Purpose: The aim of this study was to investigate pre- to post-match changes in hydration status and examine associationsbetween dehydration markers and GPS-derived external load variables in elite academy football players during officialcompetition.Methods: Thirty-eight elite male academy football players (15–19 years) participated in the study, resulting in 69 matchobservations collected across 10 official matches. Hydration-related variables included pre- and post-match body mass(BM), urine specific gravity (USG), handgrip strength (HS), percentage dehydration (%deh), fluid intake (W), and estimatedrehydration requirements (REHA). External load was monitored using 10-Hz GPS devices and included total distancecovered, relative running intensity, maximal velocity, high-intensity running distance, sprint distance, and accelerations/decelerations. Pre- to post-match differences were assessed using paired-samples t-tests, while associations betweendehydration and GPS variables were analyzed using Spearman’s rank correlation coefficients.Results: Significant reductions in body mass were observed following match play (P < 0.001), with players losing 0.9 ± 0.5 kgon average, corresponding to a mean dehydration level of 1.2 ± 0.7%. Urine specific gravity increased significantly post-match(P = 0.001), indicating deterioration in hydration status. Although mean dehydration remained below the commonly cited2% threshold, 11.6% of observations exceeded this value. Fluid intake during matches (1.0 ± 0.5 L) appeared insufficientrelative to estimated rehydration requirements (2.9 ± 1.1 L). A significant positive correlation was observed between %dehand total distance covered (rho = 0.283, P = 0.019), whereas no significant associations were found for other GPS variables.Midfield players demonstrated significantly greater relative running intensity than defenders and forwards (P < 0.001),although no positional differences in dehydration were identified.Conclusions: Elite academy football players demonstrated significant match-induced deterioration in hydration statusduring official competition. Individualized hydration monitoring and fluid replacement strategies may be important foroptimizing recovery and reducing exercise-induced fluid deficits in elite youth football.
Purpose: This exploratory study investigated kinematic characteristics associated with successful (hit) and unsuccessful (miss) outcomes in elite Chinese skeet shooters, aiming to identify movement strategies that contribute to shooting success. Methods: Video data were collected from five finalists of the Chinese national skeet team during internal qualification competitions for the Paris Olympics. Three cameras (50 Hz) recorded double-targettrials atstation 3. Each athlete contributed three successful and three unsuccessful trials. Four critical time points were analyzed: initiation of gun movement (T1), gun stock contact with the cheek (T2), first shot (T3), and second shot (T4). Variables included gun muzzle displacement and velocity, center of mass (COM) velocity, joint angles (shoulder, elbow, hip, knee), and stability/balance angles. Results: At T2, hit shots exhibited significantly smaller gun displacement compared with missed shots (19.555 +/- 1.526cm vs. 22.496 +/- 2.375cm, P<.001, Cohen's d=-1.474), including both horizontal (17.279 +/- 1.266cm vs. 19.400 +/- 2.388cm, P=.004, Cohen's d=-1.110) and vertical components (9.081 +/- 1.480cm vs. 11.292 +/- 1.524cm, P<.001, Cohen's d=-1.427). Vertical velocity was also reduced (.247 +/-.104m/s vs..284 +/-.099m/s, P=.033, Cohen's d=-.355). In addition, hit shots demonstrated a greater rear stability angle (13.580 +/- 1.841 degrees vs. 13.100 +/- 1.750 degrees, P=.009, Cohen's d=.267) and a smaller right elbow angle (70.840 +/- 3.363 degrees vs. 72.937 +/- 2.710 degrees, P=.026, Cohen's d=-.686). At T4, hit shots were characterized by a larger right knee angle (165.319 +/- 6.516 degrees vs. 162.019 +/- 4.446 degrees, P=.032, Cohen's d=.592) and a smaller right elbow angle (62.552 +/- 6.025 degrees vs. 66.878 +/- 3.609 degrees, P=.013, Cohen's d=-.871). Other joint angles and COM velocity showed no significant differences, though some variables indicated small to moderate effect sizes. Conclusions: Effective skeet shooting is closely associated with reduced gun displacement and vertical velocity at T2, accompanied by a greater rear stability angle and a smaller right elbow angle. At T4, a larger right knee angle and a smaller right elbow angle further distinguished hit shots from misses. These findings highlight the importance of muzzle control, trunk posture, and upper limb configuration in enhancing shooting stability and mitigating recoil effects.
