Aim:The purpose of this study was to explore female patients' experiences regarding systematic exercise compared with low-intensity physical activity in relation to common symptoms and quality of life in RMDs. Methods:A qualitative study was conducted using semi-structured, face to face interviews. Fifteen women with RMDs were recruited; thirteen completed the interviews and were included in the analysis. Interviews lasted approximately 30 minutes and were audio-recorded. Data were analysed using Thematic Analysis following the six-phase approach of Braun and Clarke. Participants were categorised based on self-reported engagement in either systematic exercise or low-intensity physical activity (e.g. walking). NVIVO 15 software was used for data management and analysis. Results:Participants' mean age was 58.3 ±13.38 years. Five a priori thematic areas were explored (pain, fatigue, depression, quality of life and exercise/physical activity), while an additional theme regarding barriers to participation emerged inductively. Most participants reported limited awareness of the distinction between physical activity and exercise. Women engaged in systematic exercise described more favourable experiences regarding symptoms management and quality of life, whereas those performing low-intensity physical activity primarily emphasised psychological benefits. Barriers to participation included physical limitations, fatigue, and motivational factors. Conclusion:From patients' perspectives, systematic exercise and low-intensity physical activity are perceived differently in relation to symptom experiences and quality of life. These differences highlight the importance of individualised, patient-centred exercise counselling for women with RMDs.

Background/Objectives: Despite being widely promoted, protein supplementation’s overall effectiveness during demanding basketball schedules remains unclear. This study investigated whether increased protein intake can accelerate recovery of muscle function during a 6-day congested basketball microcycle consisting of three consecutive games while accounting for the impact of playing time. Methods: In a randomized, two-trial, cross-over, double-blind repeated measures design, eighteen male basketball players were assigned to a high (High PT) or a moderate (Mod PT) playing time group and participated in two trials, receiving daily either milk protein (PRO trial) or an isoenergetic amount of carbohydrates. Each trial included three consecutive games (days 1–3) and a 72 h recovery period following Game 3 (days 4–6), during which players participated in low-load practice sessions. Isometric and isokinetic peak torque of knee extensors and flexors in the dominant limb, serum creatine kinase (CK) concentration, and erythrocyte glutathione (GSH) levels were assessed prior to each game and practice session. Results: CK increased (p < 0.01) on game days in both groups but recovered earlier in Mod PT compared to High PT. Both eccentric and concentric peak torque was impaired (p < 0.01) up to 24–48 h post-G3 in a velocity-dependent manner. Eccentric peak torque of knee flexors at 60°/s declined to a greater extent in High PT compared to Mod PT (p < 0.01). Protein supplementation resulted in higher erythrocyte GSH concentration at pre-G2 (p < 0.05) and pre-G3 (p < 0.05) compared to placebo in both groups but did not affect any of the study outcomes. Conclusions: Increased protein intake during a congested basketball schedule increases erythrocyte GSH concentration but does not accelerate recovery of muscle function.

This study aimed to investigate the effect of a mixed intervention program, with live and distance online Tai Chi (TC) practice on healthy adult practitioners and its effect on dynamic balance, physical function of lower limbs and aerobic capacity, which were measured at baseline and follow up. The sample of the study consisted of the experimental group (N = 19) of healthy subjects divided into two groups according to their level of experience in Tai Chi (beginner vs. experienced) and 15 healthy subjects (N = 15) of the control group who were sedentary individuals. The experimental group participated in a supervised Tai Chi program lasting 18 weeks, of which 9 weeks of live training sessions (before the pandemic) and 9 further weeks in online distance practice during the pandemic restrictive measures. The exercise frequency was 3 times/week, lasting 90 minutes during live lessons, while the online exercise duration was adjusted to 60 minutes. The Y-Test (Lower Quarter test) was used to measure the dynamic balance. The single limb single hop test measured physical function, while the 6-minute walking test was applied to measure aerobic capacity. The results of the present study showed that a statistically significant difference was observed in the dynamic balance of the left leg between the pre-and post-training measures for the experimental groups, with the experienced group scoring higher. Right leg results revealed improvements for TC practitioners, with the beginners group scoring significantly higher than experienced and control subjects. The asymmetry score changed positively for both experimental groups, with a higher index for the beginners group. Aerobic capacity scores were significantly improved between baseline and final measurements. The TC practitioners scored significantly higher than the control subjects. Furthermore, concerning the results in the physical function of the lower limbs, the TC-experienced group showed greater improvements compared to both TC beginners and the control group. Similar effects concerned right leg results. TC effectively improves balance and physical function of lower limbs in healthy adults due to the activation of different muscle groups, the sequence of movements, the duration, and the nature of the body mind. It should be incorporated in health prevention programs. Due to the pandemic, the implementation of distance learning became a solution for many exercise programs and complemented their content.

