Recreational soccer (RS) and recreational team handball (RTH) have gained recognition for its positive effects on health indices among untrained participants. We aimed to evaluate and compare the effects of regular RS and RTH on selective attention and physical fitness among untrained adolescents. Participants were randomly assigned to participate in a 3-month RS or RTH training program [2 sessions/week, RS group ( n = 10; Age: 17.11 ± 0.60 years), RTH ( n = 10; Age: 16.85 ± 0.62 years)] and 8 served as a control group [regular Physical Education classes, control group ( n = 8; Age: 16.57 ± 0.38 years)]. Before and after the intervention period, the participants were tested for a range of physical fitness variables (explosive strength, horizontal and vertical jump performance, sprint, and aerobic performance) and for selective attentional performance. After the intervention, RTH (20.6%, d = 0.6) and RS (22.4%, d = 0.7) groups showed a significant and moderate improvement in concentration performance compared with the control group (−1.4%, d = 0.14), which decreased its performance. No significant effects were observed on the total number of concentration errors in the intervention groups ( F time × groups =0.02). A significant improvement was found for CMJ performance in the RS group with no changes in the control group ( F time = 17.41, small improvement ). The RTH and RS groups showed a non-significant but moderate improvement in 10-m sprinting and aerobic performance (YYIR) (Cohen’s d > 0.5). In conclusion, RS and RTH training showed a small to moderate improvement in jump and sprint performance with a significant positive effect on concentration performance within a sample of untrained male adolescents.

Recreational soccer is a practical and engaging strategy to improve health-related fitness, cognitive function, and overall lifestyle in adolescents. This study evaluated the effects of soccer training on selective attention and physical performance in untrained female adolescents. Thirty-two participants were assigned to either a soccer intervention group (n = 16; Age 12.69 ± 0.27 years; Weight 48.65 ± 10.11 kg; Height 1.60 ± 0.04 m; Years from Peak Height Velocity [Y-PHV] 0.52 ± 0.41) or a control group continuing regular physical education (n = 16; Age 12.93 ± 0.11 years; Weight 51.06 ± 11.48 kg; Height 1.60 ± 0.05 m; Y-PHV 0.75 ± 0.37). Pre- and post-intervention assessments included physical fitness tests (medicine ball throw, countermovement jump, sprint, balance) and selective attention using the d2 attention test. The soccer group improved all physical measures: medicine ball throw (+22.8%, Cohen’s d = 0.80), countermovement jump (+18.7%, Cohen’s d = 1.33), sprint performance (−10.3%, Cohen’s d = 1.72), and balance (+43.0%, Cohen’s d = 1.37). Both groups improved concentration, with a larger effect in the soccer group (F = 16.96, Cohen’s d = 1.24), and total errors decreased significantly (F = 21.06, Cohen’s d = 0.52). Recreational soccer in school programs appears to be an effective intervention to enhance physical fitness and cognitive function in adolescent females who are not engaged in regular physical activity.

The role of exercise in modulating the immune system and cytokines has garnered increasing attention, particularly in the context of breast cancer survivorship. Breast cancer and its treatments often lead to immunosuppression, which can heighten the risk of infections and recurrence. Emerging evidence suggests that various forms of exercise, including aerobic and resistance exercise, can positively influence cytokine profiles in breast cancer patients. However, the specific effects and underlying mechanisms remain underexplored. We aimed to conduct a systematic review of the studies focused on the effects of exercise on cytokine profiles of breast cancer survivors. The databases of Cochrane Library, PubMed, Science Direct, Scopus, SPORTDiscus, and Web of Science were searched until 31 December 2024, following PRISMA guidelines. Randomized controlled trials were included if they compared breast cancer survivors participating in a structured exercise program with a non-exercise control group and measured cytokine variables both before and after the intervention. The quality of the included studies was rated with the PEDro scale. Eleven studies with 481 individuals undergoing exercise interventions were included in the analysis and compared to 240 individuals as controls. Participants in these studies ranged in age from early 40s to late 50s. These studies examined the effects of various exercise interventions, including resistance exercise (n = 2), aerobic exercise (n = 2), concurrent aerobic + resistance exercise (n = 5), tai chi (n = 1), and yoga (n = 1). The training period ranged from 8 to 52 weeks, with most studies lasting 12–15 weeks. The average frequency of training was three sessions per week with a mean session duration of 55 min. The quality of the studies showed a mean PEDro score of 6.5 ± 0.9 points (range 5–8 points). Both aerobic and resistance training alone or in combination impacted several immune indices, including decreases in serum concentrations of interleukin-15 (IL-15), macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF), TNF-α expression in NK and NKT cells (NKTNF-α, and NKTTNF-α), and lower IL-10/TNF-α ratio. Other less habitual exercise interventions such as tai chi and yoga also induced positive effects on immune indices. Breast cancer survivors enrolled in several forms of exercise training showed improved cytokine parameters compared with counterparts who did not perform exercise. The benefits of exercise training on cytokine profiles of breast cancer survivors were evident with both aerobic and resistance training, whether performed separately or in combination, and with other training regimens such as tai chi and yoga.

The purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of low-intensity interval training program (LIIT) on physical fitness and blood parameters among junior handball players. Thirty young players participated in this study and were divided into two groups: an experimental group (n=15) which underwent a low-intensity interval training program, and a control group (n=15) which underwent a traditional training program. Blood parameters (hemoglobin (g/dl), mean corpuscular hemoglobin MCH (pg), and hematocrit (%)) and physical capacities (flexibility, speed, endurance, agility, upper body muscle strength, and power) were evaluated before and after eight weeks of training in the two groups. At the beginning and end of the eight-week program, significant differences between the groups were observed. The experimental group exhibited better development compared to the control group in the following parameters: endurance (2.77%, p=0.03), speed (6.8%, p=0.001), power (17.09%, p=0.02), agility (4.22%, p=0.01), flexibility (29.25%, p=0.01), and upper body strength capacity (8.82%, p=0.02). The MCH was significantly higher in the experimental group (p=0.01). However, no significant differences were observed for hemoglobin and hematocrit (p>0.05). Our findings demonstrate that the low-intensity interval training intervention was more effective than the traditional program in improving physical parameters and mean corpuscular hemoglobin. The suggested low-intensity interval training program could serve as a viable fitness strategy for aerobic sports.

Abstract Background Previously, researchers reported performance enhancements following long-term plyometric training in athletes with anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (LCA). However, the effects of combined eccentric and plyometric training on measures of isokinetic strength and psychological statues in male athletes have not been examined yet. Knowledge on the effects of combined eccentric and plyometric training help to better plan and program rehabilitations sessions and thus return-to-sports. Objective This study sought to compare the effects of three different rehabilitation training programs, eccentric training (ECC), plyometric training (PLYO), or combined eccentric and plyometric training (COMB), on psychological measures (kinesiophobia [TSK-CF], functional knee assessment, knee injury and osteoarthritis outcome score [KOOS], international knee documentation committee 2000 questionnaire [IKDC], and knee flexor and extensor isokinetic muscle performance (peak torque [PT], total work, ratio [R-HQ], and ratio of total work [R-TW]) at different angular velocities post ACL surgery in male elite athletes. Methods Forty elite male athletes from different sports (e.g., athletics, team sports) with ACL reconstruction participated in this study. The study started after a 14-weeks post-surgery rehabilitation program, which was identical for all subjects. After this initial rehabilitation period, athletes were randomly assigned to three experimental groups, ECC (n = 10), PLYO (n = 10), and COMB (n = 10), and a control group (CON: n = 10). Testing was conducted pre- and post-the 6-weeks intervention period and included the TSK-CF, KOOS, and IKDC. Peak torque of the knee extensors/flexors was tested at 90, 180, 240 °/s, after the 6-weeks training program only. Results Participants’ adherence rate was 100% across all groups and none reported any training or test-related injury. No significant between-group baseline differences (pre-6-weeks intervention) were observed for any of the reported psychological and muscle strength parameters. Significant group-by-time interactions were found for TSK-CF (p = 0.001, d = 2.85), KOOS (p = 0.001, d = 1.31), and IKDC (p = 0.001, d = 1.07). The post-hoc analyses indicated that COMB showed larger pre-post improvements for all psychological variables (p < 0.001, d = 2.95 to 13.15), compared with PLYO, ECC, and CON. Contrast analyses demonstrated that COMB yielded significantly greater improvements compared with CON, PLYO, ECC for all isokinetic parameters at all three angular velocities (all p < 0.001, d = 0.99 to 4.61). Conclusion The results showed that COMB induced greater gains for measures of psychological status and isokinetic muscle strength compared with single-mode PLYO and ECC in elite male athletes during a post-surgery ACL rehabilitation period. Accordingly, it is recommended to implement COMB as an effective rehabilitation means to improve knee function in male elite athletes. Trial registration This study does not report results related to health care interventions using human participants and therefore it was not prospectively registered.

