The objective of this study was to determine metabolic syndrome (MS) outcomes and insulin resistance (IR) among retired combat sports athletes (CSA) who practiced rapid weight loss (RWL) compared with the control group (CG).
This study aimed to evaluate the effects of a structured swimming training program on selected motor abilities in young female swimmers compared to a control group. Material and methods: The study lasted 3 years. The experimental group included 14 swimmers (mean biological age at baseline: 10.52 years), while the control group consisted of 14 girls (mean biological age: 10.74 ± 0.62 years) who only participated in compulsory physical education classes. Every 6 months, both groups were tested for lower limb explosive strength, speed, and coordination, abdominal muscle strength, and anaerobic power (estimated using the vertical jump test).
Study aim This cross-sectional study aimed to compare inter-limb differences in isokinetic peak torque (PT), hop performance, and dynamic balance in soccer players 24 months post-ACLR, and secondarily to examine associations between PT and functional test performance.Methods Twenty-four soccer players who had undergone ACLR 24 months prior were assessed. Isokinetic PT of the knee extensors and flexors was measured at 60, 180, and 300 degrees/s. Functional performance was evaluated using the single hop for distance, the 30 s side hop (SH), and the Y-balance test (YBT). Paired-samples t-tests assessed inter-limb differences; Pearson correlation analysis SHD examined associations between PT and functional outcomes.Results Significant inter-limb differences were found in knee extensor PT at all velocities and in flexor PT at 60 degrees/s. Mean inter-limb differences ranged from 10.25 to 17.08 Nm for knee extensors and were 7.54 Nm for knee flexors at 60 degrees/s (Cohen's d = 0.45-0.65). No differences were found in hop or YBT scores. A substantial portion of participants did not meet the symmetry threshold for isokinetic strength or SH performance. SH performance was significantly associated with extensor and flexor PT at specific velocities, while extensor PT was also associated with selected YBT directions and the composite score.Conclusions In this sample of male soccer players, strength asymmetries may persist 24 months post-ACLR, although group-level differences in hop and YBT performance were not observed. SH and selected YBT outcomes may complement, but not replace, isokinetic evaluation.
Background: Breathing patterns influence postural control through biomechanical and neurophysiological mechanisms involving trunk stabilization and autonomic regulation. Altered thoracoabdominal breathing may contribute to asymmetrical plantar loading and impaired postural alignment in young adults. Objective: To evaluate the immediate effect of diaphragmatic breathing retraining on plantar weight distribution in collegiate students with altered breathing patterns. Methods: This exploratory single-group pre-post study recruited 100 collegiate students aged 18-28 years using convenient sampling. Participants with altered thoracoabdominal breathing, identified using the Hi-Lo test, underwent a standardized 15-min diaphragmatic breathing retraining protocol. Plantar pressure variables, including maximum pressure and regional pressure distribution across the hindfoot, midfoot, forefoot, and toes, were assessed during static bipedal stance using the Ezra OHM 3000 plantar pressure system before and after the intervention. Data normality was assessed using the Shapiro-Wilk test. Pre-post comparisons were performed using paired t-tests, with effect sizes (Cohen's d), 95% confidence intervals, and Bonferroni correction applied for multiple comparisons. Results: Post-intervention analysis demonstrated a redistribution of plantar pressure characterized by increased maximum and hind-foot pressure and reduced midfoot, forefoot, and toe pressures. Although several variables reached statistical significance at p < 0.05, only left maximum plantar pressure remained significant after Bonferroni correction. Effect sizes were small to moderate. Conclusion: Diaphragmatic breathing retraining produces immediate, measurable changes in plantar weight distribution in collegiate students with altered breathing patterns. These findings suggest a potential role for breathing-based interventions in optimizing postural alignment, warranting further controlled studies.
The aim of this systematic review is to categorize and evaluate lower-limb exoskeletons, including commercial and research-based models, to identify the most effective designs for alleviating musculoskeletal strain and fatigue in industrial settings.
