ABSTRACT:Yan, J, García-Ramos, A, Courel-Ibáñez, J, Chen, W, Rui, J, Wang, L, Chen, Z, Sun, Y, and Zhu, W. Comparing neuromuscular tests to discriminate striking performance in elite mixed martial arts athletes. J Strength Cond Res XX(X): 000-000, 2026-General upper-body strength and power tests may have limited value for profiling striking-specific performance because they do not replicate the standing, rotation-assisted kinetic chain of punching. We examined whether a standing landmine punch throw (LPT) could better discriminate striking performance in elite mixed martial arts athletes than conventional ballistic and strength tests. Thirty-six elite male athletes (age: 20.0 ± 1.9 years, height: 1.72 ± 0.07 m, body mass: 68.3 ± 8.5 kg) participated in this cross-sectional study and were stratified into higher-impact, middle-impact, and lower-impact groups according to tertiles of relative striking force. Four assessments were evaluated: clap push-up, isometric bench press, bench press throw (BPT), and LPT. Load-velocity profiles were modeled for the ballistic exercises to derive theoretical maximal force (L0), theoretical maximal velocity (v0), and the area under the load-velocity relationship line (Aline). Relative impact force was significantly correlated with LPT Aline (r = 0.64), BPT Aline (r = 0.44), BPT L0 (r = 0.42), LPT L0 (r = 0.40), isometric peak force (r = 0.39), and isometric 0-250-millisecond impulse (r = 0.35) and LPT v0 (r = 0.33) (p ≤ 0.05). However, only LPT Aline showed a significant main effect across the 3 performance tertiles. Exploratory receiver operating characteristic analysis identified a preliminary cutoff of ≤2.12 W·kg-1 for LPT Aline to classify lower-impact strikers (AUC = 0.851). These findings indicate that although some general neuromuscular variables were associated with relative striking force, the LPT load-velocity profile showed the greatest discriminative validity, likely because of its greater task specificity. Practitioners may therefore consider LPT profiling to complement traditional upper-body testing when evaluating striking-specific capability in elite fighters.
Purpose: To confirm the clinical safety and overall performance of Minivisc® Plus, a cohesive ophthalmic viscosurgical device (OVD). Setting: Multicenter study conducted at 6 sites in Sweden and Belgium. Design: Prospective, randomized, partially comparative, multicenter post market study. Methods: Subjects requiring anterior segment ophthalmic surgery were eligible for inclusion. The study consisted of two phases. In Phase A (90-day follow-up), a randomized comparison was conducted between Minivisc® Plus and Healon GV® Pro. In Phase B, eyes were treated with Minivisc® Plus and followed for 30 days. Primary endpoint was incidence of intraocular pressure (IOP) ≥30 mmHg at 7 days following operation. Secondary endpoints included postoperative inflammation, corneal endothelial cell density (ECD), surgeon-reported device performance, and the incidence of adverse events (AEs) and device deficiencies (DDs). Results: In total, 163 eyes were included in the study: 54 eyes in Phase A (25 eyes treated with Minivisc® Plus and 29 eyes treated with Healon GV® Pro) and 109 eyes in Phase B. All surgical procedures were phacoemulsification cataract surgeries, apart from two cases (both in Phase B), which were glaucoma surgeries. Two eyes (1.5%) treated with Minivisc® Plus exhibited intraocular pressure (IOP) ≥30 mmHg at postoperative day 7. Inflammation grading, ECD loss, and the incidence of AEs were comparable between the study substances throughout the 90-day follow-up period. Surgeon-reported assessments indicated comparable device performance between the two OVDs. Conclusions: This study demonstrates the safety of Minivisc® Plus in terms of IOP spikes, postoperative ocular inflammation, ECD loss, with clinical performance comparable to that of Healon GV® PRO.