The aim of this study was to assess the effect of acute short- versus long-interval high-intensity interval training (HIIT) on cognitive performance and psychological states in secondary school students. Fifteen secondary school students (nine males and six females: mean age = 16.2 ± 0.4 years, mean Body Mass Index = 21.2 ± 1.5 kg/m2, and maximum oxygen uptake = 42.2 ± 5.9 mL/kg/min) participated in the current study. They performed one of the following three sessions in a randomized order: (i) a long-interval HIIT (LIHIIT), (ii) a short-interval HIIT (SIHIIT), and (iii) a control condition (CC). Cognitive performance and perceived exertion were assessed pre and immediately post each condition using the d2 test and the Rating of Perceived Exertion (RPE) tool, respectively. Mood state was quantified using the Brunel Mood Scale (BRUMS) questionnaire immediately post each condition. The findings reported higher concentration performance in the SIHIIT compared to the LIHIIT condition (p = 0.043) and the CC (p < 0.001) and in the LIHIIT compared to the CC (p = 0.023). Moreover, the total count of errors was higher in the CC than in the LIHIIT (p = 0.01) and in the SIHIIT conditions (p < 0.001) and in the LIHIIT than in the SIHIIT condition (p = 0.03). RPE value was higher in the LIHIIT and SIHIIT conditions than in the CC (both p < 0.001), whereas no statistically significant difference between LIHIIT and SIHIIT conditions (p = 0.24) was found. Regarding the BRUMS, a significant difference between conditions in the fatigue subscale was found, being higher in LIHIIT with respect to SIHIIT (p = 0.03) and CC (p < 0.05). Vigor differed between conditions, with a higher value than in the LIHIIT (p = 0.04) and CC (p < 0.001). All the remaining subscales did not significantly differ between conditions (p > 0.05). Practitioners may implement short-interval HIIT prior to any tasks that require high levels of visual attention.

This study aimed to compare the effects of an acute bout of small-sided soccer game (SSG) and sprint exercise on attention, mood, and enjoyment in untrained adolescent boys. Eighteen adolescent boys aged 13–15 years participated in a counterbalanced order intervention: 1—No-training control condition (CONTROL), 2—SSG (SOCCER), and 3—Repeated sprint (SPRINT) sessions. Before and after the sessions, all participants completed the revised d2-test of attention and a mood assessment (i.e., Brunel mood scale [BRUMS]). Rating of perceived exertion (RPE) and perceived enjoyment (i.e., physical activity enjoyment scale) were evaluated after each session. A 3 × 2 repeated measures analysis of variance with contrast-coded test was used to analyze the data. Attentional test performance increased from pre- to post-exercise intervention for both SOCCER and SPRINT (main effect of Phase, F = 40.81, p < .001, ηp 2 = 0.48), compared with the CONTROL. BRUMS scores did not change for any of the interventions. RPE was significantly lower after SOCCER compared with SPRINT ( t = 3.05 [3.20–7.18], p < .001, ηp 2 = 0.46). SOCCER was perceived to be significantly more enjoyable compared with SPRINT ( p = .03) and CONTROL ( p < .001). To conclude, an acute bout of exercise based on SOCCER or SPRINT exercise was beneficial for adolescent boys’ attention, with significantly better enjoyment reported after the SOCCER session, whereas we did not observe any mood effects.

In the first chapter of the community sport section, the impact of COVID-19 on physical activity and inactivity is investigated. Given that a lack of physical activity can have severe consequences for the general health of individuals, whether they are young or old, understanding the impact of lockdowns and government health policy interventions is a challenging but critical task. Here, Chapter 21 takes a holistic approach and explores the impact of COVID-19 regulations on the physical activity of both sedentary people as well as professional athletes. The chapter also highlight the importance of home-based training strategies to minimise the impact of lockdown restrictions.

