Background and Purpose Altitude training and tapering are widely used to optimize physiological adaptations and competitive performance in middle-distance running. However, evidence remains inconsistent regarding whether moderate or higher altitude exposure during the tapering phase yields superior physiological, haematological, and performance outcomes, particularly among young athletes and across sexes. In Ethiopia, where natural altitude variation is readily accessible, empirical evidence is needed to guide altitude-specific tapering practices. This study examined the comparative effects of moderate versus higher-altitude tapering on cardiovascular, haematological, physical fitness, and event-specific performance outcomes in male and female adolescent middle-distance runners. Materials and Methods A quasi-experimental, non-randomized pre-test–post-test design was conducted with 41 trained middle-distance runners (25 males, 16 females; aged 17–23 years) from the Ethiopian Sports Academy residing chronically at 2,300 m. Following a standardized 12-week preparation phase, athletes completed a 3-week tapering period at either moderate altitude (1,800–2,000 m; ; 13 males, 9 females) or higher altitude (2,700–3,000 m; ; 12 males, 7 females). Tapering involved reducing weekly training volume by up to 40% and frequency by 30% while maintaining target intensity. Assessments included anthropometry, physical fitness, cardiovascular variables, complete blood count, and electronic time-trial performance in 800 m and 1,500 m events. Data were analyzed using Analysis of Covariance (ANCOVA) adjusting for baseline values and two-way mixed ANOVA ( ). False Discovery Rate (FDR) corrections were applied for multiple comparisons. Results ANCOVA revealed significant between-group differences favoring higher-altitude tapering for event-specific performance ( , , ), with male and female athletes improving time-trial performances by and , respectively. Conversely, moderate-altitude tapering elicited greater baseline-adjusted increases in circulating hemoglobin ( in females; in males; , , ) and hematocrit ( , , ), alongside larger reductions in resting heart rate ( ). and remained stable across conditions ( ). No significant interaction effects were observed for primary performance or hematological outcomes ( ). Conclusions Among chronic altitude-residing runners, higher-altitude tapering is superior for translating training adaptations into event-specific performance gains, whereas moderate-altitude tapering provides greater enhancements in circulating oxygen-carrying markers and cardiovascular readiness. Altitude-based tapering protocols should be tailored to specific performance goals and competition timelines.
Background and purpose The hiking position is a fundamental technique in International Laser Class Association dinghy sailing that requires prolonged trunk muscle activation to counteract external heeling forces. However, the influence of hip angle on trunk muscle activation during hiking has not been sufficiently investigated. From an applied perspective, clarifying this relationship could help coaches and strength and conditioning specialists use hip-angle adjustments to target different trunk-loading demands during simulator-based training. Therefore, the purpose of this pilot study was to determine how different hip angles in the hiking position on a sailing simulator affect trunk muscle activation in Slovenian sailors competing in International Laser Class Association classes. Material and methods Ten competitive International Laser Class Association sailors participated in the study. Maximal voluntary contractions of selected trunk muscles were recorded before testing. Participants then performed two trials on a sailing simulator at three hip angles (extended, semi-flexed, and flexed). Surface electromyography was used to assess rectus abdominis, external oblique, internal oblique, and erector spinae activation, with values normalized to each participant’s maximal voluntary contraction. Results Hip angle had a significant effect on rectus abdominis activation (59.3 ± 18.5%, 30.8 ± 14.2%, and 14.9 ± 10.7% of maximal voluntary contraction for the extended, semi-flexed, and flexed positions, respectively; p < 0.001), external oblique activation (46.2 ± 17.2%, 31.9 ± 8.9%, and 21.7 ± 8.5% of maximal voluntary contraction; p = 0.002), and internal oblique activation (24.9 ± 7.6%, 15.5 ± 6.7%, and 13.8 ± 8.4% of maximal voluntary contraction; p = 0.002). Erector spinae activation remained low across all conditions (5.4 ± 4.2%, 3.6 ± 2.0%, and 3.2 ± 2.0% of maximal voluntary contraction) and did not differ significantly between hip angles (p = 0.082). Conclusions Greater hip extension during a simulated hiking position was associated with increased activation of the rectus abdominis, external oblique, and internal oblique muscles, whereas erector spinae activation remained low. These acute responses indicate that hip angle can be used as a practical loading variable when planning hiking-simulator technique and conditioning sessions.