Purpose: Social support is a key factor in the quality of life for individuals over 60, impacting their social functioning andsuccessful aging. Family support, in particular, strengthens intergenerational ties and fosters a sense of belonging. This studyaimed to explore the social support network of people over 60 and assess their self-rated quality of life.Methods The survey involved 322 participants, with 300 completing the survey (271 women, 29 men). Two tools were used:the Polish adaptation of the Norbeck Social Support Questionnaire (NSSQ) and the Short Form-36v2 Health Survey for selfassessmentof quality of life (QualityMetric's PRO CoRE License Agreement. License Agreement: QUO-04385-V4P6T6)Results: The results revealed no significant correlation between the participants' age and their NSSQ or SF-36 scores.However, better self-assessment of material situation and health was linked to more indications of individuals providingsupport (P=.0016). Additionally, as health self-assessment improved, limitations due to physical health problems decreased(P=.04). A positive correlation was found between physical fitness self-assessment and the NSSQ subscales, including supportreceived and provided (P<.05).Conclusions: The quality of life for older adults remains closely tied to family, with the extent of these relationships influencedby various individual mechanisms and preferences.
Purpose: Laboratory tests are fundamental for assessing handball performance, but their ecological validity for amateurfemale players is unclear. This exploratory study compared physiological and perceptual responses between commonmaximal exercise tests and official match play to determine if they replicate competitive demands.Methods: Sixteen amateur female handball players completed three laboratory tests (Wingate, cycle ergometer, treadmill)and were monitored during ten official matches. The data collection included both physiological and psychological indicators:heart rate (HR), blood lactate concentration, rating of perceived exertion (RPE), perceived stress, and mood states.Results: Peak HR values recorded in the Wingate and Cycle ergometer were lower than those reached during actualcompetition (d = -.77 to -.75, P< .05). In addition, compared with the Wingate and cycle ergometer tests, competitive matchesrequired players to spend a significantly larger proportion of time with their HR exceeding 90% of its maximum. Thiscontrast was less evident when compared with the treadmill test. A clear mismatch was observed between physiological andperceptual measures. Despite showing stronger physiological strain during matches -such as greater weight loss and higherpre-exercise lactate levels- players reported significantly lower RPE values than in the laboratory conditions (d = .27 to .36,P< .05).Conclusions: None of the laboratory-based tests accurately reproduced the full demands of a handball match. Althoughthe treadmill test elicited similar peak HR values, it failed to reflect the sport’s intermittent nature. The Wingate and cycletests showed even greater discrepancies in cardiovascular intensity. These findings underline the importance of developingsport-specific or hybrid assessment protocols that integrate intermittent workloads and cognitive demands for a more validevaluation of performance.
Purpose: The aim of this study was to determine the influence of different motor abilities on performance in shot put, discus, and javelin among women, as well as the changes in their importance across different stages of motor learning. Methods: Participants were 21 female athletes (age 20.4 +/- 1.2 years, body weight 61.6 +/- 8 kg, body height 168.5 +/- 5.8 cm) with recreational to developmental training backgrounds. Over five weeks, participants completed 15 training sessions. Technical performance and motor abilities (deadlift, overhead medicine ball throw, 10m sprint, standing long jump) were tested across three measurement points. Data were analyzed using repeated measures ANOVA and multiple regression. Results: The results showed that upper-body explosive strength was the main predictor of success in all disciplines, with the strongest effect in the final stage (shot put beta = .76; javelin beta = .78). Maximal strength (deadlift) had a modest influence initially but became significant in the final stage, particularly in shot put (beta = .10, P < .001). Sprint speed and lower-body strength had limited predictive value. Conclusions: Motor abilities contribute differently to performance at various learning stages. In the early phases, technical instruction and movement stabilization are essential, while upper-body explosive power becomes a decisive factor once the technique is automated. These findings emphasize the importance of phased and individualized training adapted to the discipline and the level of motor development.
