Background: This study aimed to elucidate the effect of weight training with blood flow restriction (BFR) on explosive power and isokinetic strength in combat athletes. Materials and methods: The sample included 12 male MMA fighters divided into a control (19.50±0.50 years) and an experimental (18.00±1.00 years) group. Participants trained twice weekly for 8 weeks, with BFR in the experimental group. Explosive power was assessed using following tests by Optogait: countermovement push-up, kneeling countermovement push-up and kneeling squat push-up for upper limbs and countermovement jump, countermovement jump with free arms and squat jump for lower limbs. Isokinetic strength was measured by Cybex HUMAC NORM, focusing on knee, hip, shoulder, and elbow flexors and extensors in concentric, eccentric, and isometric contraction. Results: The intervention with BFR resulted in a significant improvement in upper-limb explosive power in the countermovement push-up (p = 0.046). In the case of isokinetic strength, no significant bilateral improvements were observed in the extensors and flexors of the selected joints during concentric, eccentric, and isometric contractions (p > 0.050), except for the bilateral improvement in isometric strength of the hip joint extensors (p = 0.028). Conclusions: Under the conditions of this pilot study, BFR training did not lead to consistent statistically significant improvements in explosive power or isokinetic strength in MMA athletes.
Background: Sleep plays an important role in athletic performance, recovery, and cognitive function. The aim of this study was to compare sleep quality and selected sleep-related variables in combat sports athletes and athletes from other sport disciplines . Materials and Methods: Ninety-eight competitive athletes participated in the study, including 52 combat sports athletes and 46 athletes representing other sport disciplines. Sleep quality was assessed using the modified Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) with a weekly recall period, global PSQI score and additional variables, such as sleep duration, sleep latency, and habitual sleep-wake times, were analyzed using general linear models adjusted for age and sex. Results: No significant differences were observed between combat sports athletes and athletes from other sports in PSQI global scores, sleep duration, sleep latency, or sleep-wake times after adjusting for age and sex. Older athletes demonstrated higher PSQI scores, earlier bedtimes and wake times, and shorter sleep duration. A significant proportion of athletes demonstrated reduced sleep quality (PSQI > 5), with approximately one-quarter sleeping less than 7 hours per night. Conclusions: These results suggest that combat sports participation alone may not be an independent factor in poorer sleep quality. Sleep disorders appear to be a broader problem among competitive athletes, highlighting the importance of regular sleep monitoring and recovery strategies in the athletic population.
Background: Explosive power and rapid reaction time are crucial in fencing. Ballistic resistance training (BRT) may improve these qualities but is rarely applied in fencing. Materials and methods: To assess the effects of an eight-week BRT program on upper-limb power and reaction time in youth Egyptian épée fencers, nineteen male fencers (aged 16.6 ± 1.5) were randomly divided into a BRT group (n = 10) and a control group (n = 9). The BRT group added three weekly 30-minute sessions of "Ballistic Six" exercises to regular fencing training. Tests before and after included: tennis ball throw (power), armed arm reaction time (extension and lunge), and handgrip strength. Results: The BRT group showed significant improvements: tennis ball throw: +9.4% (p < 0.01), reaction time (extension): −16.2% (p < 0.01), reaction time (lunge): −8.5% (p < 0.05). The control group had no significant changes. Conclusions: Ballistic resistance training significantly improves upper-limb power and reaction time in youth fencers. This time-efficient method can enhance fencing performance and should be considered in athlete development programs.
