J. Funct. Morphol. Kinesiol., Volume 10, Issue 2 (June 2025) – 134 articles

Objectives: A pulsed electromagnetic field (PEMF) induces electric currents in biological tissue, enhancing muscle energy expenditure during heavy constant-load exercises. In this paper, we investigate the PEMF effect on muscular activation in male sedentary people. Methods: The surface electromyographic (EMG) activity of the right leg’s vastus medialis (RVM) and biceps femoris (RBF) muscles was recorded and analyzed. The root mean square values were normalized to the peak amplitude observed during maximal voluntary contraction. Measurements were taken at baseline (stationary seated position), during warm-up (unloaded cycling), and throughout 15 min of constant-load exercise performed at moderate intensity. Subjects performed two experimental conditions, when PEMF was turned ON versus OFF. Results: No significant difference was found during the baseline. The analysis during warm-up showed significant differences between conditions (ON vs. OFF) for both muscles (RVM p = 0.019; RBF p < 0.001). The analysis during constant-load exercise showed significant differences between conditions (ON vs. OFF) for RVM only (p = 0.002). Conclusions: This study provides evidence that PEMF stimulation acutely enhances muscle activation, primarily in the vastus medialis, with a comparatively smaller effect on the biceps femoris during moderate-intensity cycling in sedentary young men. The observed increase in EMG activity suggests that PEMF may facilitate neuromuscular excitability and muscle recruitment, potentially through mechanisms related to calcium signaling and enhanced muscle perfusion. Full article

Background: It is thought that swimming might elicit remarkable chronic lung function improvements that were not observed in land-based sports. However, there is no consensus on whether this is mainly attributable to genetic predisposition or specific training. This study aimed to characterize athletes’ lung function according to their swimming experience. Methods: The sample consisted of 45 male athletes, including 15 swimmers, 15 triathletes, and 15 runners. Spirometry tests were conducted under four conditions: seated on land, prone on land, seated while immersed in water, and prone while immersed in water. The tests were performed on the pool deck and pool, with the order of conditions randomized for each participant. Conclusions: The results of this study do not support the idea that there is a window of opportunity for greater lung function adaptations during childhood due to swim training. The accumulated years of swim training are the reason for the increased measurements of FVC and FEV₁ of swimmers. The immersed seated condition measures differences in lung function more accurately relative to swim training experience. Swim training appears to primarily enhance FVC in healthy athletes, while in allergic and asthmatic athletes, it mainly promotes improvements in FEV₁/FVC and FEF_25–75%. Full article

Background: Force plates are commonly used as a non-fatiguing measure of recovery. However, the recovery time course captured via the force plate assessment of vertical jumps has yet to be established. Therefore, the objective of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to examine the change in vertical jump performance and the time course of recovery following an acute bout of strenuous exercise using force plates. Methods: Peer-reviewed articles (n = 22) published prior to 8 November 2023, were identified by searching three electronic databases (PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science). Studies included in this review met the following criteria: (1) available in English; (2) involved adult participants >18 years of age; (3) measured the change in vertical jump performance over consecutive days using a force plate system. Individual effect sizes (ESs) were calculated by dividing the change in vertical jump at each timepoint (24 h, 48 h, etc.) by the pooled standard deviation (SD), and they were aggregated using a three-level random-effects model. Results: Vertical jump performance decreased following an acute strenuous exercise bout (ES = −0.2639; p < 0.0001) and returned to baseline after 3 days of recovery, with larger decreases observed when assessed using Peak Height rather than Peak Power (ES = −0.4687 vs. ES = −0.1399; p = 0.0393). Older participants showed a larger decrease in vertical jump (β = −0.0489; p < 0.0001). Conclusions: Force plates can be used to evaluate recovery post-exercise, with a decline in performance on Days 1 and 2, and full recovery by Day 3. The findings from this study support the use of force plates for the evaluation of recovery. Full article

Objectives: This single-arm, pre–post intervention study with a three-month follow-up aimed to determine whether a ten-day outdoor camp combining mixed-modality physical activity and time-restricted feeding elicits positive changes in multiple body-composition outcome measures and whether those changes persist at three-month follow-up. Methods: Forty healthy undergraduates (18 male, 22 female) participated in a 10-day outdoor camp that combined multi-modal physical activities (rock climbing and bouldering, swimming, hiking, applied paddling, survival skills, etc.) with a 13 h daily time-restricted feeding window. Body fat percentage, skeletal muscle percentage, body mass, total body-water percentage, visceral fat level, and skeletal muscle index were measured using the InBody 270 at baseline, immediately post-camp, and at the three-month follow-up. Results: Mixed-effects models with random intercepts for subject revealed significant reductions in body fat percentage (β = −1.63, p < 0.001) and visceral fat level (β = −0.72, p = 0.001), alongside increases in skeletal muscle percentage (β = 1.02, p < 0.001), skeletal muscle index (β = 0.30, p < 0.001), and total body-water percentage (β = 1.19, p < 0.001) from baseline to post-camp; no outcomes differed between baseline and follow-up and no time × sex interactions were observed. Conclusions: These findings indicate that a brief, intensive nature-based intervention can drive rapid, multidimensional improvements in body composition, but structured maintenance is required to sustain benefits. Full article