BACKROUNDNew training methods are constantly used to improve the ability of skeletal muscles to develop strength.OBJECTIVEThe aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of half-squat training with free weights and flywheel device on isokinetic knee muscle strength for well-trained amateur soccer players.METHODSForty eight players were randomly divided into three groups (n= 16 each): Desmotech Training group (DT), Free Weight Training group (WT) and one Control Group (CON). DT and WT performed an eight-week half-squat training program, with two sessions per week. The DT group performed training with a flywheel device. Isokinetic concentric-eccentric strength assessments of the knee extensors-flexors muscle groups were performed at different angular velocities (60, 180 and 240∘/s).RESULTSThe eight-week training program improved all the isokinetic joint moment indicators examined in the DT and WT groups (p< 0.01). The DT group achieved higher performances at all the isokinetic parameters examined, however, without statistically significant differences to the WT group.CONCLUSIONSFlywheel-based exercise is an effective training method and is suggested to be used to strengthen the lower limbs of soccer players.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to compare the effects of semi-squat exercise with a flywheel device and free weights on parameters of physical performance. METHODS: 48 well-trained male athletes were randomly divided into three subject groups (N.=16 each), two training groups (DT and RT) and one control group (CON). The duration of the intervention program was 8 weeks with frequency 2 times per week. Squat (SJ), countermovement (CMJ) and drop jump (DJ) tests were evaluated pre-and postprogram. Additionally, sprint performance in 10 (T10) and 30 meters (T30) was evaluated. The mechanical parameters of semi-squat exercise were analyzed pre-and postintervention program. Specifically, the optimum power load (OPL) and the average power output during semi-squat were evaluated. RESULTS: Statistically significant differences showed on 1RM between RT and CON group (P<0.05). Statistically significant difference in SJ and CMJ were showed between DT and CON group. Also, DT decrease significant the time of 10m and 30m sprint in compare with CON group (P<0.05). These results demonstrate that flywheel training has similar effects with resistance training on power of lower limbs muscles. CONCLUSIONS: Flywheel training can be used as alternative training in periodized programs that aim to enhance sports performance. Finally, these findings can be useful for strength and conditioning coaches to understand the function of flywheel device and the design of resistance training programs.

To assess the real-life magnitude of the heading incidence in children's and youth' football in eight European countries with different "football cultures," a cross-sectional observational design, in which one match per team in 480 different teams from eight European countries (2017/18-2018/19), was recorded by video. One training session was recorded in 312 teams. Clubs with Under-10, Under-12 (female/male/mixed), and Under-16 female and male teams were eligible to participate. Heading frequencies and types were analyzed. Results are presented as headers per match/training and per team. Incidence rates (IR) per 1000 match/training hours were calculated. Under-10 teams carried out the lowest average number of headers per match (8.8), followed by Under-16 female (17.7), Under-12 (18.4), and Under-16 male (35.5). Total number of headers per match and team varied between countries. 80% of the total number of headers were single intentional headers, 12% heading duels, 3% unintentional headers by getting hit, and 5% others (trends apparent in all age groups). Three head injuries occurred during match play corresponding to an IR of 0.70 (95% CI, 0.23-2.16). The lowest number of headers per training and team was found in Under-10 (21.3), followed by Under-16 females (34.1), Under-12 (35.8), and Under-16 males (45.0). In conclusion, this large-scale study presents novel data about the number and type of headers in youth' football throughout Europe. A more precise understanding of the heading incidence, specifically in young players, is mandatory for the debate of restrictions on heading in youth football.

