ABSTRACT:Rosaci, G, Nigro, F, Cortesi, M, Ciacci, S, Bartolomei, S, and Fantozzi, S. Electromyographic analysis of the planche in gymnastics and its related preconditioning strengthening exercises. J Strength Cond Res 39(6): 680-686, 2025-The support scale (SS) is a common upper body skill in gymnastics. Athletes typically introduce preconditioning strengthening exercises (PSEs) in their training routines to prepare this strength element. Despite the popularity of these exercises, their effectiveness in reproducing the muscle involvements of the SS is unknown. The aim of this study is to compare the muscular excitations, coactivation indices, and synergies between the SS and its related PSEs. Seven high-level ring specialist gymnasts (age: 23.9 ± 4.0 years, height: 165.9 ± 2.8 cm, body mass: 65.6 ± 3.1 kg, experience: 13.0 ± 3.0 years) performed the SS and 5 PSEs. Electromyographic activities of the pectoralis major (clavicular part), latissimus dorsi, triceps (long head), infraspinatus, trapezium (transverse), serratus anterior, biceps brachii, and anterior deltoid were recorded, and muscle synergies were studied. Large differences between the SS and its 5 PSEs were detected in the muscle activity of trapezius ( F = 8.937; p < 0.001; η 2 = 0.641), pectoral ( F = 5.235; p = 0.002; η 2 = 0.512), and biceps muscles ( F = 10.359; p < 0.001; η 2 = 0.674). The coactivation was different in the biceps/triceps ratio ( F = 5.980; p < 0.001; η 2 = 0.545) and the serratus/trapezium ratio ( F = 8.043; p < 0.001; η 2 = 0.617). The analysis of muscle synergies showed different simultaneous muscular activation in the PSEs compared with the SS. Thus, the results of this study provide evidence for a different use of PSEs in the training routine to improve SS performance.

Objectives: The purpose of the present study was to evaluate the level of physical capacities of Italian American Football (AF) players and compare their performances with published data of American college players. A secondary aim was to assess whether the performance of Italian players in the NFL Combine tests has improved over time compared to previously tested players of similar competitive level. A total of 41 Italian AF players (age 28.1 ± 4.7 y, stature 181.1 ± 5.9 cm, body mass 98.3 ± 17.8 kg) competing in the 2020/2021 Division I Championship, participated in this study and performed the NFL Combine test battery. Methods: The NFL Combine test battery includes the 40-yard dash, the 20-yard shuttle, the 3-cone drill tests, the broad jump test, the vertical jump test, and the maximum number of repetitions at bench press with a 100 kg load. Players were divided into three groups based on their playing position: skill players (SP = 14), big skill players (BSP = 9), or linemen (LM = 13). In addition, players’ performance scores were normalized to their stature and body weight. Results: Italian players showed lower performances in all the six tests compared to American college players. Significant differences were observed between player positions. Normalized performances were significantly lower in Italian compared to American players. Conclusions: Despite an improving trend in the NFL Combine tests being registered in Italian AF players, a relevant gap still exists compared to their US counterparts.

The aim of the present study was to assess a new reactive strength index (RSI RUN) based on contact time and stride length measured in sprint running and then to correlate this index with sprint performance, muscle architecture and echo intensity of the vastus lateralis. Participants included ten elite and sub-elite sprinters (age 24.4 ± 3.1 years, height 177.5 ± 7.7 cm, mass 69.8 ± 11.7 kg) who were tested with a vertical drop jump (VDJ) and a horizontal drop jump (HDJ) from a 30 cm high box, a 20 m straight-leg running drill (SLR) and a 60 m sprint. A nearly perfect correlation (r = from −0.90 to −0.96, p < 0.01) was detected between RSI RUN and sprint performance (30 m, 60 m and 100 m sprint time), and a very large correlation (r = from −0.72 to −0.77, p < 0.05) was found between the traditional RSI from vertical drop jump (RSIDJV) and sprint performance. In addition, the RSI RUN was more correlated to sprint performance than other RSI indices studied in previous research. The echo intensity of the vastus lateralis (VLEI) was largely correlated with maximum running speed (r = from 0.76 to 0.87, p < 0.05) and the RSI RUN (r = −0.80, p < 0.05). No significant correlations were noted between echo intensity and other RSIs. In conclusion, the RSI RUN and VLEI seem to be good predictors for track and field sprinting performance.