The objective of this investigation was to explore in a sample of female students the effects of several acute plyometric training intensities (low, moderate, and high—55–65%, 70–80%, and 90–100% of maximal vertical jump performance, respectively) on cognition (attention) and psychological states (mood). Thirty-seven female students (mean age = 19.72 ± 0.73 years, mean body mass index = 19.51) participated in the current study. They were randomly allocated to one of three conditions: a high-intensity plyometric exercise (HIPE), a moderate-intensity plyometric exercise (MIPE), and a low-intensity plyometric exercise (LIPE). Before and immediately after each session for the three conditions, all participants underwent a cognitive performance test (d2 test) and filled in a battery of psychological questionnaires (the Rating of Perceived Exertion (RPE), and the Brunel Mood Scale (BRUMS)). The data reported higher concentration performance and a lower number of errors in the MIPE when compared with HIPE (all, p-value < 0.05) groups, whereas no significant difference was found between other conditions (p-value > 0.05). The RPE value was higher in the HIPE (p-value < 0.001) and MIPE (p = 0.01) than in the LIPE, and in the HIPE than in the MIPE (p = 0.001) conditions. Concerning the BRUMS scale, fatigue (p = 0.005) was significantly different among the various conditions, being higher in HIPE with respect to MIPE and LIPE (all, p-value < 0.05) conditions. In conclusion, moderate-intensity plyometric exercise can be considered the best activity to improve visual attention. Practitioners may practice moderate-intensity plyometric exercises to improve concentration performance. However, due to the limitations of the present study (lack of a control group and between-subjects study design), further research in the field is warranted.

BackgroundThe standard method to treat physically active patients with anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) rupture is ligament reconstruction surgery. The rehabilitation training program is very important to improve functional performance in recreational athletes following ACL reconstruction.ObjectivesThe aims of this study were to compare the effects of three different training programs, eccentric training (ECC), plyometric training (PLYO), or combined eccentric and plyometric training (COMB), on dynamic balance (Y-BAL), the Lysholm Knee Scale (LKS), the return to sport index (RSI), and the leg symmetry index (LSI) for the single leg hop test for distance in elite female athletes after ACL surgery.Materials and MethodsFourteen weeks after rehabilitation from surgery, 40 elite female athletes (20.3 ± 3.2 years), who had undergone an ACL reconstruction, participated in a short-term (6 weeks; two times a week) training study. All participants received the same rehabilitation protocol prior to the training study. Athletes were randomly assigned to three experimental groups, ECC (n = 10), PLYO (n = 10), and COMB (n = 10), and to a control group (CON: n = 10). Testing was conducted before and after the 6-week training programs and included the Y-BAL, LKS, and RSI. LSI was assessed after the 6-week training programs only.ResultsAdherence rate was 100% across all groups and no training or test-related injuries were reported. No significant between-group baseline differences (pre-6-week training) were observed for any of the parameters. Significant group-by-time interactions were found for Y-BAL (p < 0.001, ES = 1.73), LKS (p < 0.001, ES = 0.76), and RSI (p < 0.001, ES = 1.39). Contrast analysis demonstrated that COMB yielded significantly greater improvements in Y-BAL, LKS, and RSI (all p < 0.001), in addition to significantly better performances in LSI (all p < 0.001), than CON, PLYO, and ECC, respectively.ConclusionIn conclusion, combined (eccentric/plyometric) training seems to represent the most effective training method as it exerts positive effects on both stability and functional performance in the post-ACL-surgical rehabilitation period of elite female athletes.