Cross Transfer” (CT) refers to the enhancement of performance of a non-trained limb after unilateral training of its opposite homologous limb. Another concept that sometimes is investigated when examining CT is “asymmetrical transfer” (AT), term that implies that the magnitude of transfer is not even for the two directions (i.e. from dominant to non-dominant limb and vice versa). While the existence of AT for strength or skills is already investigated, according to our knowledge previous research has not examined if laterality has an influence on the magnitude of CT of flexibility (CToF) in the lower limbs. The aim of the present study was to examine if a unilateral application of Foam Roller (FR) to the ankle plantar flexors of female exercisers would cause a CToF to their untrained limb and if leg dominance has an influence on the magnitude of CToF (i.e. if the CToF is greater from the dominant to the non-dominant limb or vice versa). According to the statistical analysis, the FR protocol used was effective in increasing the participants’ ipsilateral and contralateral ankle range of motion (ROM) independently of limb dominance, indicating that when referring to CToF through FR the transfer will probably occur symmetrically. This finding adds to the literature new data about CToF of the lower limbs in relation to laterality. If these results could be expanded by future researches and could be established that unilaterally injured persons benefit from CToF independently of limb dominance, that would be a major contribution to the field of rehabilitation.

ΑΘΛΗΤΙΚΟΙ ΤΡΑΥΜΑΤΙΣΜΟΙ-ΣΥΜΒΟΥΛEΥΤΙΚΗ ΚΑΙ ΑΠΟΚΑΤΑΣΤΑΣΗ [ΔΗΜΟΚΡΙΤEΙΟ ΠΑΝEΠΙΣΤΗΜΙΟ ΘΡΑΚΗΣ, ΣΧΟΛΗ EΠΙΣΤΗΜΗΣ ΦΥΣΙΚΗΣ ΑΓΩΓΗΣ ΚΑΙ ΑΘΛΗΤΙΣΜΟΥ, ΤΜΗΜΑ EΠΙΣΤΗΜΗΣ ΦΥΣΙΚΗΣ ΑΓΩΓΗΣ ΚΑΙ ΑΘΛΗΤΙΣΜΟΥ]

We examined the temporal changes of isokinetic strength performance of knee flexor (KF) and extensor (KE) strength after a football match. Players were randomly assigned to a control (N = 14, participated only in measurements and practices) or an experimental group (N = 20, participated also in a football match). Participants trained daily during the two days after the match. Match and training overload was monitored with GPS devices. Venous blood was sampled and muscle damage was assessed pre-match, post-match and at 12h, 36h and 60h post-match. Isometric strength as well as eccentric and concentric peak torque of knee flexors and extensors in both limbs (dominant and non-dominant) were measured on an isokinetic dynamometer at baseline and at 12h, 36h and 60h after the match. Functional (KFecc/KEcon) and conventional (KFcon/KEcon) ratios were then calculated. Only eccentric peak torque of knee flexors declined at 60h after the match in the control group. In the experimental group: a) isometric strength of knee extensors and knee flexors declined (P<0.05) at 12h (both limbs) and 36h (dominant limb only), b) eccentric and concentric peak torque of knee extensors and flexors declined (P<0.05) in both limbs for 36h at 60°/s and for 60h at 180°/s with eccentric peak torque of knee flexors demonstrating a greater (P<0.05) reduction than concentric peak torque, c) strength deterioration was greater (P<0.05) at 180°/s and in dominant limb, d) the functional ratio was more sensitive to match-induced fatigue demonstrating a more prolonged decline. Discriminant and regression analysis revealed that strength deterioration and recovery may be related to the amount of eccentric actions performed during the match and athletes' football-specific conditioning. Our data suggest that recovery kinetics of knee flexor and extensor strength after a football match demonstrate strength, limb and velocity specificity and may depend on match physical overload and players' physical conditioning level.