Purpose: The purpose of this study was to analyse the longitudinal career outcomes of wrestlers who participated in U20European and Asian Championships between 2014 and 2022.Methods: A total of 1,480 athletes competing in freestyle wrestling across all weight categories were included. Data on theircareers, retrieved from the official United World Wrestling database, covered performances at U17, U20, U23, and seniorlevelinternational events (Continental, World Championships, and Olympic Games). Athletes were classified by U20 results(all participants, medallists, winners) and tracked across subsequent stages.Results: The average number of participants per weight category was higher in Europe (13.04) than in Asia (9.15),indicating greater competition density. Performance analysis at U20 level revealed that 41.84% of Asian wrestlers becamemedallists, and 10.93% winners, compared to 28.75 and 7.67% in Europe (P< .01). European athletes, however, showedstronger continuity at subsequent stages: 62.65% of U20 participants had competed at U17 level and 52.25% advancedto U23, compared to 39.15 and 25.40% in Asia (P< .01). At senior Continental Championships, Asian wrestlers recorded ahigher share of medallists (12.34 vs. 6.68%, P< .01), while European wrestlers demonstrated greater transition rates amongmedallists and champions. At the World Championships and Olympic Games, no statistically significant differences werefound, with both continents showing broadly similar progression patterns.Conclusions: While European athletes more often progressed through U17 and U23 stages, Asian wrestlers achievedcomparable outcomes at the senior level, including World Championships and Olympic Games. Regional differences appearmainly at developmental stages, whereas elite-level performance converges, underlining the role of U20 competition andnational systems in shaping future champions.
Purpose: The main purpose of the study was to investigate the sensitivity properties of a newly developed Ballroom Aerobic Test (BAT) protocol for cardiorespiratory fitness against objective methods. Methods: Twenty-four young dancesport couple athletes who competed at international level were recruited (age 20.40 +/- 3.90 years; stature 172.10 +/- 8.70 cm; body mass 60.10 +/- 9.40 kg; 50.00% women). Physiological parameters from the field-based BAT protocol were evaluated using the MetaMax (R) 3B portable gas analyzer, while objective data were generated on the running ergometer following the KF1 and Bruce protocols. The area under the curve (AUC), sensitivity, specificity, false positive (FP), false negative (FN), positive likelihood ratio (PLR) and negative likelihood ratio (NLR) were calculated. Results: The AUC for the BAT against the KF1 and Bruce protocols yielded satisfactory values of > .75, with the largest agreements for absolute (AUC = .92; 95% CI .82-1.00 and .94; 95% CI .90-1.00) and relative maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max; AUC = .94; 95% CI .90-1.00 and .95; 95% CI .86-1.00). Other ventilatory and metabolic parameters yielded somewhat lower AUC values (.65 <= AUC <= .93). Sensitivity and specificity analyses exhibited acceptable agreement percentages between the BAT and KF1/Bruce protocols, ranging from 66.70% to 95.10% for sensitivity and 60.00% to 100.00% for specificity. The largest PLRs were shown for relative VO2max in both KF1 (10.31) and Bruce (11.05) protocols. Conclusions: This study shows that the BAT protocol may be considered as a good diagnostic tool for evaluating ventilatory and metabolic parameters of standard style dancesport athletes.
Purpose: Bone mineral density (BMD) and bone mineral content (BMC) undergo significant changes during life. Among athletes, skeletal health is one of the key elements determining the length and quality of a sports career. Methods: This study aims to identify and compare the key determinants of forearm BMD among early adolescent female gymnasts (G), swimmers (S), and a non-training group (N), with a focus on training type, nutritional factors, fracture history, and anthropometric characteristics that may influence bone health during critical periods of growth and development. It examined 45 girls aged 10.70 +/- .90 years. BMD and BMC of the forearm in the distal (dis) and proximal (prox) segments were measured by densitometry. Dairy consumption and eating habits were assessed by means of a nutritional interview. Basic somatic measurements were carried out. Somatic maturation status, and puberty rate were determined. Results: All the analyzed bone parameters were significantly higher in group G compared to S and N (eta(2)> .14; large effect; P< .001). Significantly more often, BMD below normal was recorded in groups S and N vs G. ANCOVA covariance analysis was used to assess the strength of the relationship between forearm bone parameters and biological variables, nutritional variables, and physical activity. The results of covariance analyses showed that BMD dis was significantly influenced by somatic maturation status, and physical activity (adj. R-2= .65; P< .001). A Similar interaction was shown for BMC prox (adj. R-2= .51; P< .001). BMD prox was significantly influenced by physical activity (adj. R-2= .60; P< .001). A Similar interaction was shown for BMC dis (adj. R-2= .38; P< .01). Z-score was significantly influenced by dairy products (n/day) and physical activity (adj. R2= .54; P< .001). Conclusions: Physical activity, especially high-impact gymnastic training, turned out to be the strongest determinant of bone parameters of the forearm in girls.