Study aim: This pilot study aimed to quantify acute and short-term pre-to post-session changes in the mechanical properties of shoulder girdle muscles in volleyball players during an in-season preparatory mesocycle. Material and methods: Eight male volleyball athletes competing at the national academic level underwent assessments once per week across a 3-week in-season preparatory mesocycle immediately preceding the Polish Academic Volleyball Championships. At each session, MyotonPRO was used to measure tone (Hz), stiffness (N/m), and elasticity (log. decrement, D) before and after standardized 120-min training. Upper-body explosive power was assessed via the seated medicine-ball throw. Week-specific pre-post comparisons were tested with paired t-tests (Cohen's dz, 95% CI). Two-way repeated-measures ANOVAs examined Time (pre/post) & times; Week effects. Results: Upper trapezius tone increased significantly post-training across all weeks (dz = 0.90-1.01, p < 0.05). Lower trapezius elasticity improved consistently (Delta = -0.13 to-0.17, dz approximate to -1.0, p < 0.05), while infraspinatus elasticity improved only in Week 3 (dz = -1.13, p = 0.015). Exploratory repeated-measures ANOVA also identified a Time effect for upper trapezius tone (F(1,7) = 12.1, p = 0.010, eta(2)(p) = 0.634), although ANOVA-based effect sizes should be interpreted cautiously given the pilot sample. Conclusions: Preliminary data suggest that selected shoulder stabilizers exhibited short-term pre-to post-session changes in tone and elasticity during the monitored in-season preparatory mesocycle. Given the pilot sample, these localized changes should be interpreted cautiously.
Study aim The semi-Fowler's position is widely used to support respiratory function and reduce cardiovascular stress. Despite the known cardiovascular benefits of upper trunk flexion in Fowler's position, its effects in the semi-Fowler's position remain uninvestigated. This study aimed to compare the effects of upper trunk flexion (UT30) and whole-trunk elevation (WT30) at 30 degrees on ventilation and cardiac chronotropy in healthy young women. Material and methods Fourteen healthy young women (age: 20.6 +/- 0.7 years; height: 162.1 +/- 5.4 cm; weight: 53.1 +/- 5.6 kg) participated in a randomized crossover design comparing supine, 30 degrees whole-trunk elevation (WT30), and 30 degrees upper trunk flexion at T10 (UT30). Tidal volume (TV), minute ventilation (MV), respiratory rate, and RR intervals were measured using a pneumotachograph and ECG (BIOPAC MP150) after 5-min equilibration. Data were analyzed using Linear Mixed Models (R version 4.3.3). Results Both UT30 and WT30 increased TV (Delta + 79 and + 94 mL) and MV (Delta + 0.89 and + 1.18 L/min) versus supine (all p < 0.001), with no UT30-WT30 differences. RR interval decreased in WT30 versus supine (Delta - 0.029 s, approximate to +2.1 bpm, p = 0.038) but not in UT30 (p > 0.05); the direct UT30-WT30 comparison was not significant. Conclusions These findings suggest that UT30 may be an efficient low-burden posture in healthy young women; applicability to populations with limited cardiovascular reserve requires direct clinical validation.