Background: The high demands of professional soccer predispose players to musculoskeletal injuries. The primary challenge for identifying potential risk factors lies in determining the appropriate assessment methods and indicators to consider. Kinetic variables have been identified as potential indicators of injury risk. Objectives: To conduct a systematic review of the literature analyzing the relationship between kinetic variables and the risk of indirect musculoskeletal injuries of the lower limb in professional soccer players. Methods: A search was conducted on Web of Science, PubMed, and Scopus following the PRISMA guidelines. The search included articles that link kinetic variables assessed through dynamometry to indirect lower limb injuries. Sample characteristics, assessments, injury follow-ups, and statistical results were extracted for qualitative synthesis. Results: A total of 1096 studies were initially identified, of which 380 duplicates were removed. After screening 716 articles by title and abstract, 631 were excluded. Subsequently, 85 full-text articles were examined, resulting in 11 studies being included. Of the included articles, 10 used isokinetic dynamometry and the Nordic hamstring curl test to assess lower limb strength. Conclusions: The results of this review indicate that kinetic variables, particularly isokinetic strength measures at different angular velocities, are consistently associated with indirect musculoskeletal injury risk in professional soccer players. The most relevant indicators include eccentric hamstring force and concentric quadriceps torque, which help identify strength deficits and muscular disequilibrium. Monitoring these variables through validated assessments enables the development of targeted prevention strategies. Additionally, injury risk assessment should integrate kinetic data with contextual indicators such as well-being, fatigue, and training load. Full article

Background: The aim of this study was to characterise the performance, perceptual, and wellness responses to a barbell back squat overreaching training protocol. Methods: Eight trained male participants (age = 24.6 ± 2.8 years; relative to body mass back squat one repetition maximum (1-RM) = 1.9 ± 0.4; training experience = 7.0 ± 3.2 years) participated in a 5-day squat OR protocol (SqOR), followed by a 14-day taper. SqOR consisted of five sets of barbell back squats using 80% of daily adjusted 1-RM. A 40% velocity loss threshold was used to determine the set end point. For performance, isometric mid-thigh pull (IMTP) peak force (PF), and countermovement jump (CMJ) PF and jump height; for perceptual, perceived recovery scale (PRS); and for wellness, Hooper Wellness Index (HWI), were recorded at baseline, each day of SqOR, and at select intervals during the taper (POST 1 d, 2 d, 7 d, and 14 d). Follow-up back squat 1-RM testing was conducted at POST 7 d and POST 14 d to determine strength-performance changes relative to baseline. Results: Back squat 1-RM increased by 4.8% at POST 7 d and 5.2% at POST 14 d. IMTP PF increased by 10.3% at POST 7 d and 11.4% at POST 14 d relative to the baseline. CMJ PF and jump height decreased during SqOR but returned to baseline by POST 7 d. PRS and HWI worsened during SqOR, with the greatest impairment occurring on day 3 (PRS = −41.5%; HWI = 34.4%), and did not return to baseline until POST 14 d and POST 2 d, respectively. Conclusions: These findings demonstrate that a short-term period of planned OR improves muscular strength performance, but the duration of the taper influences when peak strength improvements are observed. Full article

Background: Basketball carries a high risk of both chronic and acute musculoskeletal injuries, affecting various parts of the body. Additionally, stress is a critical factor that influences athletic performance, particularly in high-pressure sports like basketball. This study aimed to investigate the impact of a specific proprioceptive training protocol on professional basketball players. Methods: Thirty male basketball players (M = 21.93, SD = 3.75 years) were divided into two groups: an experimental group (n = 15) and a control group (n = 15). The experimental group completed an adapted proprioceptive training program designed to enhance position-specific skills, following their regular team training. The control group continued to follow their routine training program without any additional proprioceptive intervention. The parameters assessed included stress levels, longitudinal body axis alignment, spinal range of motion, and total plantar load distribution. These were measured at three time points: baseline (T₀), after 4 weeks of training (T₁), and after 8 weeks of training (T₂). Results: Data analysis showed a significant reduction in stress (p < 0.001), postural alignment (p < 0.001), and spinal range of motion (p < 0.001) in the experimental group compared to the control group. Conclusions: In conclusion, the findings highlight the effectiveness of specific and detailed training programs in injury prevention, offering valuable insights for coaches and sports psychologists. Full article

Background: Obesity is a chronic and complex disease; by its nature, it represents an enormous challenge to be solved and managed. For that matter, several guidelines have been published, but there is still a long way to go until concrete scaled results can be presented. Adults with obesity, and especially severe obesity, need to have access to treatment programs, but they are not available for the vast majority of the population. Objective: The aim of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of a multidisciplinary treatment program for obesity (MTPO) offered to adults (ages 18 to 50 years old) with a BMI over 30 kg/m². Methods: Participants were invited through media ads, resulting in 404 participants for the first phase of that study, from whom the risk profile was assessed. After that, 180 participants (82.8% with severe obesity) concluded the MTPO, which consisted of 48 sessions of exercises and the same number of professional orientations about a healthy lifestyle, including the importance of being physically active, how to improve their eating habits, and how to control their emotions. Results: For the analysis of results, participants were grouped according to their weight loss in terciles, with the first, tercile presenting an average weight loss of 7.6%, which is considered clinically significant. In the same way, the average percental variations were even higher in this group for body fat (12.7%) and the lean mass to fat mass ratio (LM/FM), which increased by 14.3%. The homeostatic model assessment for insulin resistance, HOMA-IR, was around 3 times the variation of body mass, whereas the triglycerides (TG) and the hemoglobin A1C (H1Ac) were around twice that rate. Conclusions: These results made clear the effectiveness of the MTPO, which needs to be tested in public health services. Full article