ABSTRACT:Fitzgerald, JS, Poolman, MA, and Secomb, JL. Identifying key physical predictors of sprint skating performance in collegiate hockey athletes using regularized regression models. J Strength Cond Res XX(X): 000-000, 2026-The purpose of this study was to identify the most influential lower-body physical capacities associated with the distinct sprint skating phases in collegiate hockey athletes. While numerous research has reported associations between various physical capacities and sprint skating performance, these have typically examined narrow subsets rather than a comprehensive profile, limiting practitioners' ability to determine the priority assessments in time-constrained high-performance environments. Twenty male NCAA Division I hockey athletes completed the following assessments: isometric hip strength (flexion, extension, adduction, abduction, and internal and external rotation), countermovement jump, single-leg lateral jump, broad jump, isometric belt squat, and 6-second cycling peak power. Thirty-five metres forward sprint skating performance was assessed from a stationary start and analyzed for initial acceleration (0-6 m), flying acceleration (10-20 m), and maximal performance (0-35 m) phases. Regularized regression analyses were performed to identify the most influential variables associated with each phase. Countermovement jump modified-reactive strength index was identified as the most influential and consistent predictor across all sprint skating phases. Hip external rotation relative peak force was also identified as a key predictor of initial acceleration, aligning with the mechanical importance of optimizing blade orientation and propulsive force generation. Hip flexion relative peak force contributed consistently across predictive models, highlighting its proposed role in efficient leg recovery. Other capacities contributed minimally or not at all to the predictive models. These results indicate that practitioners should consider prioritizing reactive strength measures and hip external rotation and flexion force assessments, when implementing profiling and monitoring protocols in high-performance hockey.
ABSTRACT:Trama, S, Macchi, R, Pâris, B, Bertin, D, Regnaud, J, Nicol, C, and Hays, A. Biomechanical and neuromuscular comparison of horizontal and vertical squat jumps. J Strength Cond Res XX(X): 000-000, 2026-Compared with the vertical squat jump (VSJ), the horizontal squat jump (HSJ) offers a safer alternative, as the jumper performs it while lying down, which also eliminates landing impact. The aim of this study was to investigate the mechanical outputs from each test, with the potential to guide future applications in training and rehabilitation programs. Sixteen male athletes performed VSJ at body mass (BM) and HSJ on a frictionless sled at 0, 20, 40, 60, 80, and 100% BM. Force plates and linear encoders were used to measure peak force/BM, mean force/BM, mean net force, net impulse, rate of force development (RFD/BM), time to peak force, velocity at takeoff (Vto), mean linear velocity (Vmean), peak power/BM, and push-off distance (Hpo). Hip, knee, and ankle angular velocities were recorded in parallel with the surface electromyographic (EMG) activity of 7 lower-limb muscles. All HSJ conditions showed lower Vto, Vmean, and peak power/BM than VSJ (p < 0.001), mainly due to a shorter Hpo (p < 0.001). In terms of force production, HSJ had higher values for mean net force, RFD/BM, Fmax/BM (40-100% BM), and Fmean/BM (80-100% BM) than VSJ (p < 0.05). Regardless of the load, the slope of EMG activity of all lower-limb extensors increased more sharply in the HSJ than in the VSJ, particularly for the gluteus maximus (GMax). In rehabilitation or training contexts, the HSJ should be prioritized to enhance explosive strength and motor unit recruitment, whereas the VSJ may be more suitable for improving force production at higher velocities than in the HSJ. In addition, the HSJ appears to be a promising exercise for activating the GMax.
PURPOSE:To characterize the surface metrology of 4 multifocal intraocular lenses (IOLs) and simulate their behavior across pupil sizes. SETTING:Physiological Optics & Imaging Laboratory, Daegu, South Korea. DESIGN:Laboratory investigation. METHODS:Four +20.0-diopter multifocal IOLs-Envy, PanOptix, Odyssey, and Synergy-were evaluated using a Mach-Zehnder interferometer (NIMO TEMPO) following ISO 11979-2 standards. Optical path difference maps generated wavefront profiles, diffractive step profiles, point spread functions, and modulation transfer functions (MTFs). Through-focus MTFs were obtained at 50 line pairs per millimeter under of 2.0 mm, 3.0 mm, and 4.5 mm pupil diameters. RESULTS:Envy exhibited gradually decreasing diffractive step heights peripherally, favoring distance vision under mesopic conditions. PanOptix maintained uniform step heights, whereas Odyssey and Synergy exhibited larger diffractive steps with significant primary and secondary spherical aberrations, producing extended depth-of-field. Odyssey exhibited a distance-dominant energy distribution, while Synergy displayed a more balanced intermediate and near dispersal. Through-focus MTFs revealed stable trifocal peaks for Envy, a near-shifted tendency for PanOptix under small pupils, and far-dominant patterns for Odyssey and Synergy converging under larger pupils. CONCLUSIONS:Interferometric optical metrology revealed distinct through-focus optical profiles among contemporary diffractive multifocal IOLs, reflecting design-dependent differences in focal energy distribution across pupil sizes.