ΑΘΛΗΤΙΚΟΙ ΤΡΑΥΜΑΤΙΣΜΟΙ-ΣΥΜΒΟΥΛEΥΤΙΚΗ ΚΑΙ ΑΠΟΚΑΤΑΣΤΑΣΗ [ΔΗΜΟΚΡΙΤEΙΟ ΠΑΝEΠΙΣΤΗΜΙΟ ΘΡΑΚΗΣ, ΣΧΟΛΗ EΠΙΣΤΗΜΗΣ ΦΥΣΙΚΗΣ ΑΓΩΓΗΣ ΚΑΙ ΑΘΛΗΤΙΣΜΟΥ, ΤΜΗΜΑ EΠΙΣΤΗΜΗΣ ΦΥΣΙΚΗΣ ΑΓΩΓΗΣ ΚΑΙ ΑΘΛΗΤΙΣΜΟΥ]

ΑΘΛΗΤΙΚΟΙ ΤΡΑΥΜΑΤΙΣΜΟΙ-ΣΥΜΒΟΥΛEΥΤΙΚΗ ΚΑΙ ΑΠΟΚΑΤΑΣΤΑΣΗ [ΔΗΜΟΚΡΙΤEΙΟ ΠΑΝEΠΙΣΤΗΜΙΟ ΘΡΑΚΗΣ, ΣΧΟΛΗ EΠΙΣΤΗΜΗΣ ΦΥΣΙΚΗΣ ΑΓΩΓΗΣ ΚΑΙ ΑΘΛΗΤΙΣΜΟΥ, ΤΜΗΜΑ EΠΙΣΤΗΜΗΣ ΦΥΣΙΚΗΣ ΑΓΩΓΗΣ ΚΑΙ ΑΘΛΗΤΙΣΜΟΥ]

.Wrestling is one of the most physically demanding sports among high school and college athletics. As expected in a physical contact sport, the athletes are prone to occasional injury. The common injuries sustained in wrestling relate to musculoskeletal strength, flexibility, and skill level. It is really important to find ways to prevent many of those injuries. To properly design an injury prevention program, one should take into account parameters such as injury characteristics, the mechanism of injury, and information about the sport's physical demands. Taking these parameters into account, an injury prevention program called Wrestling + was designed. The key elements of Wrestling + are core strength, shoulder and leg strength, and balance. Wrestling + has 3 parts and 14 exercises. A key point in the program is to use proper technique during all of the exercises. Part 1 includes running exercises at a slow speed combined with active shoulder stretching, grips, and bridge positions; Part 2 includes 5 sets of exercises focusing on core, shoulder and leg strength, and balance, each with three levels of increasing difficulty; and Part 3 includes wrestling simulation exercises.

ΑΘΛΗΤΙΚΟΙ ΤΡΑΥΜΑΤΙΣΜΟΙ-ΣΥΜΒΟΥΛEΥΤΙΚΗ ΚΑΙ ΑΠΟΚΑΤΑΣΤΑΣΗ [ΔΗΜΟΚΡΙΤEΙΟ ΠΑΝEΠΙΣΤΗΜΙΟ ΘΡΑΚΗΣ, ΣΧΟΛΗ EΠΙΣΤΗΜΗΣ ΦΥΣΙΚΗΣ ΑΓΩΓΗΣ ΚΑΙ ΑΘΛΗΤΙΣΜΟΥ, ΤΜΗΜΑ EΠΙΣΤΗΜΗΣ ΦΥΣΙΚΗΣ ΑΓΩΓΗΣ ΚΑΙ ΑΘΛΗΤΙΣΜΟΥ]

ΑΘΛΗΤΙΚΟΙ ΤΡΑΥΜΑΤΙΣΜΟΙ-ΣΥΜΒΟΥΛEΥΤΙΚΗ ΚΑΙ ΑΠΟΚΑΤΑΣΤΑΣΗ [ΔΗΜΟΚΡΙΤEΙΟ ΠΑΝEΠΙΣΤΗΜΙΟ ΘΡΑΚΗΣ, ΣΧΟΛΗ EΠΙΣΤΗΜΗΣ ΦΥΣΙΚΗΣ ΑΓΩΓΗΣ ΚΑΙ ΑΘΛΗΤΙΣΜΟΥ, ΤΜΗΜΑ EΠΙΣΤΗΜΗΣ ΦΥΣΙΚΗΣ ΑΓΩΓΗΣ ΚΑΙ ΑΘΛΗΤΙΣΜΟΥ]