Study aim This study evaluated the effects of active recovery (AR), cold-water immersion (CWI), contrast-water therapy (CWT), and a no-recovery control (CWR) on creatine kinase (CK), myoglobin (Mb), and pain pressure thresholds (PPT) in national-level basketball players across three time points: immediately post-match, 24 h, and 48 h post-match. Materials and methods Twenty professional players participated in a randomized crossover trial in which each underwent all four conditions. A single intervention was applied post-match, with CK and Mb levels assessed at each time point, and PPT measured on the quadriceps and triceps surae. Results All conditions showed peak CK and Mb levels at 24 h post-match, followed by a decline at 48 h. Significant time effects were observed (p < 0.001), with condition & times; time interactions for all variables (eta(2 )= 0.26-0.94). Unexpectedly, the CWR condition had the lowest CK and Mb concentrations and highest PPT values at 48 h, indicating better biochemical and nociceptive recovery. CWI resulted in significantly lower PPT compared to AR, CWT, and CWR (p < 0.001). After accounting for baseline differences using analysis of covariance (ANCOVA), condition effects remained significant at both 24 h and 48 h post-match (all p < 0.01, eta( 2)(p) = 0.15-0.91). Conclusion While AR, CWI, and CWT affected muscle damage and pain sensitivity, CWR led to the most favorable outcomes, suggesting that a single recovery intervention may not outperform rest. Notably, CWI was less effective for pain sensitivity despite moderating biomarkers.
Study aim This study aims to determine the impact of 4 weeks of moderate aerobic exercise on adiponectin and pancreatic beta-cell function in men with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).Materials and Methods Twenty-two men with T2DM who participated in this randomized controlled trial were randomly assigned to trial (n = 11) or control (n = 11) groups. The trial group took part in 4 weeks of moderate aerobic exercise consisting of three sessions/week of 30 min/day. Variables were measured 30 min before the first session and after the last session, including weight, height, body mass index, insulin, fasting plasma glucose (FPG), adiponectin, and HOMA-beta. Independent t-tests, Mann-Whitney U tests, Wilcoxon signed-rank tests, paired t-tests, and Fisher's exact tests were performed.Results Twenty men with T2DM in trial group (n = 10) and control group (n = 10) were analyzed. There were significant differences in adiponectin levels between the groups after exercise (p = 0.003) and in the degree of adiponectin changes between groups (p = 0.017). FPG levels between groups was significantly different after exercise (p = 0.018). There was no significant difference in HOMA-beta levels between the trial and control groups after 4 weeks of exercise (p = 0.131). No linearity between adiponectin changes and HOMA-beta changes was observed.Conclusion Four weeks of moderate aerobic exercise improved adiponectin and glucose uptake. While adiponectin levels increased, beta-cell function did not show a significant change as measured by HOMA-beta.
Study aim The aim of this study is to examine the impact of the Sherborne developmental movement (SDM) program on motor and psychosocial development and behavior in children and adolescents with autism spectrum disorder (ASD).Material and methods Fifteen participants with ASD were assessed in motor development using the short form of Bruininks-Oseretsky Test of Motor Proficiency, Second Edition (BOT-2). Psychosocial functioning was evaluated with the Strengths and Difficulties Questionnaire (SDQ-Hel), and behavior was measured using the Behavioral Summarized Evaluation (BSE). A pre-post intervention design with an experimental and a control group was employed.Results Participants in the intervention group demonstrated significant improvements in BOT-2 (F = 36.845, p = 0.001, eta 2 = 0.739) and prosocial behavior (PB) of the SDQ (F = 35.977, p = 0.001, eta 2 = 0.735), as well as reductions in the behavioral difficulties of the BSE (F = 137.054, p = 0.001, eta 2 = 0.913). Multiple regression analysis further indicated that PB was a significant predictor of motor development.Conclusion The findings support the efficacy of SDM as a body-based intervention for enhancing developmental outcomes in individuals with ASD. Despite limitations in sample size and setting, the study provides valuable evidence for incorporating SDM into special education curricula. Future research should adopt longitudinal and mixed-methods approaches to explore the long-term and generalizable effects of SDM.