Cataract is a leading cause of visual impairment globally, with surgery as the only effective treatment. Management involves a care pathway, including screening, patient selection, preoperative assessment, surgery, and postoperative care. The ESCRS developed evidence-based guidelines to aid decision-making for patients, clinicians, and stakeholders. A multidisciplinary panel, supported by methodologists using the Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development, and Evaluations approach, addressed 32 key clinical questions. Recommendations include intracameral antibiotics to prevent endophthalmitis, topical anesthesia as the preferred technique, and toric intraocular lenses for corneal astigmatism ≥1.0 diopter. Conventional and femtosecond laser-assisted surgeries are comparably safe and effective. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug eyedrops, alone or with corticosteroids, are recommended to reduce inflammation and prevent cystoid macular edema. Additional guidance includes shared decision-making for lens selection, safe use of immediate sequential bilateral cataract surgery, and potential of remote postoperative care to enhance healthcare efficiency. These guidelines aim to improve outcomes, patient experience, and care delivery.
ABSTRACT:Cormier, P, Mavignier, B, Geneau, D, and Werle, C. The physical match running demands of Canadian international women's soccer. J Strength Cond Res XX(X): 000-000, 2026-This study examined position-specific match running demands across youth to senior Canadian female national team soccer players to establish normative data to inform physical performance preparation. External load match running data were collected via Catapult global navigation satellite sensors from 88 outfield players participating in the women's national team pathway (under 17, under 20, and senior levels [WNTU17, WNTU20, and WNT, respectively]). Linear mixed models (level × position) were performed to investigate position-specific differences between international pathway levels. Concerning center backs, WNT players covered greater total distance and distance·min-1 than WNTU20 and greater distance·min-1 than WNTU17 players, and greater high deceleration efforts than WNTU17 and WNTU20 levels (effect size [ES] = 1.12-1.90, p ≤ 0.02). Regarding fullbacks, WNTU17 players performed fewer high accelerations and decelerations (total efforts and efforts·min-1) than WNT players (ES = 1.03-2.59, p ≤ 0.04). For forwards, WNTU17 players displayed lower maximum velocity expression (ES = 1.00, p = 0.04) than WNT. Concerning, midfielders, both WNTU17 and WNTU20 players performed lower distance·min-1, high-intensity running distance and m·min-1, high-speed running distance and m·min-1, and maximum velocity than WNT players. In addition, WNTU20 had lower sprint distance and m·min-1, high-intensity acceleration·min-1, and deceleration efforts (ES = 0.76-2.44, p ≤ 0.03) than WNT players. These results highlight key differences between national team pathway levels. Finally, these data highlight areas to target in the physical preparation of youth international players for the demands of top-level soccer.
PURPOSE:To validate the Least Absolute Shrinkage and Selection Operator (LASSO) formulas for phakic intraocular lens sizing, published by Rocamora et al. in 2023, in a larger and multicenter cohort. SETTING:University hospital and private clinical practice. DESIGN:Multicenter retrospective observational study in Belgium. METHODS:Patients who underwent implantable Collamer lens (ICL) surgery between September 2018 and June 2024 were included. The mean absolute error (MAE) was used as primary endpoint to compare LASSO-OCT, LASSO-Biometry, LASSO-Full, Luo, Russo, Kim, Nakamura (NK) V1, NK V2 and NK V3 formulas. Secondary endpoints included the maximum absolute error and the percentage of eyes within error categories of <100, <200, <300, <500, <750 µm. RESULTS:A total of 437 eyes of 226 patients were included. The pooled MAE of the LASSO-OCT formula (155.6 ±123.0 µm) was lower than that of the LASSO-Biometry (193.3±140.3 µm) and LASSO-Full (247.2 ±174.7 µm) formulas. The Russo formula showed the lowest MAE (142.3 ±112.4 µm) followed by the NK V3 (149.3 ±121.0 µm). The MAE was significantly higher for the LASSO-Full, Luo, NK V1 and V2 formulas when compared with the LASSO-OCT formula. At the center where postoperative vault was measured using Scheimpflug imaging, the LASSO-Full formula achieved a lower MAE than the LASSO-OCT formula, although this difference was not statistically significant. CONCLUSION:In this study the accuracy of the LASSO-formulas varies across the different models and according to the postoperative measurement method, with the LASSO-OCT formula outperforming the LASSO-Full when vault is measured with AS-OCT. Other OCT based formulas, including NK V3 and Russo, demonstrated high accuracy and reliability, supporting the safety of OCT-based ICL sizing.