Background: This study examines the influence of Peak Height Velocity (PHV) on motor abilities and anthropometric characteristics of young male football players aged 12–16. The research aimed to determine whether PHV significantly affects motor performance beyond the chronological age, providing insights for talent identification and training optimization. Materials and methods: A total of 248 male football players from four professional academies were assessed and categorized into three maturation groups: Pre-PHV (n = 95, 38.3%), Mid-PHV (n = 98, 39.5%), and Post-PHV (n = 55, 22.2%) Anthropometric measurements included height, body mass, BMI, and leg length, while motor tests evaluated sprint speed (5m, 30m), lower limb power (CMJ, SJ), and anaerobic endurance (RAST test). The study protocol was preregistered in the Open Science Framework (DOI: 10.17605/OSF.IO/PCEB4). Results: The findings revealed significant differences in height (F = 183.18, p < 0.001), weight (F = 263.39, p < 0.001), and BMI (F = 274.70, p < 0.001) across PHV groups, confirming that biological age strongly influences physical development. Sprint performance showed substantial improvements, with Post-PHV players achieving faster times in 5m sprints (Pre-PHV: 1.08±0.08s vs. Post-PHV: 0.97±0.05s, η² = 0.342, p < 0.001) and 30m sprints (Pre-PHV: 4.82±0.37s vs. Post-PHV: 4.39±0.29s, η² = 0.311, p < 0.001). Explosive power, measured through jump height and peak power output, demonstrated the strongest association with biological maturity (CMJ: η² = 0.349; SJ: η² = 0.365; Pmax_abs: η² = 0.328, all p < 0.001), with the greatest improvements observed in the Mid- and Post-PHV phases. Conclusions: These results highlight the necessity of considering biological age in youth football selection and training. While PHV plays a crucial role in motor development, its effects are not uniform across all physical attributes.
Background: The perimenopausal period, typically occurring between the ages of 40 and 55 years, represents a critical transitional stage in women’s physiology characterized by profound hormonal, metabolic, and systemic adaptations. While the endocrine aspects of this transition have been extensively investigated, increasing attention has recently been directed toward the role of micronutrient homeostasis in maintaining metabolic health and physical performance during this period. Therefore, the aim of this narrative review is to summarize current knowledge regarding microelement deficiencies in perimenopausal women and their potential impact on metabolic health and physical performance. Additionally, the review discusses the potential applications of VIS–NIR tissue spectrophotometry, including diagnostic platforms, such as SO/CHECK, as innovative tools for functional metabolic assessment. Materials and methods: This narrative review is based on literature concerning perimenopause, micronutrient deficiencies, mitochondrial bioenergetics, oxidative stress, intestinal barrier function, physical performance, and visible and near-infrared (VIS–NIR) tissue spectrophotometry. The reviewed literature includes experimental, clinical, and review studies addressing essential microelements and functional diagnostic approaches, including platforms such as SO/CHECK. Results: Essential microelements such as magnesium, zinc, selenium, iodine, and phosphorus participate in numerous biochemical processes including mitochondrial energy production, enzymatic regulation, antioxidant defense, and hormonal metabolism. Deficiencies in these elements may contribute to impaired mitochondrial function, increased oxidative stress, disturbances in intestinal barrier integrity, and reduced exercise tolerance. Functional metabolic disturbances may develop before measurable changes in blood parameters. VIS–NIR tissue spectrophotometry represents a promising non-invasive approach for assessing metabolic status at the tissue level. Conclusions: Micronutrient status plays a key role in metabolic health during perimenopause. Integration of functional diagnostic approaches, including VIS–NIR-based systems, such as the SO/CHECK platform, may support early detection of metabolic disturbances and personalized interventions.