Purpose: The main purpose of the study was to examine the reliability and validity of the 30-15 Intermittent Fitness Test (30-15IFT). Methods: Forty-eight young female soccer players (age = 17.33 +/- 1.15 years; height = 175.11 +/- 6.10 cm; weight = 67.20 +/- 7.13 kg) from three national level competitive clubs were recruited. Test-retest reliability was performed 7 days apart and the 30-15IFT outcome measures were correlated against the Bruce continuous running test protocol. Results: Vmax (ICC = .90; CV = 1.02%, P< .001), HRpeak (ICC =.91; CV = 1.00%, P< .001) and VO2max (ICC = .91; CV = 1.10%, P< .001) exhibited high reliability properties. Correlations between the 30-15IFT and continuous running yielded very large effects for Vmax (R= .72; SEE = .65 km*h-1, P< .001), HRpeak (R= .77; SEE = 5.09 b.p.m., P< .001) and VO2max (R= .73; SEE = 1.96 ml*kg-1*min-1, P< .001). Conclusions: This study shows that the 30-15IFT is highly reliable and satisfactory valid tool for assessing aerobic capacity in young female soccer players.
Purpose: This study investigated the effect of the Good Behaviour Game (GBG) on targeted motor performance metrics during long jump instruction. Methods: In this randomized controlled trial, 40 middle school students (age: 13.10±.40 years) were equally distributed between experimental and control-groups. The experimental group received the GBG intervention integrated into their regular physical education curriculum, while the control group participated in standard physical education sessions. Long jump performance was evaluated through jump distance and number of successful jumps. Results: The experimental group showed significantly greater improvements in jump distance (males: 29.80%; females: 27.70%) compared to controls (males: 17.30%; females: 16.70%), with a significant Group × Time interaction (P<.001, ηp2 = .46). For successful jumps, the GBG group achieved markedly greater improvements (males: +1.10 jumps; females: +1.40 jumps) versus controls (males: +.60; females: +.50), yielding large effect sizes (Cohen’s d > 1.90) for all comparisons. While females in the experimental group demonstrated a particularly pronounced improvement in successful jumps, no significant sex differences were observed in relative improvements for jump distance. The GBG significantly enhanced both quantitative and qualitative dimensions of long jump performance. Conclusions: These findings extend the established GBG literature beyond behavioural management applications into performance enhancement domains, demonstrating its utility as a powerful pedagogical tool for enhancing targeted motor skills in physical education.
Purpose: The objective of this investigation was to determine the effects of acute boxing exercises on attention, heart rate (HR), and mood states among regional boxing secondary school students. Methods: Fourteen students (8 males and 6 females, age = 16.10 +/- .30 years, height = 166.92 +/- 3.66 cm, body mass = 60.90 +/- 7.80 kg) specialized in competing in boxing participated in the present study. They were randomly assigned to one of the following three sessions in a crossover design: (i) a tag boxing game condition, (ii) a footwork drills condition, and (iii) a control condition (CC). Cognitive performance, namely concentration performance (CP) and fluctuation rate (FR), HR, and rating of perceived exertion (RPE) were assessed pre and immediately post each condition using d2 test, a wrist monitor recorder, and Borg CR-10 scale, respectively. Mood state was quantified using Brunel Mood Scale (BRUMS) questionnaire only immediately after each condition. Results: The findings revealed that while overall CP did not differ between tag boxing games and footwork drills (P= .24), the consistency of attention was superior following tag boxing, as indicated by a significantly lower FR (P= .02). FR was also lower in tag boxing compared to the CC (P< .001). No significant difference in HR was found between the two exercise conditions (P= 1.00). Regarding psychological measures, higher RPE and fatigue subscale values were reported after footwork drills than after tag boxing games (P= .03 and .04, respectively) and CC (P< .001). Conversely, higher vigor subscale values were reported following tag boxing games compared to footwork drills (P= .03) and CC (P< .001). Conclusions: Acute boxing exercises, notably tag boxing games, demonstrate a significant benefit for the persistence and consistency of attention control, despite showing no difference in overall concentration performance. This suggests that boxing practitioners may implement tag boxing games prior to any tasks requiring sustained and stable visual attention.
