Search Results (895)

Introduction: Vertical jump performance is linked to key performance indicators in rugby, including tackling success and ruck involvement. Although plyometric jump training (PJT) is known to enhance explosive qualities in various sports, its specific effects in rugby remain unclear. Objective: To synthesise evidence on the effects of PJT on vertical jump ability and other physical fitness components in adult rugby players. Methods: A systematic review was conducted in accordance with PRISMA 2020 guidelines. PubMed, EBSCO (SPORTDiscus), WoS, and Scopus were searched up to December 2025. Experimental and quasi-experimental studies involving rugby players undertaking PJT programmes of at least two weeks, with at least one vertical jump outcome, were included. Two reviewers independently performed study selection and data extraction. Risk of bias was assessed using the RoB 2.0 tool. Results: Seven studies involving 178 male players were included. PJT improved sprint speed, change of direction, anaerobic power, reactive strength, lower-limb stiffness, and isometric plantar flexion strength. Gains in countermovement jump power were noted in some conditions, such as training on softer surfaces. However, improvements in jump height were inconsistent. Conclusion: PJT enhances several important physical qualities in rugby players but shows variable effects on vertical jump height. Further high-quality research is needed. Full article

Combat-sport performance depends on the interaction between technical skills and physical capacities, yet direct comparisons between grappling disciplines remain limited. The aim of this study was to compare the anthropometric profile and physical performance of elite judo and jiu-jitsu athletes. This cross-sectional study included 25 elite male athletes (judo—n = 12; jiu-jitsu—n = 13) assessed during a preparatory training phase. Anthropometric measures included age, training experience, height, and body mass, while physical performance was evaluated using dominant and non-dominant handgrip strength, squat jump (SJ), countermovement jump (CMJ), medicine ball throw with and without countermovement, and dynamic and isometric judogi-grip pull-up tests. Between-group comparisons were performed using independent sample tests, with effect sizes (ES) calculated. Judo athletes had greater training experience (13.25 ± 2.73 vs. 7.85 ± 4.36 years; p = 0.001; ES = 1.472) and higher SJ performance (38.71 ± 6.69 vs. 33.82 ± 4.74 cm; p = 0.045; ES = 0.850) compared to jiu-jitsu athletes. No significant between-group differences were observed for the remaining variables (p > 0.05). These findings indicate that no statistically significant differences were detected in most anthropometric and physical performance variables between elite judo and jiu-jitsu athletes, and the initially higher squat jump performance observed in judo athletes was no longer statistically significant after adjustment for training experience. Full article

Monitoring performance in football often combines physical testing and GPS-derived external-load measures, although their relationships remain unclear. This study examined the relationships between physical-test outcomes and GPS-derived external-load variables during the pre-season in professional female football players and whether these measures appear to capture distinct dimensions of performance. This observational study monitored 24 outfield players from a Brazilian Women’s First Division team during a 6-week pre-season. Players performed the countermovement jump, 10 m and 30 m sprints, change-of-direction test, and 30–15 intermittent fitness test while external load was recorded across field sessions. Associations were examined using Pearson’s or Spearman’s correlations, and principal component analysis (PCA) was applied. Significant correlations were more frequent within than between domains. Total distance correlated with accelerations (ρ = 0.740, p < 0.001), decelerations (ρ = 0.684, p < 0.001), Z3 distance (ρ = 0.595, p = 0.003), and Z4 distance (ρ = 0.584, p = 0.003), while sprint count correlated with sprint distance (r = 0.950, p < 0.001). Estimated VO₂max correlated positively with CMJ (r = 0.533, p = 0.007) and negatively with 10 m (r = −0.445, p = 0.029) and 30 m sprint times (r = −0.476, p = 0.019). PCA identified two components explaining 61.4% of the total variance: external load (40.6%) and physical performance (20.8%). These findings indicate that both approaches capture distinct and complementary aspects of performance. Full article