Background: Listening to music has been widely reported to improve resistance exercise performance. However, few studies have considered lyrical content. The act of using explicit language has been shown to alter performance and psychophysiological responses to exercise. Although explicit language is widely used in mainstream music, it is unknown if altering explicit lyric content in music influences performance and psychophysiological responses to resistance exercise. Thus, the purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of censoring explicit lyrical music on bench press performance and psychophysiological responses to exercise. Methods: In a counterbalanced crossover manner, resistance-trained males (n = 11) were subjected to two conditions, namely (1) explicit music (EM) or (2) censored music (CM). Following a warm-up, music played continuously as participants completed 2 sets × 2 repetitions as explosively as possible, while a linear position transducer monitored the mean velocity of the barbell. Participants then completed 3 sets × repetitions to failure (RTFs) at 60% of a 1-repetition maximum (1-RM) separated by 2 min of rest. Motivation to exercise, psychological arousal, and rating of perceived exertion (RPE) were measured post-exercise. Total RTFs, mean velocity, motivation, psychological arousal, and RPE were compared between music conditions. Results: Findings show that total RTFs (p = 0.012) was significantly lower with CM versus EM, while mean velocity (p = 0.844) was not different between conditions. Psychological arousal (p = 0.005) and motivation (p = 0.002) were lower with CM versus EM. CM also resulted in a higher RPE (p = 0.011) compared to EM. Conclusions: Findings suggest that CM results in worse repetition volume compared to EM during resistance exercise but does not influence explosive ability. Changes in performance may be due to underlying decreases in motivation and psychological arousal. CM may also cause less dissociation, as evidenced by a higher RPE. Future research investigating the effects of lyrical content on exercise performance is warranted to further support current findings. Full article

Objectives: This study compares My Jump Lab and VertVision apps for measuring vertical jump height in handball players, assessing their validity and reliability. The research assesses both apps’ accuracy, particularly concerning higher jumps, where errors have been noted, aiming to determine the most reliable tool. The goal is to provide a direct comparison between apps, as well as confirm the apps’ validity and reliability for handball players. Methods: The present research is a transversal observational study. Twenty-seven amateur athletes performed five jumps on a contact mat with simultaneous recording by a smartphone with a high-speed camera. Pearson’s r, ICC, SEM, CV, and Bland–Altman plots were used to evaluate discrepancies and determine accuracy. Results: Pearson correlation showed strong relationships, with ICC values between 0.993 and 0.998. Both apps overestimated jump height by 1.86% compared to the platform. Bland–Altman plots indicated minimal differences between observers, confirming high validity and reliability for CMJ measurement. Both apps demonstrated very high concurrent validity (r > 0.9) and reliability, with ICC values near 1 and CV below 5%. My Jump Lab exhibited smaller inter-observer differences, indicating greater consistency. Conclusions: The ease of use, affordability, and portability make both apps valuable for performance monitoring, training, and injury recovery. While both demonstrated good validity and reliability, My Jump Lab proved more consistent in jump comparisons. These tools extend beyond sports, supporting physiotherapy assessments and athletic training across diverse populations. Full article

Objectives: Tibial shaft fractures (TSFs) represent the most common diaphyseal fractures in adults. The gold-standard treatment is intramedullary nailing. Recently, the suprapatellar technique has been increasingly adopted due to its ability to reduce complications associated with the infrapatellar approach. Currently, no clinical score for leg fractures comprehensively assesses the entire lower limb. Therefore, we reviewed the main lower-limb scores available in the literature and developed a new clinical evaluation tool for tibial shaft fractures. The aim of our study was to report our experience with both techniques, to compare the outcomes of our prospective study with the international literature, and to propose a new, easy-to-apply, and reproducible clinical score that evaluates the specific functions of the entire lower limb. Methods: We conducted a prospective analysis of 920 tibial shaft fractures treated with intramedullary nailing via either a suprapatellar or infrapatellar approach. Patients were divided into two groups: Group A, including 420 patients treated with the infrapatellar approach; Group B, including 500 patients treated with the suprapatellar approach. Follow-up included clinical and radiographic assessments at 1, 3, and 6 months, and annually thereafter. We evaluated differences in patient positioning, operation time, radiation exposure, healing rate, incidence of pseudarthrosis and infection, return to ambulation, residual knee pain and fracture site, persistent lameness, and deformities. For the clinical assessment, we devised a new score—the Catania Hospital Score (CHS)—by integrating the most relevant clinical items from existing lower-limb evaluation tools. The CHS includes anterior knee pain (20 points), lameness (5 points), swelling (10 points), stair-climbing ability (10 points), tibial pain (15 points), the ability to perform daily activities (20 points), and evaluation of deformities (varus/valgus, shortening, rotation, and recurvatum/procurvatum (40 points)), for a total of 120 points. Results: Statistically significant differences were observed in Group B regarding a shorter surgical time, a reduced patient positioning time, and decreased radiation exposure. The CHSs were significantly better for Group B at the 3- and 6-month follow-ups. No statistically significant differences were found in infection or pseudarthrosis rates between the two groups. Notably, no cases of chronic knee pain were reported in patients treated with the suprapatellar approach. Conclusions: Both surgical approaches are valid and effective. However, our findings indicate that the suprapatellar approach reduces the complications of the infrapatellar technique, improves postoperative outcomes, and does not result in chronic knee pain. The CHS provides a comprehensive, practical, and reproducible tool to assess functional recovery in patients treated with intramedullary tibial nailing. Full article