The present study aimed to verify the effect of a warm-up protocol with and without facemask-use on cognitive function. The sample was composed of 17 healthy, non-smoking physical education students (age = 17.6 years, height = 1.71 m, and body mass = 69.7 kg). They were randomized to perform 15 min of warm-up exercises, while wearing a cloth facemask (EXP) or no mask (CON) on two separate occasions, with at least 48-h separating conditions. Rate of perceived exertion (RPE) and d2 Attention assessment were used to verify cognitive function, using a repeated measures general linear model. The warm-up improved cognitive abilities and the results demonstrated significant differences between the EXP vs. CON groups in post-concentration performance (186.06 ± 15.47 EXP-score vs. 178.12 ± 13.66 CON-score), post the total number of errors (23.47 ± 14.50 EXP-frequency < 29.06 ± 13.74 CON-frequency), and in the post RPE (6.0 ± 1.37 EXP-index > 4.7 ± 0.85 CON-index). Wearing a cloth facemask caused positive effects on cognitive function. This data suggests that wearing a cloth facemask during warm-up may stimulate/improve the cognitive function.

The present study aimed to determine the effect of wearing a face mask during aerobic dance exercise on cognitive function, more specifically on attention, as well as on perceived exertion and mood states. Thirteen healthy college students (9 males and 4 females: mean age = 17.5 years, height = 1.72 m, weight = 71.00 kg) volunteered to participate in this study. They were randomized to perform aerobic dance exercise while wearing a cloth face mask or no mask or a control condition (sitting on a comfortable chair and reading information about the health benefits of aerobic dance exercise) on three separate occasions (with at least one week of interval). Rate of perceived exertion (RPE), the Brunel Mood Scale (BRUMS) and d2 Attention assessment were assessed before and immediately after each condition. The results demonstrated higher concentration performance for the aerobic dance exercise without face mask than the control condition (p = 0.05). Post RPE and BRUMS fatigue subscale values were significantly higher in the aerobic dance exercise with face mask as compared to the aerobic dance exercise without face mask and control condition (all, p< 0.05). BRUMS vigor subscale value significantly differed across conditions (F = 113.84, p < 0.001, ES = 0.86) and was significantly higher in the aerobic dance exercise group without face mask as compared to the aerobic dance exercise with face mask and the control conditions (both, p < 0.001). This study suggests that face mask use during aerobic dance exercise with moderate intensity did not affect attention. Practitioners, students and athletes should avoid wearing face mask while practicing physical activity or aerobic dance exercise with moderate intensity to improve its acute effect on cognitive function.

Background Small-sided soccer games (SSSG) are a specific exercise regime with two small teams playing against each other on a relatively small pitch. There is evidence from original research that SSSG exposure provides performance and health benefits for untrained adults. Objectives The aim of this systematic review was to summarize recent evidence on the acute and long-term effects of SSSG on physical fitness, physiological responses, and health indices in healthy untrained individuals and clinical populations. Methods This systematic literature search was conducted in four electronic databases (PubMed, Web of Science, SPORTDiscus) from inception until June 2019. The following key terms (and synonyms searched for by the MeSH database) were included and combined using the operators “AND”, “OR”, “NOT”: ((soccer OR football) AND (“soccer training” OR “football training” OR “soccer game*” OR “small-sided soccer game*”) AND (“physical fitness” OR “physiological adaptation*” OR “physiological response*” OR health OR “body weight” OR “body mass” OR “body fat” OR “bone composition” OR “blood pressure”)). The search syntax initially identified 1145 records. After screening for titles, abstracts, and full texts, 41 studies remained that examined the acute (7 studies) and long-term effects (34 studies) of SSSG-based training on physical fitness, physiological responses, and selected alth indices in healthy untrained individuals and clinical populations. Results No training-related injuries were reported in the 41 acute and long-term SSSG studies. Typically, a single session of SSSG lasted 12–20 min (e.g., 3 × 4 min with 3 min rest or 5 × 4 min with 4 min rest) involving 4–12 players (2 vs. 2 to 6 vs. 6) at an intensity ≥ 80% of HR max . Following single SSSG session, high cardiovascular and metabolic demands were observed. Specifically, based on the outcomes, the seven acute studies reported average heart rates (HR) ≥ 80% of HR max (165–175 bpm) and mean blood lactate concentrations exceeding 5 mmol/l (4.5–5.9 mmol/l) after single SSSG sessions. Based on the results of 34 studies (20 with healthy untrained, 10 with unhealthy individuals, and 4 with individuals with obesity), SSSG training lasted between 12 and 16 weeks and was performed 2–3 times per week. SSSG had positive long-term effects on physical fitness (e.g., Yo–Yo IR1 performance), physiological responses including maximal oxygen uptake (VO 2max) [+ 7 to 16%], and many health-related markers such as blood pressure (reductions in systolic [− 7.5%] and diastolic [− 10.3%] blood pressure), body composition (decreased fat mass [− 2 to − 5%]), and improved indices of bone health (bone mineral density: [+ 5 to 13%]; bone mineral content: [+ 4 to 5%]), and metabolic (LDL-cholesterol [− 15%] as well as cardiac function (left-ventricular internal diastolic diameter [+ 8%], end diastolic volume [+ 21%], left-ventricular mass index [+ 18%], and left-ventricular ejection fraction [+ 8%]). Irrespective of age or sex, these health benefits were observed in both, untrained individuals and clinical populations. Conclusions In conclusion, findings from this systematic review suggest that acute SSSG may elicit high cardiovascular and metabolic demands in untrained healthy adults and clinical populations. Moreover, this type of exercise is safe with positive long-term effects on physical fitness and health indices. Future studies are needed examining the long-term effects on physical fitness and physiological adaptations of different types of SSSG training (e.g., 3 vs. 3; 6 vs. 6) in comparison to continuous or interval training in different cohorts.