Background: Bicycle Motocross (BMX) performance is strongly influenced by the start phase, which requires rapid force and power production to achieve optimal race posi-tioning; however, the relationship between lower-body power and sport-specific start performance remains insufficiently investigated. Objectives: The aim of this cross-sectional study was to assess lower-body muscular performance and analyze its relationship with start performance in international BMX riders. Methods: Ten international-level BMX riders (n = 10) completed a testing battery including squat jump and countermovement jump, force–velocity profile assessment, and a Wingate test preceded by 5 s maximal sprints to determine peak power (PP1, PP2), peak power during the 30 s Wingate test, and mean power. A sport-specific start test was performed on a BMX ramp, with time over the first 15 m recorded using photocell timing gates. Results: StartGate 15 m time showed a large negative correlation with PP2 (r = −0.800, 95% CI: −0.95 to −0.33, p = 0.05), whereas no significant correlations were observed with vertical jump performance or Power Mean Wingate. Strong correlations were observed among laboratory-based power variables. Conclusions: These findings suggest that short-duration peak cycling power may be associated with BMX start performance. However, given the small sample size and the borderline p-value, this relationship should be interpreted with caution. Sport-specific start testing may provide relevant information for performance assessment and training monitoring in international BMX riders. Full article

Background: Exercise-induced muscle damage (EIMD) after strenuous exercise can impair neuromuscular function and increase muscle soreness. Although cold-water immersion (CWI), massage, and active recovery are widely used, their comparative effects across recovery time windows remain unclear. Objective: We aimed to compare and rank the effects of post-exercise physical recovery strategies on countermovement jump (CMJ), delayed-onset muscle soreness (DOMS), and creatine kinase (CK) during acute and delayed recovery. Methods: A systematic review and frequentist network meta-analysis were conducted in accordance with PRISMA 2020 and the PRISMA extension for network meta-analyses. Five databases (PubMed, Web of Science, SPORTDiscus, Cochrane Library, and Scopus) were searched. The study protocol and prespecified methods were publicly archived on the Open Science Framework (OSF, DOI:10.17605/OSF.IO/ASWU6). Outcomes were grouped into an acute phase (0–24 h) and a delayed phase (48–72 h). The primary analysis was restricted to the connected main network anchored by passive control. Random-effects models were used to calculate effect sizes with 95% confidence intervals, and P-scores were used to rank interventions. Results: In the acute phase, active recovery and CWI demonstrated the largest effect sizes for CMJ recovery at 24 h, though confidence intervals were wide. For DOMS, both CWI and massage showed beneficial effects immediately after exercise and at 24 h. CWI also reduced CK immediately after exercise and at 24 h. In the delayed phase, most effects diminished, with no significant benefit for CMJ or CK; however, CWI remained associated with lower DOMS at 48 h. Conclusions: Recovery effects appear to be strongly time-dependent. Active recovery may be preferable for short-term restoration of explosive performance, massage for early soreness relief, and CWI for broader short-term recovery support. Full article

Assessment of trunk function in sports settings remains challenging, as conventional strength measurements may not reflect integrated trunk stabilization. Abdominal pressure (AP), measured non-invasively using an abdominal cuff device, has been proposed as an indicator of coordinated trunk muscle activity; however, its association with sport-specific performance remains unclear. This study examined the within-session reliability of AP and its task-specific associations with performance measures in adolescent female volleyball players. Twenty-six athletes participated in this cross-sectional study. AP was measured twice within a single session, and reliability was evaluated using intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs), standard error of measurement, minimal detectable change, and Bland–Altman analysis. Associations between AP and 20 m sprint time, T-test performance, and countermovement jump (CMJ) height were assessed using Pearson’s and partial correlations controlling for normalized trunk and hip flexion strength (N/kg). AP showed high reliability (ICC(3,1) = 0.941; 95% CI: 0.873–0.973). AP was significantly correlated with 20 m sprint time and T-test performance, but not with CMJ height. The association with sprint performance remained after adjustment, whereas that with T-test performance was attenuated. These findings suggest that AP is associated with sprint performance and may reflect task-specific associations, rather than representing a generalized or mechanistic indicator of trunk stabilization. Further longitudinal and interventional studies are needed to clarify causal relationships. Full article