Background: Inter-individual variability in neuromuscular and cortical adaptation presents a significant challenge for the personalization of neurofeedback protocols in elite sports, particularly in judo. Objective: This study aimed to identify distinct adaptation phenotypes in elite Polish judo athletes by integrating electrophysiological and performance-based measures following an EEG biofeedback intervention. Materials and methods: Twenty-four male athletes from the Polish national judo team completed a 15-session EEG biofeedback protocol targeting frontal alpha asymmetry. Post-intervention assessments included surface EMG amplitude (RMS), median frequency (MF), percentage EMG change, composite EEG indices (EEG_SUM), and normalized lower-limb strength. A composite Global Adaptation Index (GAI) was used for stratification into high, medium, and low responder groups. Statistical analysis involved linear mixed-effects models, PCA-based dimensionality reduction, hierarchical clustering, and regression diagnostics. Results: High responders demonstrated significant neuromuscular improvements, especially in RMS and strength measures, whereas low responders showed attenuated or inconsistent adaptations. Predictive models based on baseline EEG/EMG features (such as frontal alpha asymmetry, integrated EMG, and onset latency) had only moderate accuracy in classifying responders. Multivariate analyses highlighted the complexity of adaptation patterns beyond simple dichotomies. Conclusions: Adaptation to EEG bio-feedback in elite judo athletes varies markedly across individuals and involves both central and peripheral mechanisms. High-load multidimensional assessment and stratification enable better characterization of responders, informing personalized neurofeedback optimization. These findings advocate for phenotype-driven approaches in future neurofeedback research and training.
Background: Functional asymmetry of the lower limbs in the technique of clearing 10 hurdles in the 400 m hurdles event was the subject of the study. Materials and methods: This study investigates the patterns of hurdle clearance, distinguishing between left and right lead legs by 196 female hurdlers competing in major championship events (including Olympic Games, World Championships, European Championships) from 1978 to 2022. The hurdlers were categorized into three groups based on competition periods: Group A (1978–2000), Group B (2001–2011), and Group C (2012–2022). The share of the left lead leg (assumed by most authors to be the lead one) in selected (two straights, two curves and the first and second half) parts of the run was assessed. Intergroup differences were assessed by analysis of variance (ANOVA) with subsequent post-hoc analysis (Tukey's test for unequal numbers). Results: The results demonstrate a systematic reduction in the number of hurdles cleared with the left leg. The changes mainly concern the first part of the run as well as the so-called landing in the curves of the hurdles (hurdles 6–8). Conclusions: The need for clearing hurdles with the left and right leg under different conditions (track shape, fatigue levels) forces coaches to modify the training process.
Background: The study aimed to investigate the effects of a six-month remotely monitored heart rate – guided high-intensity interval training (HIIT) program on aerobic capacity, functional performance, and weekly self-reported health outcomes in women with stage II–III breast cancer undergoing neoadjuvant chemotherapy. Materials and methods: Fifty-six women (mean age 47 ± 8 years) were randomly assigned (1:1) to a HIIT group or a control group (CG). Thirty-five participants were included in analyses (HIIT group = 17; CG = 18). HIIT group performed 4 × 4-minute HIIT sessions at the intensity of 85–95% of the peak heart rate, two to three times weekly for six months. Aerobic capacity, time to exhaustion, functional performance, and weekly self-reported health domains were assessed before and after the intervention. Generalized linear mixed-effects models tested group × time interactions, and moderation analyses to test if physiological changes predicted self-reported trends. Results: The HIIT group achieved 79% adherence without adverse events. Peak oxygen uptake was maintained in the HIIT group (p = 0.94) but declined in CG (−13%, p < 0.001). Time to exhaustion (+5%, p = 0.043), 6-minute walking performance (+7%, p = 0.006), 30-second sit-to-stand (+19%, p = 0.003), and five-times sit-to-stand (+20%, p < 0.001) improved in the HIIT group. Significant group × time effects favored the HIIT group for physical functioning (p = 0.003), and both psychological state and sleep (p < 0.001). Reductions in the respiratory exchange ratio predicted improvements in pain, fatigue, social functioning, and sleep (all p < 0.01). Conclusion: Remote HIIT during chemotherapy preserved aerobic capacity and improved functional and patient-reported outcomes. Reductions in the respiratory exchange ratio moderated several patient-reported out-comes, suggesting an association between metabolic efficiency and less severe symptoms during chemotherapy.
