidation rate was found during CE at 50 and 100 W (both p < 0.05) for OB than NW. For both NW and OB subjects, fat contribution was greater during CE at 50 W than CE at 100 W (both p < 0.01). Obesity significantly affected gross and net VO₂ and fat oxidation but showed no significant main effect on CHO oxidation, however, a significant obesity × type interaction was found in CHO oxidation (F = 10.325, p = 0.002, partial η² = 0.171). While exercise type and intensity appear to have a significant effect on CHO oxidation (with type × intensity interaction), only exercise type appears to have a significant effect on fat oxidation (without interaction with intensity). These findings suggested that OB showed the higher energy cost than NW during CE at higher intensity and TR. CE without weight burden resulted in a greater fat oxidation rate and higher fat oxidation contribution in OB than NW. For cycling, net efficiency does not differ between NW and OB subjects. Exercise type and intensity are both factors influencing substrate oxidation during exercise. It is concluded that the exercise type and intensity have to be taken into account when prescribing for obese subjects. Future studies should apply equal relative physiological intensities to interpret the energy expenditure and substrate oxidation differences between normal and obese subjects.
Indoor and beach volleyball are performed under contrasting surface and game constraints, but direct comparisons of lower-limb neuromuscular performance in highly trained players are limited. Therefore, this study compared the lower-limb neuromuscular profiles of highly trained male indoor and beach volleyball athletes. In this cross-sectional study, 46 highly trained, national-level male volleyball athletes (indoor, n = 26; beach, n = 20) completed a standardised battery of lower-limb neuromuscular assessments in a single indoor session, including the isometric mid-thigh pull (IMTP), squat jump (SJ), countermovement jump (CMJ), drop jump (DJ), 10–30 m sprints, and the change-of-direction (COD) T-test. From the force and jump data, the rate of force development over the first 100 ms (RFD-100 ms), reactive strength index (RSI), dynamic strength index (DSI), and eccentric utilisation ratio (EUR) were derived. Between-group differences were examined using independent-samples t-tests, with effect sizes reported as Hedges’ g and 95
The PanHellenic Interscholastic Regatta presents a unique competitive environment for adolescent rowers, combining athletic performance with university admission bonus points. This dual-pressure context may influence athletes’ psychological states, particularly competitive anxiety, self-confidence, and motivational orientation. A total of 132 school-age rowers (66 males, 66 females; aged 15–18 years) competing at the Panhellenic Interscholastic Regatta participated in the study. Athletes completed validated Greek versions of the Competitive State Anxiety Inventory-II (CSAI-II) and the Task and Ego Orientation in Sport Questionnaire (TEOSQ) approximately 30–60 min before competition. Differences across age groups were examined using ANCOVA with previous experience as covariate, while the relationship between the CSAI-II constructs and TEOSQ was assessed with point-biserial correlation coefficient. Overall levels of anxiety and self-confidence were comparable to those reported in similar youth sport populations. No significant differences were observed between age groups in cognitive anxiety, somatic anxiety, or self-confidence (p > 0.05), regardless of accounting for prior experience. Goal orientation was not significantly associated with cognitive anxiety or self-confidence; however, a small-to-moderate significant negative relationship was found between task orientation and somatic anxiety (r = -0.18, p < 0.05), indicating that more task-oriented athletes experienced lower physiological symptoms of anxiety. School-age rowers competing in the Panhellenic Interscholastic Regatta demonstrated no differences in their psychological profiles across age groups, potentially due to prior competitive experience and similar sport exposure. Task-oriented motivation appears to have a weak-to-moderate relationship with somatic anxiety. These findings provide some information from an original and unexplored context on how to support young athletes in such environments.
Cancer treatment impairs cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF), an independent prognostic indicator in cancer populations. High-intensity interval training (HIIT) improves maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max), but existing meta-analyses have relied on frequentist approaches without probabilistic expression of clinical relevance and have analyzed dose–response and adherence in isolation. Four databases were searched through 1 April 2026 for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of HIIT versus non-exercise controls reporting VO2max. Mean differences (MDs) were pooled using a Bayesian three-level random-effects model, with the posterior median, 95
Findings on aggression in martial arts and combat sports are mixed, and relatively little is known about whether associations between emotion regulation strategies and aggression differ across combat sport disciplines. The present study examined whether discipline moderated the relationships of cognitive reappraisal and expressive suppression with aggression among athletes practicing Brazilian jiu-jitsu (BJJ), karate, wrestling, and mixed martial arts (MMA). In this cross-sectional paper-and-pencil study, 277 athletes aged 16–57 years (M = 28.81, SD = 10.12) completed the Buss–Perry Aggression Questionnaire and the Emotion Regulation Questionnaire. Because the verbal aggression subscale showed poor reliability (α = 0.53), it was excluded from the moderation analyses. Moderation models were estimated for total aggression, physical aggression, anger, and hostility, with discipline as the moderator and age, sex, sport experience, and competition level entered as covariates. Most aggression dimensions were not significantly associated with emotion regulation strategies. In the adjusted moderation models, discipline did not significantly moderate the associations of cognitive reappraisal or expressive suppression with total aggression, physical aggression, or anger. However, discipline significantly moderated the association between cognitive reappraisal and hostility. A positive association was observed in wrestling and MMA, but not in BJJ or karate. Expressive suppression was positively associated with hostility, independent of discipline. The relationship between emotion regulation and aggression in combat sports is nuanced. Most associations between emotion regulation strategies and aggression were small or non-significant, and the only moderated association concerned cognitive reappraisal and hostility. Rather than viewing aggression as uniformly negative, the observed associations may tentatively be interpreted as reflecting functional, discipline-specific forms of aggression; the present data, however, do not directly measure tactical aggression, sport performance, competitive outcomes, or aggressive behavior. These cross-sectional findings highlight the need for sport-specific psychological support and longitudinal research to understand how different styles shape emotional management.
This study investigated the differential effects of single-set (SS) and multiple-set (MS) resistance training on muscle strength, hypertrophy, and neuromuscular performance in sedentary young men. Understanding how training volume influences early adaptations is essential for optimizing resistance training prescriptions in untrained populations. Thirty-four sedentary males were randomly assigned to SS (n = 12), MS (n = 11), or control (CG, n = 11). The training groups completed an eight-week resistance training program performed twice per week, consisting of seven exercises with a maximum of ten repetitions each. The SS group performed one set per exercise, whereas the MS group performed three sets. Pre- and post-intervention assessments included anthropometry (body fat, lean mass, limb circumferences) and neuromuscular tests: handgrip strength, vertical jump, 20-m sprint, Yo-Yo IR-1, medicine-ball throws, and one-repetition maximum (1-RM) bench press and squat. The MS protocol induced greater hypertrophic adaptations (right and left leg muscle cross-sectional area: +11.3