Objective: This study compared the acute effects of caffeine capsule ingestion and caffeine mouth rinsing on physical performance and volleyball-specific skills at different times of day in trained adolescent male volleyball players. Methods: Twenty-four well-trained male volleyball players (age: 16.9 ± 0.7 years) completed a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover study involving three supplementation conditions, caffeine capsule (CAFcap, 3 mg·kg⁻¹), caffeine mouth rinse (CAFrinse, 3 mg·kg⁻¹), and placebo (PLA), administered via a double-dummy procedure (nine sessions per participant: 3 conditions × 3 times of day) at 08:00, 12:00, and 18:00. Participants completed squat jump (SJ), countermovement jump (CMJ), block jump, attack jump, 10 × 10 m t-test, spike accuracy, and serve accuracy assessments. Data were analyzed using two-way repeated-measures ANOVA. Results: Significant main effects of condition and time of day were observed for all outcomes. Significant condition × time-of-day interactions were found for SJ, CMJ, attack jump, and change-of-direction speed, indicating that caffeine-related ergogenic effects were most evident in the morning and at midday, whereas these benefits were attenuated in the evening when baseline performance was highest. At 08:00 and 12:00, both CAFcap and CAFrinse improved jump performance and agility compared with PLA, with capsule ingestion showing a small-to-moderate advantage over mouth rinsing for selected lower-limb power outcomes at midday (mean difference range: 0.51–0.57 cm; dz = 0.57–0.65). For block jump, spike accuracy, and serve accuracy, both caffeine conditions improved performance relative to placebo, while a progressive improvement across the day was observed under all conditions, including placebo, confirming a diurnal rhythm effect independent of supplementation. Overall, the data indicate that caffeine partially reduced the amplitude of diurnal variation in several physical performance measures. Conclusions: Both caffeine capsule ingestion and caffeine mouth rinsing enhanced physical and volleyball-specific performance in trained adolescent male volleyball players. The ergogenic effects were more pronounced earlier in the day, suggesting that caffeine may be particularly useful for attenuating morning and midday performance decrements, while mouth rinsing represents a practical non-ingestive alternative with meaningful efficacy. Full article

Background: Hormonal fluctuations across the menstrual cycle may influence cognitive and neuromuscular performance in female athletes. Caffeine (CAF) is a widely used ergogenic aid, yet its phase-specific effects remain unclear. This study investigated the acute effects of CAF supplementation on cognitive and physical performance across menstrual cycle phases in eumenorrheic female athletes. Methods: Twelve trained female athletes with regular menstrual cycles participated in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study. Each participant completed a battery of cognitive (reaction time [RT], vigilance test [VT]) and physical performance tests (countermovement jump [CMJ], repeated sprint test [RST], and time to exhaustion test [TTE]) during the early follicular (EFP), late follicular (LFP), and mid-luteal (MLP) phases. CAF (400 mg) or a placebo (PLA) was ingested one hour before the testing session. Results: CAF supplementation significantly improved VT performance across all menstrual cycle phases compared with PLA (p < 0.05), with no phase-dependent effect. RT was significantly reduced following CAF ingestion (p < 0.05), with no significant condition × phase interaction. CMJ performance varied across menstrual phases under placebo conditions, with higher values observed during the LFP (p < 0.05); a trend toward enhanced jump performance was observed following CAF ingestion, particularly during the MLP. During RST, performance declined across sprints in all conditions (p < 0.05), and CAF supplementation attenuated fatigue-related performance declines during later sprints, irrespective of menstrual cycle phase. Time to exhaustion was not significantly influenced by CAF supplementation or menstrual cycle phase (p > 0.05). Conclusions: CAF supplementation was associated with consistent improvements in vigilance and reaction time across the menstrual cycle. However, effects on neuromuscular performance were less consistent and not clearly phase-dependent. These findings highlight that while CAF can enhance certain aspects of cognitive performance in female athletes, responses in physical performance may vary and require further investigation. CAF may contribute to improvements in selected neuromuscular outcomes, although evidence for phase-specific ergogenic effects remains limited. Full article

Background/Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the effects of synbiotics intake on body-composition-related indicators and physical performance in judokas from 4 weeks to 3 days before the match. The associations between the changes in fecal succinic acid concentration and the rate of change in physical performance were also examined. Methods: A total of 16 male participants from Aichi University Judo Club were included in a repeated-measures design to compare the effects of non-synbiotics and synbiotics. Body-composition-related indicators and physical performance were assessed, and fecal samples were collected 4 weeks and 3 days before the match. Results: From 4 weeks to 3 days before the match, no significant changes in body composition were observed in either the non-synbiotics or synbiotics group. Regarding physical performance, the non-synbiotics group demonstrated a significant reduction in countermovement jump and rebound jump power. In contrast, the synbiotics group maintained physical performance without significant changes. In addition, the change in fecal succinic acid concentration in the synbiotics group was negatively associated with the rate of change in physical performance, particularly rebound jump power (p = 0.052). In the rebound jump power-decreased group, the change in the fecal succinic acid concentration increased, whereas it decreased in the rebound jump power-increased group, and the difference between the two groups was statistically significant (p = 0.024; AUC = 0.84). Conclusions: Before the match, synbiotics intake and a reduction in the fecal succinic acid concentration may be associated with the maintenance of physical performance in judokas, which may have implications for match performance. Full article