Background: Remote ischemic preconditioning (RIPC) consists of brief cycles of limb ischemia and reperfusion and has been proposed as an ergogenic strategy. This study examined whether a 10-day lower-limb RIPC protocol affects anaerobic and aerobic performance and post-exercise cytokine responses in physically active men. Materials and methods: Sixty healthy, physically active men were assigned to anaerobic (Wingate Anaerobic Test (WAnT), n = 29) or aerobic (Bruce treadmill test (BTT), n = 28) protocols and completed a 10-day lower-limb RIPC (220 mmHg) or SHAM (20 mmHg) intervention. Serum IL-6, IL-10, and IL-15 were measured at baseline and immediately post-exercise before and after the intervention. Biochemical outcomes were interpreted after Benjamini-Hochberg false discovery rate correction. Results: Wingate peak power increased by 7.1% after RIPC, whereas fatigue index, VO₂max, and peak heart rate showed no significant effects. After correction for multiple testing, biochemical effects were predominantly time-dependent: Wingate reduced IL-10 and IL-15 before intervention, whereas BTT reduced IL-15 before intervention and IL-15 and IL-6 after intervention. No robust RIPC-specific biochemical effect was confirmed. Conclusions: A 10-day lower-limb RIPC protocol selectively improved anaerobic peak power but did not significantly affect aerobic performance. Acute cytokine responses were driven mainly by exercise, with no consistent RIPC-specific modulation of the measured inflammatory markers.
Background: Knee osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common chronic condition and a leading cause of global disability, often associated with pain, depression, and sleep disturbances. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of warm mineral water combined with physical therapy on sleep quality, depression and pain intensity in patients with knee osteoarthritis. Materials and Methods: The study involved 101 subjects (68.78±6.92 years) who were assigned to a control group (CG) or an experimental group (EG). All subjects benefited from physical therapy and electrotherapy for 10 days. The experimental group additionally benefited from therapy with hot mineral water. Sleep quality, depression level, pain intensity, severity index of knee osteoarthritis, functional status of the knee joint and daytime sleepiness were assessed. Results: Significant differences were found between groups, with small effect sizes, regarding the VAS score (p = .000); η2p = .460), LIKO (p = .000; η2p = 0.453), LKSS (p = 0,007, η2p = 0.313), PSQI (p = 0,035, η2p = .560), and BDI (p = 0.012, η2p = 0.106). Conclusions: This study showed that combining physical therapy and electrotherapy improves sleep, knee function, pain, and depression in knee osteoarthritis patients. Adding balneotherapy with warm mineral water led to even better outcomes, supporting its use as an effective supplement to standard treatment for enhancing both physical and mental well-being.
Background: Decision-making during late-game possessions in basketball is considered one of the most essential aspects of winning a game. This study examined key determinants of late-game shot-making success in closely contested EuroLeague basketball matches, aiming to optimize offensive decision-making in clutch situations. Material and Methods: An observational analysis from the last two minutes of 83 EuroLeague games recorded 471 clutch shot attempts. Logistic regression and chi-square analyses assessed the impact of offense time, shot range, defensive pressure, game status, and offensive tactical strategies on shot success. Results: The results showed that paint clutch shots (63.9% success) were significantly more effective than mid-range (30.0%) and three-point attempts (33.5%). Defensive pressure was a critical factor, with uncontested shots (58.6%) outperforming contested attempts (36.4%). Quick offensive execution and big player position also influenced the shot outcome. The primary key determinants in predicting clutch shot success included shot range, defensive pressure, offense time, and game status. Conclusions: By prioritizing high-percentage shot opportunities, leveraging cooperative movement-based offensive strategies, and utilizing big players effectively, teams can enhance their performance in high-pressure moments. These findings provide actionable insights for coaches and players, emphasizing the need for data-driven decision-making to optimize late-game performance.