Study aim: This study analyzed the influence of small-sided games (SSGs), tactical (T), conditioning (C), and combined sessions on the subsequent match demands in elite female soccer players. Material and methods: Twenty-four female players (age: 24.5 +/- 2.3 years; height: 171 +/- 3.0 cm; body mass: 63.5 +/- 4.0 kg) from the Turkish National Team participated. Players were monitored during training and matches using 15 Hz global positioning system units, measuring external load parameters such as total distance (TD), player load (PL), high-speed running (HSR), accelerations (ACCs), decelerations (DECs), maximum speed (MaxSpeed), running deviations (RDs), and footstrikes (FS), relativized per minute. Results: Conditioning sessions significantly influenced match ACCs and DECs, while SSGs effectively replicated match-specific demands, particularly PL and HSR. Combined sessions (C + SSGs + T) contributed to improvements in MaxSpeed and HSR. FS during conditioning and SSGs were strong predictors of match TD and FS, respectively. Conclusion: Different training formats produce distinct external load responses during subsequent matches. SSGs closely mirrored key match demands such as PL and HSR, making them effective for match-specific conditioning. In contrast, conditioning sessions were more effective for enhancing ACCs and DECs. These findings may assist coaches in designing training sessions that are more aligned with the physical demands of competition.
Study aims: This study compares tactical skills and perceived game-specific competence among elite and non-elite youth soccer players and examines the relationships between the two constructs. Materials and methods: This study adopted a cross-sectional survey. A total of 131 male youth soccer players (M age = 16.55 +/- 1.33 years) participated in the study. Data were collected using the Tactical Skills Inventory for Sport (TACSIS) and the Perceived Game-Specific Soccer Competence Scale (PGSSCS). Results: The results show that elite players significantly (p < 0.01) outscored non-elite players on all TACSIS subscales: Knowing about Ball Actions, Knowing about Others, Positioning and Deciding, and Acting in Changing Situations. Furthermore, the elite players significantly (p < 0.01) scored higher on all PGSSCS subscales than the non-elite players: Offensive Skills, 1v1 Skills, and Defensive Skills. The results show that these three skill groups were significantly (p < 0.01) correlated with Positioning and Deciding (r = 0.865, r = 0.747, and r = 0.673, respectively), Knowing about Ball Actions (r = 0.82; r = 0.70 and r = 0.56), Acting in Changing Situations (r = 0.75, r = 0.67, and r = 0.72, respectively), and Knowing about Others (r = 0.73, r = 0.66, and r = 0.59, respectively). Conclusion: These findings have practical implications for coaches, who should focus on developing the tactical knowledge that will enable players, especially at the non-elite level, to achieve maximum performance.
Study aims: Chronic hypertension (HT) poses a significant health challenge as it substantially elevates the risk of major adverse cardiovascular events. Currently, there is a lack of research investigating the combined effects of self-administered aroma foot massage and reflexology on physiological parameters, sleep quality, and overall quality of life in individuals with HT. Material and methods: Forty-eight hypertensive patients, aged between 30 and 60 years, were randomly assigned to one of three groups: a combination of self-foot massage and reflexology with aromatherapy (SFM), foot massage only (FM), and a control group (CON), each consisting of 16 participants. Each intervention session lasted 15 min and was conducted three times a week. The primary outcomes measured included heart rate (HR) and blood pressure, while secondary outcomes encompassed sleep quality and quality of life, evaluated using the Thai versions of the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) and the World Health Organization Quality of Life-BREF. Assessments were carried out before and after a 4 week experimental period. Results: Significant improvements were noted in the SFM group, with reductions recorded in systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), HR, and PSQI score (p < 0.01). In the FM group, there was a significant decrease in SBP and HR (p < 0.001). No significant differences were observed in any of the variables within the CON group. Conclusion: This study suggested that the intervention combining self-foot massage, reflexology, and aromatherapy effectively improved BP, HR, and sleep quality in hypertensive patients.