Background and purpose Modern handball is characterized by high-intensity game activity, rapidly changing game situations and the need for decision-making under time constraints, all of which make the preparedness of female athletes particularly important. At the same time, most existing approaches for assessing this preparedness, rely on the analysis of isolated psychophysiological indicators without considering their integrated interaction. The aim of the study was to determine the effectiveness of a specialized cognitive-motor program based on Go/No-Go principles as for developing the psychophysiological functions of elite female handball players, using the integral index as a comprehensive assessment criterion. Materials and Methods The study involved 32 elite female handball players – members of the Ukrainian national team, who were divided into the experimental group (n=16) and the control group (n=16). Psychophysiological functions were assessed using a proprietary computerized system titled "Integrated Diagnostics of Psychophysical Adaptation" (IDPA), which comprised the test battery based on the Go/No-Go paradigm. Statistical data analysis was performed using both parametric and non-parametric methods. Results A statistically significant improvement in the psychophysiological functions of female handball players in the experimental group was observed compared to the control group (p<0.05–0.01). The most significant positive changes were found in indicators of sensorimotor reaction, selective attention, visuomotor coordination and the integral index of psychophysiological functions (φ=4.101–4.923; p<0.01). The results indicate improved cognitive-motor interaction and psychophysiological adaptation of female athletes following the implementation of the integrated training program. An integral index of psychophysiological functions is proposed, enabling a comprehensive assessment of the psychophysiological readiness of female athletes, based on the results of eight complementary tests. Conclusions The integral index of psychophysiological functions has been developed, providing a comprehensive assessment of the psychophysiological readiness of qualified female handball players. The use of the IDPA system provides a comprehensive assessment of the psychophysiological readiness of female athletes, expands the possibilities of individualizing the training process and can be recommended for scientific and methodological support of the training of team sports athletes.
Background and Purpose Kabaddi demands explosive power, sprint speed, and rapid changes of direction. Traditional strength training improves maximal strength but may not optimize sport-specific performance. This study evaluated the effects of a 12-week Velocity-Based Functional Strength Training (VBFST) programme on countermovement jump, 20-m sprint, and 505 change-of-direction performance in elite male kabaddi players. Material and Methods Thirty elite male kabaddi players (18-25 years) were randomly divided into Velocity-Based Functional Strength Training group (VBFST; n=15) or Traditional Strength Training group (TST; n=15). Both groups performed 12 weeks supervised training 3 times a week while maintaining their regular kabaddi practice. The performance was measured before and after the training by the Countermovement Jump (CMJ), 20-m Sprint Test and 505 Change-of-Direction (COD) Test. Statistical analyses were conducted by means of two-way repeated-measure ANOVA with Bonferroni post hoc tests. Effect size was calculated by Hedges' g value, and significance level was set at p < 0.05. Results The VBFST group had significantly better improvement in all performance variables compared to the TST group (p < 0.001). The jump height in the countermovement jump increased from 38.62 ± 4.21 cm to 44.34 ± 4.56 cm (+14.8%) in the VBFST group while in the TST group the jump height increased from 38.91 ± 4.37 cm to 41.02 ± 4.49 cm (+5.4%) (Hedges' g = 1.05). The 20-metre sprint time was reduced from 3.21 ± 0.14 s to 3.03 ± 0.13 s (−5.6%) in the VBFST group, while in the TST group it was reduced from 3.23 ± 0.15 s to 3.15 ± 0.14 s (−2.4%) (Hedges' g = 0.87). Likewise, the 505 COD time was reduced from 2.48 ± 0.12 s to 2.33 ± 0.11 s (−6.2%) in the VBFST group while in the TST group it was reduced from 2.47 ± 0.13 s to 2.40 ± 0.12 s (−2.7%) (Hedges' g = 0.93) (p < 0.001). Conclusion A 12-week Velocity-Based Functional Strength Training programme induced more gains in explosive power of the lower limbs, sprint ability, and change-of-direction ability compared to traditional strength training programme in elite male kabaddi players. It could be concluded that the use of movement velocity monitoring in conjunction with functional strength exercises can be used effectively to improve sport-specific physical abilities in kabaddi.
Background and purpose Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) is a three-dimensional spinal deformity characterized by lateral curvature and vertebral rotation. Physiotherapeutic scoliosis-specific exercises (PSSE), such as the Schroth and SEAS methods, are utilized for curve correction and improving quality of life. This randomized controlled trial aimed to compare the effectiveness of the Schroth method versus the SEAS technique for spinal deformity correction and health-related quality of life in adolescents with AIS. Material and methods A randomized controlled trial was conducted with 30 adolescents (aged 13–18 years) with Cobb angles of 10°–25°. Participants were randomly allocated using a computer-generated random sequence with concealed allocation. Outcomes were assessed pre- and post-intervention using radiographic Cobb angle measurements, the Risser sign for skeletal maturity, and the SRS-22r questionnaire for health-related quality of life (HRQOL). Results Both groups showed significant improvements in spinal alignment and HRQOL post-intervention (p < 0.001). However, the Schroth group demonstrated a greater reduction in Cobb angle (mean difference: 8.60° vs. 4.73°; 43.43% vs. 25.16% improvement) and significantly higher improvements in HRQOL scores compared to the SEAS group (p = 0.035). Conclusions While both PSSE techniques are effective, the Schroth method demonstrated superior clinical outcomes in Cobb angle reduction and HRQOL, suggesting it provides more comprehensive three-dimensional management for AIS.