Background: A Body Shape Index (ABSI) is an anthropometric indicator combining waist circumference, weight, and height, providing a BMI-independent measure of central obesity and a recognized predictor of mortality. Despite its relevance, research on ABSI in early elderly populations remains limited. This study assessed the impact of a six-week time-restricted eating (TRE) intervention on ABSI z-scores in overweight adults aged 65–74, with attention to gender differences. Materials and Methods: A total of 116 participants were randomized into a TRE group (16:8 fasting window from 8:00 PM to 12:00 PM) or a control group maintaining habitual eating. ABSI z-scores were evaluated pre- and post-intervention using repeated measures ANOVA. Results: TRE significantly reduced ABSI z-scores in men (from -0.97 to -2.02, p ≤ 0.00001), indicating decreased central obesity. No significant changes were found in women or the control group. Significant effects were observed for TIME and TIME × GROUP interaction. Conclusions: A six-week TRE intervention led to meaningful improvements in ABSI z-scores among overweight early elderly men. TRE may serve as a cost-effective and targeted approach for reducing central obesity and mortality risk in aging male populations.
Background: Russia's attack on Ukraine in February 2022 started the largest armed conflict in Europe since World War II. In the face of danger, crowds of civilians decided to leave their homes and escape, among others, to Poland in search of shelter. Materials and methods: The research was conducted on groups of refugees from Ukraine who registered in the first days of the war in Sopot and Pruszcz Gdanski. The refugees came from Kharkov, Mariupol, Kherson, Zaporizhzhia, and western Ukraine (not involved in hostilities). People from the war zone areas mostly came with only hand luggage. The respondents were divided into two groups: physically active persons (PAP) and physically inactive persons (PIP). The study utilized an original questionnaire of subjective stress assessment covering a group of 77 women-refugees from Ukraine. The questionnaire contained 10 questions related to sociodemographic factors and 20 expressions regarding the level of stress already after arriving in Poland. Results: It was observed that the feeling of stress after arriving in Poland was significantly different (p < 0.05) between the groups of physically active persons (PAP) and physically inactive persons (PIP). There were no statistically significant differences in the other factors related to the components of the perceived distress (depression, resentment, worrying about something bad happening, worrying about oneself and one's family, worrying about the future, anxiousness, being upset, jitteriness, feeling "worked up", concern). Conclusions: According to the survey declarations, all refugees feel the stress of war and escape, but PAP feel it less in terms of tension. In the situation of a threat such as the ongoing war, higher physical activity does not guarantee the elimination of all components of distress.
Background: Impulsivity is a key transdiagnostic trait linked to dysregulated reward processing in both behavioral and substance-related addictions, as recognized in DSM-5. Dopaminergic genes, including DRD2, may modulate individual differences in impulsivity, particularly under conditions of in-creased addiction vulnerability. This study examined whether the DRD2 Exon rs6276 poly-morphism predicts impulsivity levels in men with mixed addictive behaviors compared with healthy controls. Methods: 328 males (128 with mixed behavioral and substance addictions and 200 controls) were assessed. Diagnoses were confirmed using the MINI interview, and impulsivity was measured with the Barratt Impulsiveness Scale (BIS-11). Genotyping of rs6276 was performed using real-time PCR. Statistical analysis included non-parametric tests and two-way ANOVA. Results: There were no significant differences in rs6276 genotype or allele frequencies between groups. However, participants with mixed addictions scored significantly higher on BIS-11 total, motor, and attentional impulsivity scales. A significant interaction between genotype and clinical status was found for motor impulsivity and total scores, with the G allele linked to elevated impulsivity in the clinical group. Conclusions: The DRD2 rs6276 polymorphism may act as a trait-modifying factor, enhancing impulsivity in individuals with mixed addictions. These findings support a gene-environment interaction model and underscore the value of dimensional phenotyping in addiction research.