Punch impact power is crucial for boxing performance and varies with punch biomechanics. Straight punches rely primarily on linear force production, whereas Hook punches depend more on rotational and lateral force generation; however, the effectiveness of strength and conditioning (S&C) interventions remains insufficiently explored. This study investigated the effects of targeted S&C programs on Straight and Hook punch impact power in trained boxers compared with regular boxing training. Thirty-one boxers completed an eight-week intervention and were allocated to three groups: a Linear-Oriented Training Group (LOTG), a Rotational-Oriented Training Group (ROTG), or a Control Group (CG). Punch impact power (Jab, Cross, Lead Hook, and Rear Hook) was assessed using PowerKube at baseline and post-intervention. One-repetition maximum bench press (1 RM BP), countermovement jump (CMJ), and handgrip strength (HS) were also evaluated. Data were analyzed using mixed-design repeated-measures ANOVA and one-way ANOVA on post–pre change scores (Δ). A significant main effect of time was observed for all punch types (p < 0.001), with significant group × time interactions for the Cross, Lead Hook, and Rear Hook (p < 0.05). The ROTG showed the greatest improvements, particularly in Hook punches. Targeted S&C interventions, particularly rotational training, improved punching impact power and neuromuscular performance. Full article

Background: Sunfish sailing requires a combination of morphological and neuromuscular characteristics to effectively manage sail control and maintain postural stability during hiking maneuvers. Objectives: We aimed to describe the anthropometric and neuromuscular characteristics of elite Colombian Sunfish sailors and explore potential sex-related patterns. Methods: Six competitive sailors (three men and three women) underwent anthropometric assessment and somatotype calculation. Neuromuscular performance was evaluated using handgrip strength (HGS), quadriceps maximal voluntary isometric contraction, rate of force development (RFD), one-repetition maximum (1RM) lower-limb assessment, countermovement jump (CMJ), trunk endurance tests, and the Y-balance test for dynamic balance. Descriptive statistics and standardized effect sizes (Hedges’ g) were used to characterize between-sex patterns. Results: Anthropometric assessments suggested descriptive sex-related differences in body composition and skeletal dimensions, with a predominance of mesomorphic characteristics. Descriptive data suggested higher HGS values among men (g = 2.27–4.85), while lower-limb neuromuscular performance showed higher values among men across several RFD time windows (g = 0.81–1.45). Conversely, dynamic balance and trunk endurance outcomes showed minimal variation between sexes. Conclusions: This pilot study provides a preliminary physical profile of elite Colombian Sunfish sailors. The observed patterns in strength-related and morphological variables, especially HGS, quadriceps MVIC, and lower-limb power, should be interpreted as exploratory. Further research with larger samples is required to confirm these findings. Full article

Background/Objectives: This study examined the effects of an eight-week plyometric training programme on jump biomechanics, field-based jump performance, and repeated-jump endurance in 13–14-year-old volleyball players, and explored training-induced changes. Methods: A pre–post controlled experimental design was used. Thirty male volleyball players aged 13–14 years were assigned to an experimental group (EG, n = 15) or a control group (CG, n = 15). The EG completed a structured plyometric programme three times per week for eight weeks in addition to regular volleyball training, whereas the CG continued usual practice. Biomechanical variables were assessed during the Repeated Countermovement Jump test using the BTS Bioengineering G-Walk inertial measurement system, together with field-based jump and repeated-jump endurance tests. Outcomes were analysed using two-way mixed ANOVA (Group × Time). Δ-based correlations were examined using Pearson and Spearman coefficients with false discovery rate correction. Results: Significant Group × Time interaction effects were found for all analysed RCMJ variables (all p < 0.001). Significant interaction effects were also observed for all field-based jump and repeated-jump endurance outcomes (all p ≤ 0.025). The EG showed greater improvements over time than the CG across the principal biomechanical, practical, and endurance-related indicators. Correlation analysis revealed strong associations among the principal RCMJ variables and selected links with field-based and endurance measures. Conclusions: A structured plyometric programme may improve jump biomechanics, jump performance, and repeated-jump endurance in adolescent volleyball players. These findings should be interpreted cautiously because of baseline differences, the modest sample size, and the IMU-derived nature of force- and power-related estimates. Full article