Purpose: This study examines the impact of video use in three different formats: continuous playback without interruption, self-paced control, and feedback-based format, on situational interest, self-efficacy, and the development oftactical knowledge in handball among students in physical education. Methods: Sixty secondary school students, (age 14.47 +/- 0.44 years) were divided into three groups of 20 students each, with 10 girls and 10 boys per group: The Continuous Video Group (CVG; n=20), the Video Control Group (CTR; n= 20), and the Video Feedback Group (VFB; n=20). Students viewed a handball video scenario and then completed recall and transfer tests, as well as situational interest and self-efficacy questionnaires. Results: Non-parametric analyses (Mann-Whitney U tests) showed that the Video Control Group had significantly better recall than the Video Continuous (U= 52, P< .001) and Video Feedback groups (U= 71.5, P< .001). For transfer and efficacy tests, both the Control and Feedback groups outperformed the Continuous group (transfer: U=4 7, P< .001; U= 73, P< .001; efficacy: U=118.5, P= .026; U= 110, P= .014). Situational interest was significantly higher in the Continuous group compared to the Feedback group (P= .027), suggesting continuous video exposure elicits greater interest than delayed feedback. Conclusions: These results suggestthat, although the continuous reading group demonstrated higher situational interest, their memorization and transfer performance was lower than that of the groups using video control or video feedback. Therefore, video control andvideo feedback appear to promote both self-efficacy and performance. Therefore, to optimize results, the use of these teaching tools should be progressively structured and adapted to the cognitive abilities of physical education students.
Purpose: This study aims to explore the external and internal determinants of individual forms of leisure-time physical activity (IF LTPA) among adults living in & Sacute;wi & eogon;toch & lstrok;owice, one of the regions with the highest obesity rates in Poland. It explores the effects of the generational cohort on the likelihood of engaging in IF LTPA. Methods: The authors demonstrate an interdisciplinary approach, integrating public health science, sports science, and management science. In view of this, the convenience sampling recognized in development sciences was used. Data were collected in two phases: anthropometric measurements and a face-to-face questionnaire. The sample (N = 1,065 adults) was divided into three generational cohorts: Generation Y, Generation X and the Baby Boomers. Logistic regression was applied to identify relations between sociodemographic and anthropometric variables and engaging in IF LTPA. Results: Younger generations are more likely to engage in IF LTPA (36% for Generation Y and 41% for Generation X vs 20% for Baby Boomers). Moreover, only 8% of Generation Y reported no form of LTPA. Significant predictors of IF LTPA included gender, BMI, socioeconomic group, financial situation, motivation (especially health), and overall physical activity level. Women were significantly less likely to engage in IF LTPA across all cohorts. Conclusions: The results suggest that physical activity and leisure offerings should be tailored to specific generational cohorts. Physical activity and leisure-based products (services) should be designed and managed responsibly. Promoting IF LTPA may enhance engagement in healthy lifestyles and support public health efforts in obesogenic environments.
Purpose: The integration of visual feedback (VFB) has become essential in physical education (PE), particularly with the emergence in artificial intelligence (AI) technologies. However, tackling techniques in youth soccer training have received limited empirical attention, even though they represent a complex and high-risk defensive skill. The purpose of the study was to analyse the effects of AI-enhanced VFB, using 3D animated motion capture, on the acquisition of tackling skills among youth soccer players. Methods: Twenty-three participants were randomly assigned to an experimental group (EG; n = 12), utilizing AI-animated VFB, or to a control group (CG; n = 11) which received only verbal feedback. Technical performance was evaluated through four validated success criteria at the 1st, 6th, and 12th training lessons, while biomechanical efficiency was measured by comparing the trunk-leg angle to a model angle (167.3 degrees). Motivation was evaluated using the Situational Motivation Scale. Results: The findings show that the EG achieved a significantly greater improvement in technical performance (+179%) compared to the CG (+96%), with very marked effects for leg-knee positioning (Criteria 3) and ball contact (Criteria 4). The leg-trunk angle of the EG also improved significantly (+23.84%), approaching the expert model, while the CG showed only a modest increase (+9.63%). Furthermore, intrinsic motivation increased significantly in the EG (P = .001; d = 1.44), accompanied by a significant reduction in amotivation (P = .004; d = 1.07). Conclusions: The AI-enhanced VFB allowed players to analyse their performance through 3D animations, facilitating skill improvement. These findings highlight the potential of AI-driven visual feedback in sports training, through further research needed to optimize its application in skill acquisition.