Background: The aim of the study was to demonstrate changes in 25(OH)D concentration, bone resorption indicators and physical fitness in female handball players as a result of their exposure to the sun, diet and exercise load during the six-month training period from mid-March to mid-September, i.e. the time when the sun exposure is the highest during the calendar year. Twenty-two women handball players participated in the study. Due to the random occurrences and exclusion criteria, 20 players completed the project. Biochemical analysis of blood, aerobic capacity, running speed and power tests (Wingate test, squat jump, counter movement jump, etc.) was conducted three times during this six-month period. Significant changes in 25(OH)D, PTH concentrations and some physical tests were demonstrated between all the tested moments. A very strong effect size has been found for almost all the indicators, except PTH, which presents a smaller value. No direct correlation was found between 25(OH)D levels and performance.
This study aimed to investigate the neuromechanical pathways linking eccentric force production to explosive concentric output during countermovement jumps (CMJ) in national-level junior badminton athletes undergoing a specialized eccentric training program. Objective: 36 male athletes (age 16.5 ± 1.2 years) were quasi-randomly assigned to an experimental group (EG; n=18), which completed a 6-week supervised eccentric overload training in-volving flywheel squats and depth jumps thrice weekly, or a control group (CG; n=18), which maintained their habitual in-season training without additional interventions. Methods: Pre- and post-intervention assessments included CMJ performance measured on a force platform, with detailed analysis of kinetic and temporal variables such as eccentric peak force, rate of force development (RFD), reactive strength index (RSI), and novel indices of stretch-shortening cycle efficiency (SSC-Efficiency) and energy transfer ratio (ETR). Results: Path analysis revealed a significant direct effect of eccentric peak force on concentric peak power and jump height, independent of time to peak force, suggesting that enhanced eccentric force capacity translates directly into improved explosive output. Cluster analysis identified three distinct neuromuscular profiles among athletes, differing in mechanical efficiency and jump strategy, highlighting individual variability in response to eccentric training. Regression models using LASSO selection demonstrated that RSI, eccentric peak force, concentric impulse, and time to peak force collectively predicted jump height with high accuracy (R²=0.73). Notably, SSC-Efficiency and ETR pro-vided additional insights into the mechanical economy of force transfer during CMJ. Repeated measures ANOVA indicated significant improvements in RSI and ETR in the EG post-training, whereas CG showed no significant changes, confirming the efficacy of the eccentric overload intervention. However, classification models based on principal component analysis and linear discriminant analysis yielded moderate accuracy in distinguishing high- versus low-performance athletes, suggesting the need for further refinement. Conclusion: These findings underscore the critical role of eccentric force development in enhancing explosive performance in junior badminton players and support the integration of eccentric overload training in athlete development programs. The novel mechanical efficiency indices introduced may serve as valuable tools for individualized monitoring and optimization of neuromuscular function.
Background: Serve effectiveness plays a critical role in volleyball, influencing the opponent’s reception and subsequent attack. While smash serves are powerful, float serves may disrupt the opponent through unpredictable flight patterns. This study examined how serve type and speed affect reception quality in elite men’s volleyball. Methods: A total of 543 serves (254 float, 289 smash) from one Czech Extraliga team across seven home matches were analyzed using video recordings and radar measurements. Serve speeds were grouped into predefined categories. Effectiveness was defined as the sum of effective receptions and aces; error serves were excluded. Reception outcomes were classified as effective or ineffective. Descriptive statistics were calculated. A Chi-square test assessed the association between serve type and reception outcome. Effect size was measured using Cramer’s V, and 95% confidence intervals were computed. Results: Smash serves showed significantly higher effectiveness (45.7%) than float serves (27.6%), and a higher ace rate (10.7% vs. 4.7%). Smash serves of ≥101 km/h were the most effective (77.6%, 20.4% aces). The Chi-square test confirmed a significant association between the serve type and the reception outcome (χ²(1) = 37.21, p < .001), with Cramer’s V = 0.185. Conclusions: Serve type and speed affect reception success. Smash serves yield more direct points, while float serves consistently disrupt opponent offense. Coaches should apply both types to vary tactical pressure.