PURPOSE:To describe long-term visual, refractive, and topographic outcomes after photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) in keratoconus patients treated before corneal cross-linking (CXL) became available. SETTING:Single private ophthalmic center in Bogotá, Colombia. DESIGN:Retrospective observational study. METHODS:1,532 archived paper charts from all patients at the practice between 1996 and 2004 were screened. Patients with keratoconus who underwent PRK using multiple excimer laser techniques, with adequate preoperative documentation and available for re-evaluation after ≥20 years, were included. Outcomes included uncorrected (UDVA) and corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA), refractive spherical equivalent, astigmatism, and keratometry. RESULTS:Sixty-eight keratoconus patients treated with PRK were identified; 16 patients (29 eyes) with available long-term follow-up were included, (mean follow-up of 22 years). UDVA improved from 0.81 ± 0.50 to 0.46 ± 0.36 logMAR (P = .005) and CDVA from 0.14 ± 0.17 to 0.08 ± 0.11 logMAR (P = .02), although not significant after excluding eyes that later required keratoplasty. Spherical equivalent decreased by 1.51 D (P = .001), and astigmatism by 0.82 D (P = .03). Maximum keratometry showed no significant change (P = .19). Four eyes (13.8%) required keratoplasty, including 3 of 7 (43%) with advanced disease. The remaining 25 eyes (86.2%) did not require keratoplasty, although some required additional interventions. CONCLUSION:In this small pre-CXL cohort, mild-to-moderate keratoconus eyes had visual and refractive improvement, while keratoplasty was required mainly in advanced cases. These findings offer historical observational context rather than evidence of safety or efficacy.
TOPIC:Keratorefractive lenticule extraction (KLEx) treats myopia and myopic astigmatism while preserving corneal biomechanics better than flap-based procedures. KLEx with prophylactic accelerated corneal cross-linking (KLEx-CXL) has been proposed for thinner corneas, higher myopia, or borderline tomography, but its incremental value remains uncertain. CLINICAL RELEVANCE:KLEx-CXL may reduce biomechanical instability, but adds operative time, cost, and protocol variability. Comparative evidence is needed to determine whether it improves outcomes over KLEx alone. METHODS:MEDLINE, Embase, Scopus, Web of Science, CENTRAL, and CINAHL were searched to July 2, 2026. Comparative adult studies with at least 6 months' follow-up reporting refractive or visual outcomes were included. Two reviewers extracted data, assessed risk of bias, and rated certainty using GRADE. Random-effects meta-analyses pooled mean differences. RESULTS:Nine studies included 730 eyes: 386 KLEx and 344 KLEx-CXL. Residual MRSE was similar overall (MD 0.03 D; 95% CI, -0.01 to 0.06; P=0.17), with no consistent timepoint-specific difference. A small residual difference was confined to moderate-myopia cohorts (0.09 D; 95% CI, 0.04 to 0.15) and absent in high myopia. KLEx showed a 1-month advantage in uncorrected distance vision (MD -0.04 logMAR), safety index (MD 0.07), and efficacy index (MD 0.08), resolving by 12 months. Corrected vision was similar throughout. Biomechanical measures favored KLEx-CXL. Early haze was transient; no ectasia occurred. Certainty was low. CONCLUSION:KLEx and KLEx-CXL achieved similar residual refraction and corrected visual acuity. KLEx-CXL produced measurable biomechanical reinforcement but transiently delayed early uncorrected visual recovery. Current evidence supports reserving prophylactic cross-linking for higher-risk eyes.