Study aim The aim of this study is to determine the physical activity levels of patients undergoing active cancer treatment and to examine the relationship between physical activity and quality of life. Material and methods A total of 213 cancer patients (112 females and 101 males: mean age = 58.7 +/- 12.5 years) voluntarily participated in the study. Physical activity levels were assessed using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire Short Form, while quality of life was measured with the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire. Demographic and medical data were collected via a Personal Information Form developed by the researchers. Results The overall mean physical activity score was 739.6 +/- 983.5 MET min/week, indicating a generally low activity level. Significant differences were observed across cancer types (p < 0.05), with prostate cancer patients showing the highest physical (77.1 +/- 24.6), emotional (86.3 +/- 23.3), and global health status (72.0 +/- 35.2) scores. A moderate positive correlation was found between total physical activity and global health status (r = 0.39, p < 0.001). Conclusion During active cancer treatment, most patients demonstrated low levels of physical activity, which were closely associated with poorer health-related quality of life, particularly in the physical, emotional, and global health domains. These findings underscore the importance of integrating structured physical activity into comprehensive cancer care, particularly for patients with lung and other non-prostate cancers who appear most susceptible to inactivity-related declines in quality of life. During active cancer treatment, further prospective and interventional studies are needed to better understand the relationship between physical activity and quality of life in these patients.
Study aim The aim of this study is to find out the correlation between a pronated foot with tibialis posterior muscle strength and lower extremity kinematics during gait in Kathak dancers. Materials and methods An observational study in which 30 female Kathak dancers of age ranging from 18 to 25 years were included after assessing for foot type and tibialis posterior muscle strength was conducted, and lower extremity kinematics were analyzed. Foot posture index, tibialis posterior muscle strength: manual muscle testing (modified Medical Research Council grading), lower limb kinematics (GaitON Software) were the outcome measures used to assess. Results Statistical analysis was done using the Pearson correlation coefficient test, according to which there is no correlation between foot posture index and tibialis posterior muscle strength (p > 0.05). There is a significant positive correlation between foot posture index and frontal plane rear foot angle during midstance bilaterally. Conclusion The study concludes that tibialis posterior muscle strength has not been affected in Kathak dancers with a pronated foot. Lower limb kinematics in the frontal plane has been affected more than sagittal plane kinematics in kathak dancers with a pronated foot.
Study aim This study examined kinetic differences between orthodox and southpaw boxing stances across four fundamental punches - jab, cross, lead hook, and rear hook - to determine whether stance orientation influences punching force and fist acceleration.Material and methods Thirty trained male boxers (age: 29.2 +/- 1.4 years; body mass: 86.4 +/- 1.4 kg; height: 175.8 +/- 7.9 cm; training experience: 6.0 +/- 2.1 years) performed five maximal-force repetitions of each punch in both stances. Punching force was recorded using an AMTI MC12-2K force plate, and fist acceleration was measured with a Noraxon Ultium EMG inertial sensor. Data were analyzed using the Wilcoxon signed-rank and Kruskal-Wallis tests with effect size estimation (epsilon 2_H).Results Wilcoxon signed-rank tests revealed punch-specific differences between stances. The jab generated greater force in southpaw (median: 1387.8 N, IQR: 1205.9-1658.6) than in orthodox (1292.8 N, 1129.1-1581.7; p = 0.021). In contrast, the cross (orthodox: 1863.4 N, 1594.3-2307.7 vs southpaw: 1589.7 N, 1363.4-1941.0; p < 0.001) and rear hook (orthodox: 2198.8 N, 1888.2-2580.6 vs southpaw: 2007.5 N, 1680.5-2262.3; p < 0.001) produced greater forces in orthodox. Lead hook force showed no significant stance difference (p > 0.05). No significant stance differences were observed for fist acceleration in any technique. Across both stances, hook punches exhibited substantially higher forces and accelerations than straight punches.Conclusions Boxing stance does not confer a universal biomechanical advantage but affects performance in a technique-specific way. Bilateral stance training may enhance technical versatility and better prepare athletes for opponents with different orientations.