Background: Work-related musculoskeletal disorders (WMSDs) are very prevalent among surgeons worldwide. The aim was to investigate the overall and body area WMSD prevalence (proportion of surgeons suffering from WMSD during their practice) by continent throughout a systematic review and meta-analysis. Methods: Three open databases were scanned without a date limit until 31 December 2024 to select relevant studies. The results were reported according to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines. Results: Among the 20,486 items, 68 articles with a total of 17,188 surgeons were included, distributed as follows: 36 studies in America, 15 in Asia, 16 in Europe, and 1 in Oceania. Overall prevalence was 77.6% in Asia (95% CI: 67.3–87.9%), 73.1% in Europe (95% CI: 60.3–86.0%), and 62.8% in America (95% CI: 57.0−68.6%). The most exposed areas were the neck, upper and lower back, and shoulder, with prevalence ranging from 30 to 50%. The ranking differed according to continent. In America, neck/shoulder WMSD and overall prevalence were negatively correlated to years of experience (r² = 0.182 and r² = 0.240, p < 0.05) and to the number of cases treated per week prevalence (r² = 0.794, p < 0.05), respectively. A positive correlation was observed between the elbow WMSD prevalence and age (r² = 0.365, p < 0.05). In Europe, a negative correlation was highlighted between the overall WMSD prevalence and age (r² = 0.599, p < 0.05). Another positive correlation was identified between shoulder WMSD prevalence and years of experience (r² = 0.735, p < 0.05). Conclusions: To improve surgeons’ quality of work life, further research is needed to develop ergonomic programs, organizational work strategies, and assistive devices. Full article

Objectives: The ability to efficiently regulate body temperature is crucial during endurance activities such as trail running, especially during competitive events in hot conditions. Over the past decade, passive hyperthermia exposure has grown significantly in popularity as a means of improving acclimatization and performance in hot environments. The present study aims to compare the physiological changes that occur in a group of professional athletes due to passive sauna exposure (80–90 °C) and their own response to maximal aerobic performance. Methods: Twelve professional trail runners (eight men and four women) were tested in three conditions: (i) baseline; (ii) before; and (iii) after (a) passive dry sauna exposure and (b) a maximal endurance test. In both cases, physiological parameters such as heart rate, tympanic temperature, arterial and muscle oxygen saturation, and blood concentrations of glucose, total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein (HDL) and hemoglobin were measured. Results: Sauna exposure produced similar trends in cardiovascular and metabolic responses to those occurring during exercise, but at a much lower physiological level. Glucose and HDL levels were both significantly elevated (or tended to be so) after sauna and exercise (p < 0.03 and p < 0.01, respectively). Athletes who mobilized the sum of substrates (glucose and HDL) performed the exercise test faster (r = −0.76; p < 0.004). The response of arterial oxygen saturation (decreased) was similar during sauna and exercise, but opposite at the muscular level (increased during sauna and decreased during exercise). Additionally, inter-individual variability in responses was noted for most of the other parameters, suggesting the existence of ‘responders’ and ‘non-responders’ to thermal stimuli. Conclusions: The physiological responses of trained endurance athletes are moderately impacted by passive sauna use. However, individual changes could be correlated with endurance performance and optimizing individualization. Heat stimuli promote different physiological responses in terms of cardiac function, oxygen kinetics and substrate mobilization, albeit to a lesser extent than exercise. Greater substrate mobilization during maximal endurance exercise was found to be correlated with better performance. Further studies are needed to explore the concepts of metabolic flexibility, as described here, and how heat exposure may improve systemic health and performance. Full article

Objectives: Adolescents’ health is positively influenced by the performance of physical activity. Regarding soccer, a very popular sport, the aims of the study were to assess changes in body composition and body image of late adolescent players during pre- and in-season training periods, analyzing the relationships between dissatisfaction and body composition parameters. Methods: A sample of 16–19-year-old male soccer players was examined longitudinally by three surveys. The body composition was assessed by anthropometric method. Body image perception was evaluated using two different figural scales related to shape and muscularity. Results: During the period examined, fat-free mass increased, and changes in perceived and ideal figures occurred, showing a desire toward more robust and muscular figures. Body image dissatisfaction was generally low, with a decrease in muscle dissatisfaction during the period. Body composition parameters significantly predicted body image dissatisfaction. Conclusions: Our findings suggest anthropometric and body image perception changes during soccer training with improvements in body composition parameters and a decrease in musculature dissatisfaction. These results highlight the importance of incorporating physical and psychological monitoring into training programs to support the healthy development of athletes’ body image and body composition. Full article