ABSTRACT:Neves, PS, Valcanover, MB, Maders, GL, Rigo, MEC, Alves, AES, Cintra, JM, Cabreira, G, Ferretto, D, Cattelan, MA, Leite-Nunes, TD, Laporta, LI, and Pedrosa, GF. Explaining snatch performance: Insights from countermovement jump performance and quadriceps muscle size. J Strength Cond Res XX(X): 000-000, 2026-Previous studies have shown associations between countermovement jump height (CMJH), muscle morphology, and weightlifting performance; however, the combined and independent contributions of lower-limb muscle anatomical cross-sectional area (CSA) and CMJH to snatch 1 repetition maximum (SN1RM) remain unclear. This study examined the relationships between CMJH, vastus lateralis CSA (VLCSA), rectus femoris CSA (RFCSA), and SN1RM in weightlifters. Nineteen trained weightlifters (9 men and 10 women; age: 28.1 ± 3.6 years; body mass: 78.6 ± 13.5 kg; training experience: 3.9 ± 1.8 years) underwent ultrasound assessments of VLCSA and RFCSA, CMJH testing using the MyJump 2 app, and SN1RM testing. Associations were analyzed using Pearson correlations and hierarchical multiple linear regression. SN1RM was significantly correlated with CMJH and VLCSA (both: r = 0.753, p < 0.001), as well as with RFCSA (r = 0.513, p = 0.025). The hierarchical regression model showed that CMJH alone explained 56.7% of the variance in SN1RM (F = 22.298, p < 0.001). Adding VLCSA increased the explained variance to 69.2% (ΔR2 = 0.124, F = 17.936, p = 0.022), whereas RFCSA did not further improve model fit (ΔR2 = 0.012, F = 0.613, p = 0.449). These findings indicate that CMJH and VLCSA are complementary predictors of snatch performance, jointly explaining nearly 70% of the variance. Monitoring jump performance and vastus lateralis muscle size may therefore provide practical insights for training and performance optimization in Olympic weightlifters.
ABSTRACT:Lorbeck, Z, Vannatta, CN, Dobbs, WC, Jaime, SJ, Heinert, BL, Baumann, D, and Kernozek, TW. Importance of maximal force for modulating landing forces. J Strength Cond Res XX(X): 000-000, 2026-Augmented feedback training with and without a dual-task condition may be effective in improving drop landing performance, but some athletes demonstrate minimal improvement. Strength, power, and low-landing vertical ground reaction force (vGRF) have been identified as factors that mitigate anterior cruciate ligament injury risk, but differences between force production capacity and response to augmented feedback is unknown. The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of force production and jump performance on the ability to integrate augmented feedback to reduce vGRF during drop landing training. Forty-five female, collegiate athletes completed augmented feedback training to reduce peak vGRF during a jump landing task along with isometric midthigh pull (IMTP) and countermovement jump (CMJ) performance metrics. Pretest vGRF, IMTP peak force, CMJ mean propulsive force, mean braking force, propulsive impulse, braking impulse, and dynamic strength index were considered as potential variables in a multiple regression model to predict percent change in vGRF. Pretest vGRF, CMJ propulsive impulse, CMJ braking impulse, and IMTP peak force were retained in the final model (p < 0.001). Isometric midthigh pull peak force was the unique performance metric predicting change in vGRF following training (R2 = 12%). Greater peak IMTP force may indicate a greater capacity to alter vGRF during drop landings.
ABSTRACT:Cobanoglu, G, Demirkan, MY, Ecemis, ZB, Karatas, N, and Guzel, NA. Trapezius muscle activity during bilateral scapular retraction with shoulder external rotation: Incorporation of kinetic chain and surface. J Strength Cond Res XX(X): 000-000, 2026-Incorporating trunk/lower limb movements and unstable surface exercises into shoulder rehabilitation may enhance kinetic chain engagement. The aim was to investigate the effect of incorporating the kinetic chain and unstable surface into Bilateral Scapular Retraction with Shoulder External Rotation (BSR-SER) exercise on trapezius muscle activation. Twenty asymptomatic subjects (10 female, 10 male, age = 24.5 ± 4.48 years, body mass index = 22.45 ± 3.06 kg·m-2) were included in the study. The BSR-SER was performed in standing, squat, and lunge positions on stable and unstable surfaces. Electromyographic activity of the upper trapezius (UT), middle trapezius (MT), and lower trapezius (LT) muscles was measured. The UT muscle activation in the squat position was lower on an unstable surface than on a stable surface (p = 0.015). The MT muscle activation was higher in the squat position than in the lunge position (p = 0.014). The LT muscle activation was significantly greater in the squat position than in both the standing (p = 0.007) and lunge positions (p = 0.016). Moreover, LT muscle activation was higher on the stable surface than on the unstable surface (p = 0.040). Upper trapezius/MT ratio in the squat position was lower than in the standing (p = 0.016) and lunge positions (p = 0.012). The UT/LT ratio in squat position on unstable surface was lower than both standing (p = 0.007) and lunge positions on an unstable surface (p = 0.005). The squat position during BSR-SER exercise promotes higher activation of the MT and LT muscles compared with standing or lunge positions. Performing the squat position on an unstable surface may be the most suitable option for promoting trapezius muscle balance by reducing UT muscle activation and activation ratios. These findings suggest that integrating squat-based kinetic chain exercises into shoulder strengthening programs may be beneficial for optimizing trapezius muscle activation.