Aim This study examined the relationship between COVID-19 and the maximum heart rate (HRmax) achieved by female university students during maximal physical effort. It also analyzed how participants' physical activity (PA) levels and anthropometric and physiological characteristics were related to HRmax 10 months after the World Health Organization (WHO) declared that COVID-19 was no longer a Public Health Emergency of International Concern. Materials and methods Eighty-two female university students aged 19.0-28.0 years (21.23 +/- 1.57) were assigned to three groups: G(1) - 40 healthy participants, G(2 )- 29 participants with confirmed COVID-19, and G(3) - 13 participants previously hospitalized due to COVID-19. Body composition was evaluated by bioelectrical impedance analysis. PA was assessed with the International Physical Activity Questionnaire, and HRmax was measured during the 12-min Cooper test performed on a rowing ergometer. Results Healthy students (G(1)) showed the highest PA levels, followed by groups G(2 )and G(3). Group G(1) also exhibited more favorable body composition, with lower values of body mass, body mass index, waist-to-hip ratio, visceral fat, fat mass, fat-free mass, and skeletal muscle mass (p < 0.001). Maximum heart rate was highest in group G(1) (175 beats per minute, bpm) and exceeded the values noted in groups G(2) and G(3) by 7 and 15 bpm, respectively (p = 0.028). Conclusions Female students hospitalized due to COVID-19 had lower PA levels, reduced motor fitness, and worse body composition, which may explain their lower HRmax values observed 10 months after the pandemic.
Study aim Stress urinary incontinence (SUI) is a common problem that could be aggravated among females during training. The differences between those practicing particular disciplines and the physically inactive are unknown. Therefore, we addressed those issues in the present study among females practicing CrossFit (R), swimming, and in the general population.Materials and methods 125 childless females (67.2% were 18-24 years old, and 81.6% had a BMI between 18.5 and 24.9 kg/m2) completed a survey which included sociodemographic data, training regimen, and the ICIQ-SF. Females could specify their preferred sports discipline and their level of fitness. We developed a multivariable logistic regression model to find training-related or demographic predictors of SUI. Finally, we conducted a comparative analysis of the SUI prevalence between preferred disciplines.Results We observed the highest frequency of SUI in the CrossFit (R) subgroup (n = 20, 48.8%), lower in swimmers (n = 14, 32.6%), and inactive females (n = 10, 24.4%). In the final model (chi 2(74) = 16.84, P = 0.051, R 2 = 0.25), only BMI was a significant predictor for developing SUI (beta = 0.30, P = 0.04). No other significant predictors were found (P = 0.05-0.99). There were significant differences in the frequency of SUI between CrossFit (R) and swimming subgroups (chi 2(1) = 5.26, P = 0.02, OR = 2.95), CrossFit (R) and inactive subgroups (chi 2(1) = 5.19, P = 0.02, OR = 2.95), but not between swimming and inactive subgroups (chi 2(1) = 0.69, P = 0.41, OR = 1.50).Conclusions SUI is the most common in females who train in CrossFit (R), but differences between swimmers and inactive females are not significant. Increased BMI has the highest contribution to the risk of SUI in physically active females, with a non-significant impact of other demographic or training-related variables.
Study aim: This study aimed to identify factors associated with injury risk before and during fatigue among youth hockey players. Materials and methods: One hundred and twenty male and female (age: 14.44 +/- 1.17 years, BMI: 19.29 +/- 3.43) youth hockey players were recruited for this study from hockey talent high schools. The potential associated factors or determinants for injury risk were musculoskeletal screening tools: pelvic kinematics (single leg vertical drop jump), core stability (plank test), trunk extensor endurance (Sorensen test), dynamic balance (Y-Balance Test) and a pain scale (VAS). Data for all outcome measures were taken for PRE (before fatigue simulation), POST0 (immediately after fatigue simulation) and POST15 (15 minutes after fatigue simulation). Repeated sprint ability (RSA) was used as a fatigue simulation. Simple linear regression was performed to analyse the data statistically. Results: Right-side pelvic kinematics was found to be significantly associated with FMS at PRE, POST0 and POST15 among youth hockey players (P < 0.001). Conclusion: Right-side pelvic kinematics may be associated with injury risk.