Background: This study aimed to examine the difference in blood lactate and oxygen saturation between monofin swimming with respiration and with breath-hold diving. The second aim was to investigate the difference between elite and intermediate breath hold-divers. Methods: This study included 15 freediving athletes (five females). Their chronological age was 25.9 ± 2.9 years, body mass 75.5 ± 11.9 kg, and height 180.2 ± 8.9 cm. The sample of variables included anthropometric indices, blood lactate, and oxygen saturation. The participants were measured during 100 m monofin horizontal swimming with respiration and breath-hold diving. Descriptive and inferential statistics were measured. The Kolmogorov–Smirnov (K-S) test was used to determine the normality of distribution. To determine the differences between the groups of participants, the t-test was used to determine the differences in anthropometric indices. Furthermore, to observe the differences between repeated measures, ANOVA with Fischer LSD test was used. Following that, the two-factor ANOVA analysis group (respiration/apnea) and group (intermediate/elite level)) was performed to determine the possible differences between groups in both conditions. Also, Cohen’s effect size was calculated to quantify the differences among the measurements. Results: The results show that the divers perceive significantly smaller levels of lactates during dives with respiration (intermediate, 2.44 ± 0.64 mmol/L; elite, 2.23 ± 0.34 mmol/L) than during apnea (intermediate, 6.06 ± 2.00 mmol/L; elite, 4.10 ± 0.66 mmol/L). Furthermore, intermediate freedivers tend to perceive significantly higher values. Conclusions: To conclude, it can be noted that apnea monofin diving elicits significantly higher lactate production in comparison with distance-matched swimming. Such findings imply the anaerobic nature of breath-holding diving. Apart from that, elite divers tend to show a lower accumulation of lactate. Such findings imply that elite-level divers can endure prolonged apneas with lower anaerobic metabolism use. Full article

Objectives: Soccer is the most practiced sport around the world. The injury incidence has an estimated rate of up to 70 injuries per 1000 h of play. FIFA 11+ is a program designed to prevent injuries and optimize performance. The purpose of this study was to analyze the acute effects of this program as a warm-up on different functional, physiological, and mechanical properties of various knee tissues and whether there were differences between genders. Methods: The sample included 45 recreational soccer players. Several muscular and tendon mechanical properties, muscular oxygen saturation, electromyography, maximum voluntary contraction, and rate of force development were analyzed, before and after performing the FIFA 11+. Results: Only a moderate significant increase in muscle oxygen saturation in men from pre- to post-test was reported. No other parameters showed statistically significant differences between groups, suggesting that the intervention may lack clinical relevance. The reported effect sizes were mostly trivial, so differences are unlikely to have significant practical relevance. Statistical analyses were performed using a 2 × 2 factorial repeated measures factorial ANOVA with Bonferroni post hoc comparisons. Conclusions: FIFA 11+ warm-up does not provide a sufficient stimulus to elicit mechanical or metabolic responses in the per-knee structures. Other warm-up designs may be more appropriate for finding these effects. Full article

This study aims to compare the effectiveness of tennis forehand shots played by competitive athletes in open and square stances in terms of performance: (1) ball speed, (2) accuracy, and (3) gesture economy. This is with the aim of preventing the excessive wear and tear of the athlete’s musculoskeletal structures. Methods: Between October 2024 and January 2025, forty-two healthy players were involved in the study. Eighty forehands were played by each subject with open and square stances in lateral and diagonal-inside running structured situations. The ball’s speed, shot accuracy, and the athlete’s heart rate were acquired. Kruskal–Wallis’s and Dunn post hoc tests were used to compare the effect of stance, tactical situation, gender, and player’s flexibility on these performance variables. The Wilcoxon signed-rank t-test was applied to compare each of the two types of stances. Results: Square stance consistently resulted in significantly higher ball speeds in both lateral running (Δ_Median: 6 km/h) and diagonal-inside running (Δ_Median: 4 km/h), while the differences in accuracy and metabolic demand were not significant overall. Conclusions: This study found that the square stance technique provides a clear advantage in terms of ball speed. Although the higher accuracy found was not significant, the small difference in metabolic effort was. Overall, the benefits reported seem to make the square stance the preferable choice. Full article

Background: In recent years, padel-based interventions have been widely applied in junior and elite players of both genders concerning athletic performance, whereas evidence of their efficacy in trials that use simple randomization has not been well established. This study aimed to compare the effects of 8 weeks of padel training (PD) on the strength and power of untrained healthy children. Methods: Twenty-five children aged 11–15 years (12.36 ± 1.15 years) were randomly assigned into experimental (PD) (nine boys and five girls: 1.58 ± 0.04 m; 50.00 ± 6.75 kg; and 19.96 ± 1.95 kg/m²) and control (CT) (seven boys and four girls: 1.60 ± 0.05 m; 56.92 ± 2.75 kg; and 21.61 ± 1.02 kg/m²) groups. The PD group trained twice a week for 8 weeks, and the CT group did not follow any training program and did not participate in regular exercise or sports. Countermovement jump, medicine ball throw, handgrip, and 5 m sprint test results were measured at baseline and after the intervention in the padel sport group. Results: The results showed a significant interaction for training-induced responses in the sprint test (T5) (F = 10.55, p = 0.004, η² = 0.31). No significant interactions were observed for handgrip strength (HG) (F = 3.90, p=0.06), the medicine ball throw (MBT) (F = 0.851, p = 0.37, η² = 0.04), and the countermovement jump (F = 1.04, p =0.32, η² = 0.04), with clear improvements from pre- to post-training in the PD group. After 8 weeks of training, the PD group showed increased performance in handgrip strength (p = 0.004), while the CT group had decreased velocity post-training (p = 0.011). Conclusions: The individual results in the PD group showed an improvement, which suggests that the practice of padel seems to be a good strategy for improving one’s fitness. It is suggested that 8 weeks of PD seem to be effective in improving strength- and power-related variables in healthy, untrained children. This could be considered an alternative to traditional sports to improve the body fitness of young children and should be applied in school-based programs and the sports club community. Also, more high-quality RCTs are needed in the future. Full article