Background: The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of an eight-week bungee-based training program on selected physical performance variables and arch jump kinematics in female college rhythmic gymnasts. Material and methods: Eighteen female college students (age: 18.1 ± 0.9 years) were randomly assigned to an experimental group (EG; n = 9) or a control group (CG; n = 9). The EG completed a bungee workout training program three times per week for eight weeks, while the CG followed a traditional rhythmic gymnastics training program. Physical performance variables included vertical jump, leg strength, back strength, standing long jump, and sit-and-reach flexibility. Arch jump kinematics were assessed using video-based motion analysis. Pre- and post-intervention comparisons were conducted within and between groups. Results: Following the intervention, the EG demonstrated significant improvements in all physical performance variables (p < 0.05), whereas no significant changes were observed in the CG. Between-group post-test comparisons revealed significantly greater physical performance outcomes in the EG, with moderate to large effect sizes. In terms of kinematics, significant between-group differences favoring the EG were identified for jump height, pelvis angle, flight phase time, landing phase time, and selected upper-limb joint angles (p < 0.05). No significant differences were observed for center-of-gravity displacement or selected lower-limb joint angles. Conclusions: An eight-week bungee-based training program effectively enhanced physical performance and induced selective, task-specific kinematic adaptations in the arch jump among female college rhythmic gymnasts. These findings suggest that bungee-based training represents a valuable complementary conditioning method for improving strength, flexibility, and jump mechanics in rhythmic gymnastics.
Background: Extensive research has identified muscles that are particularly susceptible to emotional stimuli, namely the facial muscles, trapezius, and diaphragm. These muscles can respond to emotional stimuli by affecting the viscoelastic properties of muscles, especially stiffness. This study attempts to identify suggestions in evidence-based physiotherapy (EBP) for treating muscles that are particularly susceptible to emotions. Materials and methods: In order to achieve the goals, studies available in PubMed, PEDro, and Elsevier and Springer databases were analyzed. In the critical literature review, the following word combinations were selected: "muscle psychological stress," "muscle tonus stress," "trapezius stress," "diaphragm stress," "facial muscles stress." Results: The goal of the therapy should be to reduce muscle tension which can affect emotional calmness. Researchers identify the effectiveness of myofascial release as a method of reducing stress symptoms for both the facial and trapezius muscles. The effect of breathing techniques on improving the function of the diaphragm and reducing the psychosomatic complaints associated with it is also emphasized. Conclusions: All of the methods resulting in relaxation of the described muscles may contribute to an improvement in the patient's psychological state, and consequently to the alleviation or complete elimination of the related symptoms.
Background: The study aimed to investigate the effects of aerobic performance on balance, anaerobic power, agility, and visual reaction in fencers and was designed as a prospective cohort study. Materials and methods: This study involved 26 fencing athletes (age = 20.35 +/- 5.12 years, sports experience: 8.44 +/- 4.33 years). The 20-m shuttle test, the vertical jump test, the Y-balance test, the fencing-specific 4-2-2-4 forward-back step method, and the Nelson hand reaction test were used to evaluate aerobic performance, anaerobic performance, balance, agility-change of direction, and visual reaction, respectively. Results: The maximum oxygen consumption determined with a use of the 20-m shuttle run test was moderately negatively correlated with the agility test duration (r = -0.624, p = 0.001). The shuttle number and distance were moderately negatively correlated with the agility test duration (r = -0.626, p = 0.001) and was positively correlated with vertical jump height (r = 0.577, p = 0.002). A moderate negative correlation was found between anaerobic power and lower limb fatigue determined using the shuttle run test (r = -0.407, p = 0.039) and the agility test duration (r = -0.679, p < 0.001). No correlation was found between balance, visual reaction time, and aerobic performance (p > 0.05). Conclusions: The study showed that the agility levels, vertical jump heights, and anaerobic power of fencers increased with an increase in their aerobic performance. Furthermore, fencers with greater power had better agility and showed fewer signs of fatigue. Therefore, training programs that combine both anaerobic and aerobic exercises should be designed specifically for the athlete to improve their fencing performance.