ABSTRACT:Duan, X, Gao, Q, Yang, R, Ji, L, Ma, Y, and Zhang, M. Enhancing fitness and body composition: The impact of high-intensity interval training combined with specific sports in collegiate students with normal weight obesity. J Strength Cond Res XX(X): 000-000, 2026-Normal weight obesity (NWO) is a widespread condition that poses a significant risk to public health. High-intensity interval training (HIIT) has been widely applied to address NWO, but it has certain limitations. Combining HIIT with specific sports offers a promising and more personalized intervention approach. The aim of this study was to compare the effects of HIIT combined with specific sports and HIIT alone in collegiate students with NWO. In total, 81 collegiate students with NWO participated in a 12-week intervention and were assigned to 3 groups: HIIT combined with basketball training (HIIT + BT), HIIT combined with sports dance training (HIIT + SDT), and HIIT alone. Body composition, cardiovascular fitness, and physical fitness indicators were assessed at baseline, midintervention, and postintervention. A 2-way mixed-design analysis of variance was used to examine time × group interaction effects. A significant time × group interaction was observed for body fat percentage (F = 5.650, p = 0.001, η2p = 0.127), with the HIIT + SDT group showing greater reductions than the HIIT group (p = 0.002). A significant interaction effect was found for countermovement jump (F = 6.276; p < 0.001; η2p = 0.139), T-test (F = 5.334; p < 0.001; η2p = 0.120), and hexagon test (F = 5.372; p = 0.002; η2p = 0.121). Post hoc analyses revealed that T-test performance significantly improved in both the HIIT + BT group (p < 0.001) and the HIIT + SDT group (p < 0.001), whereas no significant change was observed in the HIIT group. Results indicated that combining HIIT with specific sports may provide greater benefits for body composition and physical fitness than HIIT alone in collegiate students with NWO.
TOPIC:This review evaluated the incidence and visual significance of flap-related complications in femtosecond LASIK. CLINICAL RELEVANCE:Femtosecond laser-assisted LASIK has largely replaced mechanical microkeratomes for flap creation due to improved precision and safety. Understanding the incidence and clinical consequences of flap-related complications is essential for patient counseling and surgical planning. METHODS:A systematic search of Ovid MEDLINE, Embase, and CINAHL was conducted from database inception to October 10, 2024 including English-language clinical reports of patients undergoing femtosecond LASIK that reported flap-related complications. Small case series (<5 patients), secondary articles, conference abstracts, and cost-analysis studies were excluded. Study screening and data extraction were performed independently by two reviewers. The primary outcome was the incidence of LASIK flap complications stratified by femtosecond laser platform; secondary outcomes included postoperative visual acuity. Risk of bias was assessed at the outcome level using RoB 2 for randomized clinical trials and ROBINS-I for observational studies. Findings were synthesized narratively with descriptive summary of incidence proportions; no meta-analysis was performed due to heterogeneity in study designs and laser platforms. The review was registered in PROSPERO (CRD42024608238) with no post-submission amendments. RESULTS:Twenty-seven studies published between 1997 and 2024 were included, comprising 28,531 eyes across multiple countries. The most frequently reported intraoperative event was opaque bubble layer, occurring in 19.7% of eyes (range 2.0-56.4%). Diffuse lamellar keratitis was reported in 6.3% of eyes and typically resolved without long-term visual impact. Epithelial ingrowth (2.1%), microstriae (1.6%), and incomplete flaps (0.17%) were uncommon. Other flap-related events, including buttonholes, free caps, epithelial defects, and traumatic flap injuries, were rare (<1%). CONCLUSIONS:Femtosecond LASIK is associated with low rates of clinically significant flap-related complications, with excellent visual outcomes in most cases. Standardized reporting and longer-term prospective studies are needed to further refine complication benchmarks across femtosecond platforms.