Background: Repeated short maximal sprints induce high blood lactate concentrations and may influence neuromuscular coordination, but the relationship between lactate accumulation and inter-limb asymmetry in elite athletes remains unclear. Objectives: This study sought to investigate how blood lactate dynamics during repeated sprint efforts relate to sprint performance and inter-limb muscle asymmetry in elite female sprinters. Methods: Eight elite women (21.3 ± 5.4 y; 54.2 ± 5.1 kg; 165.4 ± 4.3 cm) performed four sets of five all-out 50 m sprints (1 min rest between reps; 5 min between sets). Sprint times were electronically timed. Capillary lactate was measured at rest and 1 min/4 min post-set. Quadricep, hamstring, and gluteal asymmetry was assessed via textile electromyography. Nonparametric statistics (Spearman’s ρ, Friedman test) were applied. Results: From Set 1 to Set 4, sprint time fell from 7.25 ± 0.13 s to 7.07 ± 0.16 s (p = 0.044), 1 min lactate rose from 8.51 ± 2.65 to 15.60 ± 2.66 mmol/L (p < 0.001), and 4 min lactate from 7.16 ± 2.32 to 13.64 ± 2.76 mmol/L (p = 0.002). Muscle group asymmetries decreased (p < 0.01), with lactate at 1 min, correlating negatively with quadriceps (ρ = −0.59) and gluteal (ρ = −0.48) asymmetry. Conclusions: In elite female sprinters, progressive lactate accumulation during repeated 50 m bouts is linked to faster times and reduced muscle asymmetry, suggesting that lactate may enhance neuromuscular coordination under fatigue. Full article

Background: Physical exercise intervention in cystic fibrosis (CF) is of recent interest; however, no specific method to detect improvements in body composition and cardiovascular performance after transplantation has been investigated. This study aims to verify the feasibility of an exercise prescription program in CF lung-transplanted patients compared to other solid organ transplanted recipients (OLT) in terms of cardio-respiratory and body composition performance. Methods: The two groups, trained with a moderate intensity program, were evaluated by body composition analysis and a cardiopulmonary test (CPET) and compared to healthy subjects (HS). Results: A total of 10 CF, 10 OLT, and 10 HS were included. BMI was significantly lower in the CF group with lower total and appendicular free fat mass (p = 0.01). The CF group also showed significantly lower functional and cardiovascular parameters in the CPET test (peak VO2, VOR/HR) compared to the OLT and HS groups, but similar ventilatory response (VE/VCO2 slope) to OLT. In the CF group, free fat mass and functional parameters (peak VO2 and VO2/HR) were negatively correlated (r = −0.51 and −0.52, respectively). Conclusions: CF patients would benefit from an individualized exercise prescription program to improve all cardiovascular parameters, overall body composition, and, consequently, related respiratory parameters. Peak VO2 and body composition should be largely used to plan exercise prescription program among transplanted CF. Full article

Background: There are no data in the literature regarding the optimal pitch training load (PTL) for elite soccer teams during congested seasons. Objectives: This study had three goals: (1) identify whether there is an adaptation in match physical performance (MPP) in response to PTL throughout a congested season in elite soccer players; (2) identify whether MPP adaptation is specific to the coach’s PTL philosophy; and (3) identify the optimal PTL for MPP during a congested season. Method: Over two seasons, we collected data from 11,658 PTL sessions and 3068 MPP data from 54 elite male soccer players. The PTL sessions were clustered in weekly training blocks and paired with MPP for statistical and machine learning analysis. Results: Over the season, MPP increased in the mid-season and this trend decreased during the end-season. Also, MPP reflected the coach’s PTL philosophy. Further, using a machine learning (k-means) approach, we identified three different PTLs (and classified them as low-, medium-, and high-load PTL blocks). The high-load PTL block was associated with a higher MPP, while the lower PTL was associated with a lower MPP. Conclusions: PTL is closely related to MPP, and this change also reflects the coach’s PTL philosophy. Here, we report an optimal PTL that could be useful for soccer teams playing a congested season. Full article

Background: The variation in the body mass and height of players over time is called the secular trend. It has been analyzed in several team sports, but no similar studies have been conducted on female athletes playing water polo. The aim of this paper was to study the changes that have occurred in the body size and composition of female water polo athletes participating in the Olympic Games, from their first inclusion in the Olympics (2004) until today. Methods: Data were collected from the female water polo players of the National Team selected to participate in the Olympic Games from 2004 (Athens) until 2024 (Paris) and then analyzed. A total of 93 athletes were assessed, and we analyzed the data for each of the Olympics between 2004 and 2024. To evaluate the anthropometric characteristics of the athletes, their body mass and height were recorded and their Body Mass Index (BMI) was then calculated. The athletes’ Body Composition (BC) was assessed using bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA). Results: The athletes’ average age decreases over time, while their body mass increases. Their body height does not vary significantly. The BMI confirmed that the athletes were always healthy and with a correct diet. With regard to BC, the Fat Free Mass (FFM) values exhibit an increasing trend. Conclusions: The water polo female athletes participating in the 2024 Olympic Games were younger and have different anthropometric and BC values than the athletes playing in the first women’s water polo tournament at the Olympics in 2004. The most likely explanation for this is the rapid evolution of the young female version of the sport, with improved recruitment and training strategies and greater attention paid to nutrition. Full article