Physical inactivity is increasingly becoming a major public health concern. Consequently, there is an urgent need to develop programmes to promote active and healthy lifestyles among children and adolescents. Football, one of the most popular and practised sports in the world, has recently been tested as a strategy for promoting physical activity and the health status of children and adolescents. The findings have shown that benefits are especially evident for cardiovascular, metabolic, muscular, bone and mental health. In addition, given that football is accessible, economical, easy to play and able to offer its practitioners – regardless of gender, age, and nutritional and economic status – opportunities for fun, recreation and success, it has the potential to be an effective public health strategy for promoting active and healthy lifestyles in children and adolescents.

Small-sided soccer games (SSSG) are a specific exercise regime with two small teams playing against each other on a relatively small pitch. There is evidence from original research that SSSG exposure provides performance and health benefits for untrained adults. The aim of this systematic review was to summarize recent evidence on the acute and long-term effects of SSSG on physical fitness, physiological responses, and health indices in healthy untrained individuals and clinical populations. This systematic literature search was conducted in four electronic databases (PubMed, Web of Science, SPORTDiscus) from inception until June 2019. The following key terms (and synonyms searched for by the MeSH database) were included and combined using the operators “AND”, “OR”, “NOT”: ((soccer OR football) AND (“soccer training” OR “football training” OR “soccer game*” OR “small-sided soccer game*”) AND (“physical fitness” OR “physiological adaptation*” OR “physiological response*” OR health OR “body weight” OR “body mass” OR “body fat” OR “bone composition” OR “blood pressure”)). The search syntax initially identified 1145 records. After screening for titles, abstracts, and full texts, 41 studies remained that examined the acute (7 studies) and long-term effects (34 studies) of SSSG-based training on physical fitness, physiological responses, and selected alth indices in healthy untrained individuals and clinical populations. No training-related injuries were reported in the 41 acute and long-term SSSG studies. Typically, a single session of SSSG lasted 12–20 min (e.g., 3 × 4 min with 3 min rest or 5 × 4 min with 4 min rest) involving 4–12 players (2 vs. 2 to 6 vs. 6) at an intensity ≥ 80% of HRmax. Following single SSSG session, high cardiovascular and metabolic demands were observed. Specifically, based on the outcomes, the seven acute studies reported average heart rates (HR) ≥ 80% of HRmax (165–175 bpm) and mean blood lactate concentrations exceeding 5 mmol/l (4.5–5.9 mmol/l) after single SSSG sessions. Based on the results of 34 studies (20 with healthy untrained, 10 with unhealthy individuals, and 4 with individuals with obesity), SSSG training lasted between 12 and 16 weeks and was performed 2–3 times per week. SSSG had positive long-term effects on physical fitness (e.g., Yo–Yo IR1 performance), physiological responses including maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max) [+ 7 to 16%], and many health-related markers such as blood pressure (reductions in systolic [− 7.5%] and diastolic [− 10.3%] blood pressure), body composition (decreased fat mass [− 2 to − 5%]), and improved indices of bone health (bone mineral density: [+ 5 to 13%]; bone mineral content: [+ 4 to 5%]), and metabolic (LDL-cholesterol [− 15%] as well as cardiac function (left-ventricular internal diastolic diameter [+ 8%], end diastolic volume [+ 21%], left-ventricular mass index [+ 18%], and left-ventricular ejection fraction [+ 8%]). Irrespective of age or sex, these health benefits were observed in both, untrained individuals and clinical populations. In conclusion, findings from this systematic review suggest that acute SSSG may elicit high cardiovascular and metabolic demands in untrained healthy adults and clinical populations. Moreover, this type of exercise is safe with positive long-term effects on physical fitness and health indices. Future studies are needed examining the long-term effects on physical fitness and physiological adaptations of different types of SSSG training (e.g., 3 vs. 3; 6 vs. 6) in comparison to continuous or interval training in different cohorts.