Malignant melanoma is an invasive and highly aggressive skin cancer that—if diagnosed—poses a serious threat to the patient's health and life. In this work, a novel purified cell-wall polysaccharide (termed Abwp) was obtained from the discarded stipe of Agaricus bisporus (A. bisporus) and characterized to be a novel homogeneous polysaccharide consisted of a β-(1 → 4)- glucosyl backbone with β-(1 → 2) and (1 → 6)-d-glucosyl side-chains. The anti-melanoma effects of Abwp and its associated mechanisms in mice were then explored using in vitro and in vivo approaches. In vitro results showed that Abwp inhibited B16 melanoma cell proliferation and promoted their apoptosis in both time- and dose-dependent manners. In B16 cells induced with tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α), Abwp significantly decreased the protein expression of inflammatory-related signaling pathway (e.g., p38 MAPK and NF-κB) in time-, concentration-, and dose-dependent manners. Moreover, Abwp blocked nuclear entry of NF-κB-p65. In an in vivo mouse model featuring neoplasm transplantation with B16 melanoma cells, Abwp significantly inhibited the growth and proliferation of mouse melanoma. Hematoxylin staining showed that the invasion of melanoma cells into the lung tissue of the Abwp-treated group was significantly reduced. Immunohistochemical analysis showed that the expression of proliferation cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), N-cadherin, MMP-9, and Snail in the lung of mouse was significantly inhibited. Immunofluorescence showed that Abwp significantly interfered with the nuclear transcription of NF-κB-p65 in a dose-dependent manner. Collectively, these results showed that Abwp mediated p38 MAPK and NF-κB signaling pathways to inhibit the inflammatory response and malignant proliferation and metastasis of melanoma in mice.

Populations with potential damage to somatosensory, vestibular, and visual systems or poor motor control are often studied during gait initiation. Aquatic activity has shown to benefit the functional capacity of incomplete spinal cord injury (iSCI) patients. The present study aimed to evaluate gait initiation in iSCI patients using an easy-to-use protocol employing four wearable inertial sensors. Temporal and acceleration-based anticipatory postural adjustment measures were computed and compared between dry-land and water immersion conditions in 10 iSCI patients. In the aquatic condition, an increased first step duration (median value of 1.44 s vs. 0.70 s in dry-land conditions) and decreased root mean squared accelerations for the upper trunk (0.39 m/s2 vs. 0.72 m/s2 in dry-land conditions) and lower trunk (0.41 m/s2 vs. 0.85 m/s2 in dry-land conditions) were found in the medio-lateral and antero-posterior direction, respectively. The estimation of these parameters, routinely during a therapy session, can provide important information regarding different control strategies adopted in different environments.

Background: To understand the technical differences between shot putters of different ages, this study compared biomechanical parameters of the best senior and youth Italian athletes and then to world-class athletes (WC) assessed in previous investigations. Methods: The best throws of 16 shot putters [8 Senior (SG) and 8 Youth (YG)] were recorded by video cameras during the Italian Championships’ final and considered for 3D reconstruction. The following parameters were measured: time of the different throwing phases, shot trajectory, release angle, release velocity, and the force produced in the final phase. Results: Significant differences between SG and YG were detected in second single support time (p = 0.015), support time (p = 0.007), total time (p = 0.028) and in the force produced during the final phase (p < 0.001). A lower level of force, release speed, and a shorter shot trajectory during the double support were detected in SG compared to WC. Conclusions: The present study showed that, although the technical performance of all athletes was similar, some differences exist between YG and SG. The gap between the groups may be partially explained by the difference in force produced in the final phase of the throw and by a different interpretation of the technique.

Muscle architecture has been proposed as one of the most important determinants of muscle strength and power performance. The purpose of the present investigation was to correlate the muscle architecture with power, agility and maximal strength in Italian division I Field Hockey (FH) players. Twenty players (age = 25.4 ± 5.2 y; body mass = 78.5 ± 9.0 kg; body height = 179.6 ± 7.8 cm) were assessed for body composition, agility, sprint and maximal isometric force in squat (ISQ). The pro-agility test (PRO) and 30-m sprint (SPRINT) were used for agility and speed assessments, respectively. In addition, the pennation angle (PA), fascicle length (FL) and muscle thickness (MT) of the vastus lateralis were assessed via B-mode ultrasound. Large positive correlations were found between PRO and both PA and MT (r = 0.62; p = 0.006 and r = 0.51; p = 0.032, respectively). Moreover, SPRINT was positively correlated with PA and negatively correlated with FL (r = 0.50, p = 0.046; and r = −0.50; p = 0.034, respectively). Large positive correlations were also detected between body fat and both PRO and SPRINT (r = 0.58; p = 0.012 and r = 0.61; p = 0.009, respectively), indicating detrimental effects of the body fat on specific performances. The present findings showed the existence of large relationships between the muscle architecture of the vastus lateralis and physical characteristics related to elite performance in FH. Low PA and long FL of the vastus lateralis appear important parameters for agility and sprint performances.