Background: Hypertension is a significant public health issue, particularly in individuals with comorbidities such as COPD and T2DM, which exacerbate cardiovascular risk and impair quality of life. While physical activity is an effective intervention for reducing blood pressure and improving health markers, conventional therapies often lack the social and psychological benefits of team sports. Team sports conducted as small-sided games provide a dynamic, engaging approach that combines physical, social, and psychological advantages, making them particularly suitable for individuals with complex chronic conditions. Methods: This non-randomized intervention study involved twenty-eight hypertensive patients, including 16 individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) (8 men and 8 women) and 12 with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) (7 men and 5 women). Participants engaged in a training program, primarily consisting of team sports (floorball and cone ball), at a municipal health center twice a week for 12 weeks. Results: The intervention led to a significant reduction in systolic blood pressure (p = 0.006), with patients with COPD and T2DM showing decreases of 9.6 ± 12.7 mmHg and 12.4 ± 19.0 mmHg, respectively. Additionally, the time to complete the 2.45 m “Up and Go” test improved significantly (p < 0.001), with both COPD (p = 0.011) and T2DM (p = 0.005) patients demonstrating notable improvements. However, no significant changes were observed in body mass, chair stand performance, five-repetition sit-to-stand test, handgrip strength, or diastolic blood pressure following the intervention. Conclusions: Team sports training conducted in a municipality health center is effective in lowering blood pressure and improving functional capacity in hypertensive COPD and T2DM patients. Full article

Background: Patellar tendinopathy is a musculoskeletal pain condition capable of impairing physical or sport activities. Preliminary evidence supports the efficacy of percutaneous electrolysis (PE) in reducing pain and related disability in patients with patellar tendinopathy. Objective: This study proposes a theoretical model for the application of a percutaneous electrolysis approach targeting the deep zone of the proximal and distal parts of the patellar tendon in both human (ultrasound-guided) and fresh cadaver (not ultrasound-guided) models. Methods: A filiform solid needle was inserted from the lateral side of the patellar tendon targeting two areas: 1, the deep proximal interface of the Hoffa’s fat pad; and 2, the distal insertion of the patellar tendon at the tibial tuberosity in 10 fresh cadavers and in 10 healthy individuals. The patellar tendon, the saphenous nerve, and the infrapatellar nerve and its branches were identified by dissecting fresh cadavers to determine the anatomical trajectory of the infrapatellar nerve branches in relation to the needle. Results: The cadaveric model shows an anatomical relationship between the patellar tendon and infrapatellar nerve branches at the medial part of the knee. Infrapatellar nerve branches ran subcutaneously obliquely from the medial to the anterior and lateral parts of the knee, crossing in front of the patellar tendon. In all cadavers, the superior and inferior infrapatellar branches ran through the superior or inferior parts of the medial knee area. Only in 2/10 knees infrapatellar nerve branches reached the lateral part of the knee, specifically the superior lateral part. No neurovascular bundle of infrapatellar nerve branches was pierced in any insertion when the needle was inserted from the lateral part of the knee. Conclusion: This anatomical model supports the use of a lateral approach as a potentially safe approach to apply in needling interventions, e.g., percutaneous electrolysis for patellar tendinopathies. The infrapatellar nerve branches are vulnerable to needle procedures applied through the anteromedial side of the knee. Full article

Background: Gait decline in older adults is closely linked to reduced ankle propulsion and a compensatory reliance on proximal joints. This randomized trial investigated whether dynamic stability training using water inertia can improve gait mechanics and redistribute lower-limb joint moments in older women. Hypotheses: (1) The training would improve gait speed, stride length, and cadence. (2) The ankle plantar flexor moment and positive mechanical work would increase, while hip extension moment would decrease. Method: Twenty-four women aged 65 years and older were randomly assigned to either an experimental or control group. The experimental group wore a water-filled aquavest, and the control group wore a weighted vest. Both groups performed the same training program twice weekly for 12 weeks. Outcome measures included gait speed, stride length, cadence, ankle plantar flexion moment, hip extension moment, and positive mechanical work during terminal stance. A two-way mixed (between–within) analysis of variance (ANOVA) evaluated the group × time interaction effects. Results: Significant group × time interactions were found for gait speed (p < 0.001), stride length (p < 0.001), ankle moment (p = 0.017), and positive work (p < 0.001). Cadence increased in both groups over time (p < 0.05), with no interaction. The hip moment declined slightly in the experimental group. Conclusions: Water inertia load training enhanced propulsion and promoted an ankle-dominant gait, supporting its use to improve gait function and reduce proximal compensation in older women. Full article

Background: Sprinting, a high-intensity, short-duration exercise, induces oxidative stress. This causes molecular and ultrastructural alterations. Antioxidant supplementation may mitigate side effects of near or complete exhaustion. Methods: Twenty-eight healthy male adult rats received orally normal saline, carboxymethylcellulose (vehicle), artificial, N-acetylcysteine or a natural antioxidant, Rutin. Rats were subjected to treadmill sprinting at increasing speeds for 5 days/week. After 26 days, samples were collected to measure oxidative stress (malondialdehyde, MDA; the ratio of reduced-to-oxidized glutathione, GSH/GSSG), inflammation markers (enzymatic level of inducible nitric oxide synthase, iNOS; cytokine level of tumor necrosis factor alpha, TNFα) and for transmission electron microscopy (TEM) analysis. Results: Rutin attenuated MDA levels and increased antioxidant protection in all tissues, while NAC decreased the lipid peroxidation in all tissues except the lungs. NAC increased aortic inflammation, with higher TNF-α and iNOS. Sprinting caused intimal detachment in the heart and aorta. Rutin and NAC minimized endocardium alterations. Additionally, Rutin prevented myocardial disorganization. Conclusions: Rutin mitigated the oxidative stress damage of sprinting in the heart, aorta, skeletal muscle and lung. NAC protected against oxidative injury caused by sprinting in the heart, aorta and muscle but not the lung, and it induced aortic inflammation. Full article