Assess traditional training (CON), eccentric-only training (ECC), plyometric-only training (PLYO), or a combination of these two (COMB,) in ACL rehabilitation. National level male athletes rehabilitating from ACL reconstruction, randomized into each group, training twice weekly for six weeks. Y-Balance test, quadriceps circumference, quality of life and return to sport index were measured. There were significant group x time interactions for all variables (p<0.001). Paired t-tests revealed significant changes in all variables (p=0.0002-0.0006) for the COMB group which also demonstrated the largest effect sizes for all variables (d=4.1-13.0). For PLYO, there were significant changes in all variables (p=0.0002-0.02) with very large effect sizes for all tests (d=6.81-7.29), except for thigh circumference (d=0.96). The ECC group also demonstrated significant changes in all variables (p=0.006) but demonstrated inferior effect sizes to the PLYO and COMB groups with respect to QOL and RSI (d=6.1). The CON group achieved significant changes in only three of the four measured variables (p=0.003-0.006) and had the lowest effect sizes except for thigh circumference (d=3.1). COMB training is a multidimensional stimulus which has physical and psychological benefits in the post-surgical period.

BACKGROUND: Fascination with the moon has spanned millennia. It has recently been asserted that the moon cycle affects endurance performance in untrained individuals. The present study aimed at investigating the effects of the lunar cycle on intermittent endurance physical performance, balance and reaction-time capabilities, and selected physiological and psychological parameters in trained athletes. METHODS: Twelve male Taekwondo athletes (age, 22.3 +/- 0.8 years; height, 178.8 +/- 6.5 cm; body mass, 72.75 +/- 7.28 kg; %body fat, 13.9 +/- 3.6%) performed the Yo-Yo intermittent recovery test level-1 (YYIR T), the Y-balance test (YBT), and a reaction-time test (RT) during different lunar cycle phases (new moon (NM), full moon (FM), and half-moon). Participants' psychological profiles and well-being indices (i.e. a profile of mood state (PO MS) and Hooper Index) were also taken during each moon phase. The testing sessions during the different moon phases were performed in a counterbalanced order. The tests order remained the same (PO MS, then Hooper index, RT, YBT, YYIRT and rating of perceived exertion scale (RPE)), and all sessions were performed at noon (11:00 to 13:00 h) during the first day of each evaluated lunar phase. RESULTS: Analysis of variance tests showed that no significant differences were found between the three moon phases in all analyzed variables. CONCLUSIONS: This study showed that the different lunar cycle phases did not have significant effects on the selected physical performances and psychological indices in trained athletes

The novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) seems to be having a major impact on physical activity behaviours globally. The pandemic has forced many people around the world to stay at home and self-isolate for a period of time. WHO recommends 60 min/day of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity for 6-17-yr-olds, and 75 min/wk of vigorous or 150 min/wk of moderate physical activity for adults and elderly, including 3 and 2 days/wk, respectively, with muscle and bone strengthening. Practical recommendations for staying active at home, with aerobic exercise training on a bike or rowing ergometer, bodyweight training, dance and active video gaming, can aid to counteract the detrimental physical and mental side-effects of the COVID-19 protective lifestyle regulations. This commentary provides useful information on home-based physical activity for sedentary people across the lifespan, including children and adolescence, that can be undertaken during the present pandemic or other outbreaks of infectious disease.