The purpose of the present study was to examine whether countermovement vertical jump (CMJ) force-time metrics differ among teams with three ranking statuses competing within the same professional women’s handball league in Europe (i.e., SuperLeague). Following a standardized dynamic warm-up procedure, twenty-six professional female handball players (top-ranked: n = 8; mid-ranked: n = 8; bottom-ranked: n = 10) performed three CMJs on a uni-axial force plate sampling at 1000 Hz (VALD Performance). Nineteen force-time metrics were derived to characterize neuromuscular performance qualities during both the eccentric (i.e., braking) and concentric (i.e., propulsive) phases of the jumping motion. A one-way ANOVA revealed no statistically significant differences (p < 0.05) between the teams for any CMJ force-time metric of interest (i.e., peak and mean eccentric force and power, jump height, reactive strength index-modified, countermovement depth, eccentric and concentric duration) across ranking status in either phase of the movement, nor for anthropometric characteristics (i.e., height and body mass). Overall, the results indicate that CMJ force-time metrics did not differentiate team ranking status within this sample of professional female handball players. These findings suggest that, within a homogeneous cohort competing at the same level of play, CMJ-derived neuromuscular performance characteristics may have limited sensitivity for distinguishing between teams of different competitive rankings. While CMJ force-time analysis remains a useful tool for monitoring individual neuromuscular status, the present results do not allow conclusions regarding the role of other performance determinants (e.g., tactical or technical factors), which were not directly assessed in this study. Full article

Objective: To analyze the relationship between weekly accumulated external load and pre-match neuromuscular performance assessed through the countermovement jump (CMJ), in under-21 (U21) football players across 10 competitive microcycles. Methods: Sixteen U21 football players (age: 18.9 ± 0.42 years; height: 180 ± 6.3 cm; body mass: 78.5 ± 8.5 kg) from a Chilean professional club were monitored over 10 consecutive weeks. In each microcycle, the relationship between changes in neuromuscular performance estimated from CMJ-derived variables and two components of external load was analyzed: (1) weekly accumulated external load and (2) the acute–chronic workload ratio (ACWR). External load variables included total distance (TD), high-speed running distance (HSR), accelerations (ACC), decelerations (DC), and PlayerLoad (PL). CMJ variables included jump height (JH), modified reactive strength index (RSI-mod), and peak eccentric velocity (PEV). Performance changes were calculated as the percentage change (Δ%) between MD + 2 (start of the microcycle) and MD − 1 (pre-match). Pearson or Spearman correlation coefficients were applied depending on data distribution. Results: Significant negative associations were observed between weekly accumulated external load and changes in CMJ performance. Reductions in JH were associated with TD, HSR, ACC, and PL. Similar patterns were found for RSI-mod, while PEV showed a particularly strong association with ACC. Additionally, ACWR demonstrated significant negative relationships with CMJ changes, especially for HSR, ACC, and PL. Conclusions: Higher weekly accumulated external loads and elevated ACWR, particularly in high-intensity metrics such as high-speed running and accelerations, are associated with impaired pre-match neuromuscular performance. Consequently, monitoring CMJ-derived variables alongside external load data is recommended to manage fatigue and optimize match readiness in young football players. Full article

Background: Soccer aerial duels require rapid take-off, repeated-performance maintenance, and effective head–neck control under physically demanding conditions. This study examined the effects of caffeine (CAF), Rhodiola rosea (RHO), and their combination on repeated aerial duel performance and neck neuromuscular function in male collegiate soccer players. Methods: Ninety-six players were randomly assigned, in a double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel design, to placebo control (CTR), RHO, CAF, or RHO + CAF groups (n = 24 each) for 4 weeks. CAF was acutely administered at 3 mg·kg⁻¹ before testing, whereas RHO was chronically supplemented at 2.4 g·day⁻¹. Outcome measures included countermovement jump height, early take-off impulse, repeated heading contact height, ball exit velocity, heading duel success rate, neck maximal voluntary isometric contraction, and session rating of perceived exertion (session-RPE). Results: Significant group × time or group × repetition effects were observed for CMJ height (p = 0.0034), early take-off impulse (p = 0.0007), and post-intervention repeated heading contact height (p < 0.0001), with additional significant effects across heading-specific, neck strength, duel-success, and perceived-load outcomes. CAF was mainly associated with improved take-off-related explosive performance and duel success, whereas RHO was mainly associated with lower perceived exertion and better maintenance of heading contact height during the later repeated trials. Combined RHO + CAF supplementation produced the broadest pattern of benefits across explosive output, ball-contact performance, duel success, and multidirectional neck strength. Conclusions: These findings suggest that, in male collegiate soccer players, CAF and RHO may contribute differently to repeated aerial duel-related performance, and their combination may offer broader sport-specific benefits under repeated high-intensity demands. Full article