Background: This sport involves the integration of various capabilities and mechanisms, including cognitive, physiological, and biomechanical components, that allow the athlete to perform in competition. However, to date, no systematic review has analyzed the indicators that are decisive for sports performance in Bicycle Motocross (BMX). The objective of this work was to carry out a systematic review of the performance variables in BMX and establish recommendations for researchers and trainers. Materials and Methods: The following databases were consulted: PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science. This systematic review uses the guidelines of the PRISMA statement and the guidelines for performing systematic reviews in sports sciences. The search approach, along with the selection criteria and additional details, were previously noted in the prospective registry (INPLASY202480036). The quality of the evidence was evaluated via the PEDro scale. Results: The 21 studies that make up the sample of this systematic review have a total sample of 287 athletes. However, in the studies analyzed, there are five main categories for the study of performance in BMX: (i) physiological profile and BMX and bicarbonate; (ii) BMX and physical characteristics (power, speed, and sprint); (iii) translation and rotational acceleration and systems and implements; (iv) psychological variables; and (v) skills and techniques. Conclusions: This systematic review provides convincing evidence regarding the influence of several factors that can determine performance in BMX, including P_max, cadence, neuromuscular capacity, feedback and cognitive training, accelerometry and video analysis, anaerobic–aerobic relationships, physical conditioning, strength, and speed. Full article

Background: Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury is more prevalent in young athletes and women. A deficit of knee flexor strength and a H/Q strength ratio below 0.6 in athletes are risk factors. Therefore, the main objective of this study is to determine if there are differences in the strength of the knee musculature, joint work, and H/Q ratio between professional and junior elite basketball players and sexes, since there are differences in the incidence of ACL injuries between these groups. Methods: Forty-three professional (27 male and 16 female) and 42 junior elite (28 male and 14 female) basketball players were evaluated. Dynamometric knee flexion and extension measurements were performed on both lower limbs at three angular velocities: 30°/s, 120°/s, and 180°/s. Concentric knee flexion and extension strength variables were measured in Newtons, the strength ratio between flexors and extensors in H/Q ratio, and muscle work (product of force times displacement) in Joules. Comparisons of the measured variables were made between categories and sexes. Results: Significant differences (p < 0.05) were found between categories (professional and junior) in all measured strength parameters as well as in joint work. No differences were found between categories in the H/Q ratios. Significant differences (p < 0.05) were found between sexes in most measured strengths and joint work. However, no differences were found in most of the H/Q ratios. Female basketball players have lower values of strength and muscle work than male players, however, in the H/Q ratio data there are no differences between the two groups. The same occurs between junior and professional athletes. Conclusions: The authors conclude that flexor and extensor strength values should be analyzed in isolation and not in terms of the H/Q ratio. Full article

Background: To achieve victory, kayaking and rowing athletes must develop optimal aerobic conditioning and the capacity to sustain anaerobic work production. To assess these characteristics, power output (PO), lactatemia response, and maximum oxygen uptake (VO₂max) are usually measured. The goal of this research is to report the values of PO, lactatemia, and VO₂max—expressed in relative, absolute, and body size-scaled values—in successful international-level athletes to provide reference values for those striving to compete at the highest level. Methods: A total of 15 international-level medallist boat sports athletes were recruited: 8 male kayakers (age 21 ± 3 years, height 181.7 ± 5.3 cm, body mass 78.7 ± 5.6 kg), 2 female kayakers (age 22 ± 2 years, height 168.0 ± 2.8 cm, body mass 64.9 ± 2.7 kg), and 5 male rowers (age 20 ± 1 years, height 181.9 ± 4.7 cm, body mass 83.9 ± 7.3 kg). The athletes’ PO, lactatemia, and VO₂max were assessed using an off-water, sport-specific cardiopulmonary test on a paddle and rowing ergometer. Results: Respectively, in male and female kayakers and male rowers, maximum lactatemia was 11.9 ± 2.2 mmol/L, 9.3 ± 3.6 mmol/L, and 13.2 ± 3.7 mmol/L; maximum PO was 225.0 ± 13.4 W, 162.5 ± 31.8 W and 432.0 ± 33.5 W; and VO₂max was 57.6 ± 5.4 mL/min/kg, 52.2 ± 1.0 mL/min/kg, and 63.7 ± 11.7 mL/min/kg. VO₂max scaled by body size was, respectively, 311 ± 39 mL/kg^0.67/min, 319 ± 15 mL/kg^0.67/min, and 330 ± 72 mL/kg^0.67/min. Conclusions: This study is the first to report the values of PO, lactatemia, and VO₂max—expressed in relative, absolute, and body size-scaled values—assessed during a sport-specific cardiopulmonary test in international-level boat sports athletes. These values could be a preliminary reference guideline for optimal cardiorespiratory conditioning in athletes aiming at international-level competitions. Full article