PURPOSE:Multifocal intraocular lenses (MIOLs) are disadvised among patients with irregular corneas, but the role of subclinical corneal irregular astigmatism on long-term visual outcomes remains poorly elucidated. SETTING:Keye Eye Center, Seoul, Korea. DESIGN:Retrospective single-center clinical cohort study. METHODS:Bilateral implantation of PanOptix MIOL with 3 years follow-up. Eyes were stratified based on total corneal irregular astigmatism (TCIA) in Scheimpflug tomography into low (≤0.15 µm), moderate (>0.15 to <0.30 µm), and high (≥0.30 µm) TCIA groups. RESULTS:In the cohort of 474 eyes of 237 patients, those with high TCIA had greater prevalence of prior refractive surgery (16% vs 2%; p<0.001), greater spherical aberration (0.45±0.26D vs 0.28±0.10D; p<0.001), and lower central corneal thickness (511±43µm vs 548±30µm; p=0.001) than those with low TCIA. High TCIA resulted in worse uncorrected distance visual acuity (UDVA) at 1-year (0.11±0.10 vs 0.03±0.08 logMAR units; p=0.001) and at 3-years (0.16±0.15 vs 0.04±0.08 logMAR units; p<0.001) compared to low TCIA, despite comparable postoperative refractive outcomes. At 3-years, Strehl ratio (0.024±0.019 vs 0.041±0.027; p=0.001), photopic (1.23±0.14 vs 1.39±0.20; p<0.001) and mesopic AULCSF (0.91±0.16 vs 1.06±0.19; p<0.001) were worse in high TCIA group compared to low TCIA group. Greater preoperative TCIA was associated with poorer age- and sex-adjusted UDVA (B=0.174, 95%CI: 0.101 to 0.248, p<0.001), corrected distance visual acuity (B=0.261, 95%CI: 0.132 to 0.389, p<0.001), and Strehl ratio (B=-0.598, 95%CI: -0.865 to -0.332, p<0.001) at 3-years. CONCLUSIONS:High preoperative TCIA should be considered as predictive for impaired long-term visual acuity and quality outcomes after MIOL implantation.
ABSTRACT:Beam, JR, Mang, ZA, Gibson, AL, Tinsley, GM, Mota, JA, Martinez, A, and Martinez, AH. Early fat loss and plateau in firefighter recruits: Longitudinal tracking of body composition using skinfold analysis and multifrequency bioelectrical impedance. J Strength Cond Res XX(X): 000-000, 2026-The purpose of this study was to examine how multifrequency bioelectrical impedance analysis (MF-BIA) and skinfold analysis (SKF) track body composition changes during a firefighter training academy. Thirty-nine male recruits (age: 27 ± 6 years; height: 176.8 ± 6.7 cm; body mass: 83.2 ± 14.5 kg; body fat percentage [BF%]: 16.9 ± 6.0%) completed structured exercise training. Body composition was assessed at 5 time points (T1-T5) using MF-BIA and SKF. Fat mass (FM), fat-free mass (FFM), and BF% were compared between methods. Cross-sectional differences and longitudinal changes were analyzed using linear mixed-effects models. No significant method × time interactions were observed for BF%, FM, or FFM, indicating that both techniques similarly tracked longitudinal changes throughout the academy. Significant main effects of time were observed for BF% and FM (p < 0.05). Planned contrasts revealed significant reductions in BF% and FM between T1-T3, T1-T4, and T1-T5 (p < 0.05) but not between adjacent time points, indicating that body composition changes occurred primarily during the early phase of training with a plateau between 12 and 18 weeks. Linear regression analyses demonstrated strong associations between MF-BIA and SKF. Bland-Altman analyses revealed outcome-specific agreement patterns. These findings support the use of either MF-BIA or SKF for consistent within-method monitoring of group-level body composition changes over time. However, despite high associations, limited individual agreement indicates the methods should not be used interchangeably. Fire departments may select the method that best aligns with resource availability, staffing expertise, and program scale without compromising longitudinal group-level monitoring.