Purpose: The study evaluated the effects of low-frequency magnetic field and kinesitherapy on selected parameters of nutritional status and inflammation in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) undergoing hemodialysis. Methods: The study included 25 hemodialysis patients with stage G5 CKD, divided into three groups: magnetic stimulation + kinesitherapy, kinesitherapy only, and a control group. Magnetic stimulation was applied three times a week for 12 weeks. Blood tests were performed to assess nutritional status (TP, ALB, TC, TG), inflammation (CRP) and liver enzymes AST and ALT. Results: Before treatment, there were no statistically significant differences in TC (P = .675), TG (P = .861), ALT (P = .991), AST (P = .840), TP (P = .509), or ALB (P = .276). CRP values trended toward statistical significance (P = .069); the highest median was seen in Group 2 (10.50 mg/L). After therapy, there was a significant decrease in CRP levels in Group 2 (P = .013). Other parameters showed no significant changes. TC decreased in all groups, with the greatest decrease observed in the control group. TG levels varied among groups: they increased in Group 1, decreased in the control group, and remained stable in Group 2 (P = .245). AST and ALT stayed within normal limits. ALB levels slightly decreased in Groups 1 and 2, which, along with higher CRP, suggests an association with inflammation. Conclusion: Some patients with advanced CKD on haemodialysis have elevated CRP levels and low albumin, which may signal malnutrition. Both treatments can affect inflammatory and nutritional status.
Purpose: This study aims to examine the relationship between recreational area preferences and recreational flow experiences in green leisure participants, particularly focusing on the mediating effect of leisure satisfaction. Method: The study involved 663 adults aged 18-65. Participants completed three standardized scales. The factor structure of the scales was assessed using confirmatory factor analysis, and the mediation model was tested using Hayes' PROCESS Macro (Model 4) with 5,000 bootstrap samples. Results: The results revealed that recreational area preferences are positively related to green leisure participants' recreational flow experiences. The effects of leisure satisfaction were shown to mediate the relationship between recreational area preferences and recreational flow experiences (Delta R2 = .10, P <= .001). Conclusion: The findings indicate that leisure satisfaction is not only an outcome but also an important process contributing to the relationship between recreational area preferences and flow experiences. Accordingly, it is suggested that green space designs incorporating active and passive areas, sensory features, and structured programs may facilitate users' more intense and meaningful experiences.
Purpose: The main purpose of the study was to investigate the effects of Lokomat (R) intervention on paretic and non-paretic lower-limb force (L-FORCE) in subacute stroke patients. Methods: For this observational, case-control study, we recruited 13 subacute stroke patients (age = 53.38 +/- 8.78 years, 38.50% women) who experienced a stroke <2 months prior an intervention. Pre-post changes for Lokomat (R) system in hip and knee flexion and extension movements were observed. Results: At baseline, no significant differences between left and right leg in hip flexion (Z - value = 0.002, P= .998), hip extension (Z - value = 0.526, P= .609), knee flexion (Z - value = -1.056, P= .314) and knee extension (Z - value = 0.043, P= .967) were found. Over a period of 6 weeks, the Lokomat (R) guided intervention non-significantly increased hip flexion torques in paretic leg (ES = .18, P= .716) and non-paretic leg (ES = .38, P= .056). For knee flexion, non-significant increases for paretic leg (ES = .24, P= .225) and non-paretic leg (ES = .22, P= .291) were observed. Results for hip extension indicated nonsignificant increases for paretic leg (ES = .23, P= .269) and non-paretic leg (ES = .35, P= .095). Similar to other movements, non-significant increases were shown for paretic leg (ES = .15, P= .744) and non-paretic leg (ES = .26, P= .229) in knee extension. Non-significant differences in pre-post changes between paretic and non-paretic leg were observed for hip flexion (P= 0.442), hip extension (P= .055), knee flexion (P= .477) and knee extension (P= .554). Conclusions: A 6-week Lokomat (R) intervention produced small positive changes in flexion and extension hip and knee movements for paretic and non-paretic leg in subacute stroke patients. Thus, the Lokomat (R) is able to detect and measure changes within a certain joint and between paretic and non-paretic limb.