The purpose of the present investigation was to compare the acute responses on muscle architecture, electromechanical delay (EMD) and performance following a high volume (HV: 5 sets of 10 reps at 70% of 1 repetition maximum (1RM)) and a high intensity (HI: 5 sets of 3 reps at 90% of 1RM) bench press protocol in women. Eleven recreationally trained women (age = 23.3 ± 1.8 y; body weight = 59.7 ± 6.0 kg; height = 164.0 ± 6.3 cm) performed each protocol in a counterbalanced randomized order. Muscle thickness of pectoral (PEC MT) and triceps muscles (TR MT) were collected prior to and 15 min post each trial. In addition, EMD of pectoral (PEC EMD) and triceps (TR EMD) muscles were calculated during isometric bench press maximum force tests performed at the same timepoints (IBPF). Significantly greater increases in PEC MT (p < 0.001) and TR MT (p < 0.001) were detected following HV compared to HI. PEC EMD showed a significantly greater increase following HV compared to HI (p = 0.039). Results of the present study indicate that the HV bench press protocol results in greater acute morphological and neuromuscular changes compared to a HI protocol in women. Evaluations of muscle morphology and electromechanical delay appear more sensitive to fatigue than maximum isometric force assessments.

This study assessed the effects of a competitive trail run on running kinematics and shock attenuation in well-trained trail runners. Nine male runners performed a simulated short trail running race. Prior and 5-min after the race, participants completed a 290-m downhill run at pre-determined preferred speed. Inertial measurement units were used to assess selected kinematic parameters. The contact time showed a moderate increase in the fatigued condition (pre: 0.215 (0.024) s vs. post: 0.226 (0.219) s; p<0.01; d=0.51), whereas flight time was largely decreased (pre: 0.129 (0.027) s vs. post: 0.104 (0.026) s; p<0.01; d=0.94). There was a moderate decrease in the post-race for peak sacrum acceleration (pre: 56.9 (15.8) m/s2 vs. post: 49.1 (11.9) m/s2; p=0.038; d=0.56), while peak tibial acceleration and shock attenuation showed no change (p>0.05). These findings confirm that running-induced fatigue impacts running kinematics, although shock attenuation was unaltered with the present fatiguing protocol.

The purpose of this study was to compare the physiological responses of a single bout of an eccentric accentuated bench press protocol (120% of 1RM in the eccentric phase/80% in the concentric phase; [120/80]) versus a regular high-intensity exercise protocol (80%/80%; [80/80]) in resistance-trained men. Eleven men (age = 25.6 ± 3.9 y; body mass = 84.6 ± 11.2 kg; body height = 176.4 ± 3.9 cm) with 6.3 ± 3.4 y of resistance training experience performed each protocol in counterbalanced, randomized order. Isometric, isokinetic and ballistic tests were performed at the bench press (IBPF, ISOK and BTP, respectively) at baseline (BL), 15-min (15P), 24-h (24P), and 48-h (48P) post-exercise for each testing session. In addition, muscle thickness of the pectoralis major (PecMT) was measured at the same timepoints via ultrasound. Significantly greater reductions in BTP (p < 0.001), peak force during both ISOK (p = 0.005) and IBPF (p = 0.006) at 15P were detected in 120/80 compared to 80/80. BTP was still significantly (p = 0.009) impaired at 48P following the 120/80 protocol, while no differences were noted following 80/80. PecMt was significantly elevated following both 120/80 and 80/80 (p < 0.05) at 15P, but significant differences between the trials were present at 15P and 24P (p = 0.005 and p = 0.008, respectively). Results indicated that heavy eccentric loading during the bench press exercise caused greater performance deficits than a bout of traditionally loaded high intensity resistance exercise. Power performance appears to be more influenced by the 120/80 protocol than isometric peak force. Eccentrically loaded exercise sessions should be separated by at least 48 hours to obtain a complete recovery of the initial muscle morphology and performance.

The aim of this study was to compare the effects of active and passive strategies on the recovery response after a high-volume bench press protocol. Twenty-five resistance-trained men (mean +/- SD: age = 25.8 +/- 3.6 years; body mass = 87.1 +/- 12.1 kg; and height = 177.4 +/- 4.9 cm) performed a high-volume bench press session (8 sets of 10 reps at 70% of 1 repetition maximum). Subsequently, they were randomly assigned to an active recovery (AR) group (n = 11) or to a passive recovery (PR) group (n = 14). Active recovery consisted of light bench press sessions performed 6 hours and 30 hours after the high-volume exercise protocol. Muscle performance (bench throw power [BTP] and isometric bench press [IBP]) and morphology (muscle thickness of pectoralis major [PECMT] and of triceps brachii [TRMT]) were measured before exercise (baseline [BL]), and at 15-minute (15P), 24-hour (24P), and 48-hour (48P) post-exercise. Post-exercise recovery of both maximal strength and power was accelerated in AR compared with PR. Both BTP and IBP were significantly (p < 0.001) reduced at 15P and 24P in PR, whereas changes were significant (p < 0.001) at 15P only in AR. PECMT was still significantly (p = 0.015) altered from BL at 48P in PR, whereas changes were significant (p < 0.001) at 15P only in AR. No significant interactions (p > 0.05) between PR and AR were detected for TRMT and muscle soreness. The present results indicate that AR enhances the recovery rate after high-volume exercise sessions and may be included in resistance training programs to optimize muscle adaptations.