ΑΘΛΗΤΙΚΟΙ ΤΡΑΥΜΑΤΙΣΜΟΙ-ΣΥΜΒΟΥΛEΥΤΙΚΗ ΚΑΙ ΑΠΟΚΑΤΑΣΤΑΣΗ [ΔΗΜΟΚΡΙΤEΙΟ ΠΑΝEΠΙΣΤΗΜΙΟ ΘΡΑΚΗΣ, ΣΧΟΛΗ EΠΙΣΤΗΜΗΣ ΦΥΣΙΚΗΣ ΑΓΩΓΗΣ ΚΑΙ ΑΘΛΗΤΙΣΜΟΥ, ΤΜΗΜΑ EΠΙΣΤΗΜΗΣ ΦΥΣΙΚΗΣ ΑΓΩΓΗΣ ΚΑΙ ΑΘΛΗΤΙΣΜΟΥ]

The purpose of this study was to use the Eccles' expectancy-value model of choice as a framework to examine university students' expectancy beliefs and task values in exergaming systems compared to those in physical education activities. Two hundred and thirty two first-year undergraduate students at the Democritus University of Thrace completed questionnaires assessing their expectancy-related beliefs, subjective task values, and intention for future participation in the physical education and the exergames fields. Participants' activity level was also assessed using the Godin and Shephard leisure-time exercise questionnaire. Results indicated that expectancy-related beliefs and task values are positively correlated and both constructs are correlated to intention to participate in the future for the physical education and the exergames fields. Expectancy-related beliefs, task values, and intentions across fields, however, were not correlated supporting the hypothesis that exergames represent a distinct field from traditional physical education activities. Physical education was considered as more important and more useful than exergames, nevertheless inactive students found exergames to be more interesting than physical education activities. In addition inactive students had higher beliefs about ability and higher intention for future participation in exergames activities were compared to those of physical education. Conclusively, findings support the notion that exergames could be integrated into physical education and recreation programs in order to attract inactive young adults.

Background Cross-education (CE) is being studied for several decades and refers to the power transfer and proprioception in untrained limb after training of the homologous contralateral limb. Objective To examine whether unilateral strengthening of lower limbs with Thera-Band ® elastic resistance bands is beneficial also for the untrained contralateral limb in functional ability and balance. Design A double blinding randomized prospective study. Setting The study was conducted in the Department of P.E and Sports, Democritus University of Thrace, Greece. Participants 15 healthy physically active students (at least three training per week) were randomly selected to participate. Interventions The participants performed strength training with progressive overload for lower limbs, for 4 weeks, with frequency 3 times per week (12 sessions), duration of 30 minutes with 10 min warm up, 20 min strengthening exercises with Bands (Thera-Band ® ) of quadriceps, hamstrings and gastrocnemius muscles. The exercises were executed at stations from supine, lateral and sitting position (4 sets of 10 reps with 15 sec break between sets). Main outcome measurements A. Balance performance (total stability index as dependent variable of the Biodex Stability test) and b. functional ability (Single leg triple jump hop for distance with distance as dependent variable) at 3 times, before exercise period (pre), at the end (post) and 2 weeks after (retention). The hypothesis was formulated before data collection. Results One way repeated measures Anova revealed improvement for both limbs: a. Stability index trained pre 5.87±1.15, post 3.44±1.11, retention 3.61±1.12 untrained pre 5.90±1.82, post 3.61±1.61, retention 3.20±1.71 b. Triple jump trained pre 3.70±.89, post 4.06±.91, retention 4.01±.88, untrained pre 3.78±.83, post 4.09±.85, retention 4.12±.71. Conclusions Unilateral strength training with Thera-Band® elastic resistance bands at lower limbs is effective in improving functional ability and balance of untrained limb.

LEARNING OBJECTIVE To present an exercise protocol for office workers who complain of neck pains or those with chronic neck pain. This protocol can be applied in the workplace during working hours. It requires no special outfit or equipment, and its effectiveness is related to how frequent it is used by the employee.