Purpose: This systematic review aims to determine the incidence of judo-related injuries among judokas and identify available preventive interventions. Methodology: A comprehensive literature search was conducted across three electronic databases to identify articles relevant to the topic: PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science and Science Direct. All the articles that met our inclusion criteria were included in the systematic review. Results: The electronic search yielded 740 articles, of which only 15 met the inclusion criteria and were included in the systematic review. Across the studies, the incidence of judo-related injuries was 15.79 to 71.43 injuries per 1000 athletic events (AEs). The upper and lower extremities were the most injured body parts. The trunk and the head were the body parts that were the least injured among the judokas. Regarding injury type, the most common injuries across the studies were sprains and strains, fractures and contusions. Conclusions: Our results indicate that the incidence of judo-related injuries is relatively lower than that of other combat sports, such as mixed martial arts (MMA). However, there are inconsistencies in reporting these injuries across the different studies. Future studies should, therefore, adopt a standardized method of reporting outcomes to enable the pooling of results. Lastly, research on the development of injury-preventive interventions in judo remains limited. Consequently, further studies are needed to evaluate and validate various approaches to injury prevention.
Purpose: Findings of recent reviews show that the prevalence of mental health symptoms and disorders among both current and former elite athletes appears to be substantial and similar to the prevalence in the general population. The aim of the current systematic review was to determine the prevalence of distress, anxiety and depression symptoms, sleep disorders, nutrition disorders, and substance use in elite active athletes. Methods: The searches for articles were conducted in July 2024, in scientific journals indexed in the PsycNet, PubMed, SportDiscus, Scopus and ScienceDirect databases, with a search period from 1st January 2020 to July 31, 2024. Results: A total of 1505 potentially relevant citations were retrieved, the review included 28 articles. The prevalence of psychological distress in both male and female athletes is approximately 17%. Moderate to severe generalized anxiety occurs in 5-9% of male athletes and 12-25% of female athletes. In the case of depression, the results are therefore more diverse, depending not only on cultural factors, but also on the measurement tool. A higher prevalence of depression was shown in female athletes. A high risk of eating disorders was found in several to a dozen or so percent of athletes. At least a dozen or so percent of athletes have sleep problems, and these difficulties occur more often in women. The prevalence of alcohol misuse varies greatly depending on the study group (15-77%), usually higher in men than in women. Conclusions: The prevalence of mental disorders among elite athletes is higher in women than men and at least as high as in the general population. It does not differ significantly from that determined in earlier reviews and varies depending on cultural factors and sport practiced.
Purpose: The objective of this study was to assess the impact of structured physical exercise on gait performance among people with Down syndrome (DS), providing evidence-based exercise recommendations. Methods: A comprehensive search of EBSCO, PubMed, Cochrane Library, Embase, Web of Science Core Collection, and Scopus was conducted up to April 2024 and updated in April 2025. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and quasi-RCTs comparing structured physical exercise interventions with non-exercise or usual care controls were included. Meta-analyses were performed on gait-related outcomes, including the 8-foot Up and Go Test (8UG) and the 6-minute Walking Distance Test (6MWT). A descriptive synthesis was conducted for outcomes where a meta-analysis was not feasible due to substantial heterogeneity or insufficiently comparable data across studies. Results: A total of eight studies (seven RCTs and one quasi-RCT) involving 202 participants were included. Physical exercise interventions significantly improved 6MWT (mean difference (MD) = 43.19; 95% confidence interval (CI): 19.50 to 66.88; I² = 0%; P = .0004) and 8UG (MD = .76; 95% CI: .27 to 1.25; I² = 0%; P = .002). The descriptive analysis indicated that physical exercise may improve walking speed, the Timed Up and Go Test (TUG), spatial parameters, and joint kinematics among individuals with DS. Conclusion: Preliminary evidence shows that structured physical exercise may be associated with improvements in gait performance in individuals with DS; however, the overall certainty of the evidence remains low due to the small sample sizes and methodological limitations. Future high-quality studies are required to validate these findings, compare structured exercise interventions with active control programs matched for exercise volume, and identify the most effective exercise modes, intensities, and individualized strategies for gait rehabilitation in this population. Systematic review registration: INPLASY202540108
