Hamstring strain injuries are common in sports involving high-speed running, and eccentric hamstring exercises are widely used in strength and conditioning programs to reduce injury risk. However, the short-term neuromuscular and perceptual recovery responses following different eccentric knee flexor exercises remain unclear. This study aimed to compare the acute recovery responses following the Nordic hamstring exercise (NHE) and Razor Curl (RC). Methods: Twenty-five recreationally active men were randomly assigned to either the NHE (n = 13) or RC (n = 12) group and performed a single eccentric exercise session consisting of 4 × 10 repetitions. Relative peak eccentric hamstring strength, perceived muscle soreness, and 30-m sprint performance were assessed at baseline and at 24, 48, and 72 h post-exercise. Data were analyzed using linear mixed models with statistical significance set at P < 0.05. Results: Relative peak eccentric hamstring strength decreased significantly from baseline at 24 h (P < 0.001, d = 1.13) and 48 h (P = 0.033, d = 0.79) before returning to baseline by 72 h. Muscle soreness increased substantially, peaking at 24 h and remaining elevated throughout the recovery period. Sprint performance remained largely unchanged across all time points. No significant Group × Time interactions were observed for any outcome variable. Conclusion: No statistically significant between-group differences were detected in hamstring strength, muscle soreness, or sprint performance following a single eccentric loading session with the NHE or RC. These findings provide practical information for planning eccentric hamstring exercise sessions within weekly training microcycles.
Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is an intermediate stage between normal aging and dementia and is associated with progressive cognitive decline. Exercise is considered a promising non-pharmacological intervention for MCI. However, the cognitive benefits of multicomponent exercise (MCE) and the exercise prescription characteristics associated with its effectiveness remain unclear. This study aimed to examine the effects of MCE on global cognition, memory, and executive function in individuals with MCI and to explore exercise prescription characteristics associated with intervention effectiveness. A systematic review and pairwise meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials was conducted in accordance with the PRISMA guidelines and registered in PROSPERO (CRD420251152983). Standardized mean differences were pooled using random-effects models, and subgroup analyses were performed to examine key exercise prescription characteristics. Seventeen randomized controlled trials involving 1260 participants were included. Compared with control conditions, MCE significantly improved global cognition and memory, whereas the improvement in executive function did not reach statistical significance. Subgroup analyses indicated that higher training frequency and intervention durations of 13–24 weeks were associated with greater improvements in global cognition. MCE may improve global cognition and memory in individuals with MCI, whereas evidence regarding executive function remains inconclusive. Higher training frequency and intervention durations of 13–24 weeks may contribute to greater cognitive improvements. However, additional high-quality randomized controlled trials with standardized cognitive assessments are needed to further optimize exercise prescriptions.
Direct comparisons of post-activation performance enhancement (PAPE) from high-load versus low-load, high-velocity conditioning activities (CAs) in short stretch–shortening cycle (SSC) jumping are lacking. High-load CA is often advocated for stronger athletes, yet the optimal CA remains unclear. This study compared the effects of a 90
This study aimed to investigate the effects of exercise on aerobic capacity and quality of life (QOL) in coronary heart disease (CHD) patients and to determine the optimal exercise prescription for this patient population. We conducted a comprehensive search across Embase, PubMed, Cochrane, Web of Science, and Scopus, encompassing data published up to April 21, 2026. Data were pooled utilizing the standardized mean difference (SMD) and 95
This study examined associations of body morphology with physiological function, physical qualities, and competitive performance in elite freestyle skiing aerials athletes. Twenty-nine elite Chinese national-team athletes preparing for the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics participated. Anthropometric, physiological, and physical qualities data were collected using standardized protocols. Principal component analysis was used as an exploratory data-reduction approach to summarize correlated morphological and physical qualities indicators. Multiple regression and hierarchical regression models examined associations among morphology, physiological function, physical qualities, and competitive performance. The muscle factor was positively associated with several physiological and physical qualities indicators, particularly 1RM squat, 1RM clean, and relative peak anaerobic power, whereas the fat–somatotype factor showed negative associations with several strength and physiological indicators. Morphological factors accounted for 63.6
