The Journal Of Sports Medicine And Physical Fitness[JOURNAL]
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200 papers
A 45-year global systematic evaluation of musculoskeletal injuries in swimmers: a systematic review and meta-analysis with 10973 athletes.
Li D, Liu Y
J Sports Med Phys Fitness · 2026 Jan · PMID 41342747 · Publisher ↗
INTRODUCTION: Swimming, as a universal popular sport, can carry a high risk of injury. The current research aimed to demonstrate a comprehensive overview of swimming-related musculoskeletal injuries in amateur, competiti...
INTRODUCTION: Swimming, as a universal popular sport, can carry a high risk of injury. The current research aimed to demonstrate a comprehensive overview of swimming-related musculoskeletal injuries in amateur, competitive and elite swimmers through the utilization of a systematic review and meta-analysis methodology. EVIDENCE ACQUISITION: A comprehensive search was performed in the five valid databases (the Scopus, PubMed, Medline, Embase, and Web of Science) utilizing two sets of keywords up to January 2025 based on the PRISMA approach. The prevalence of shoulder injuries and 95% confidence interval (CI) were calculated applying a random effect model. The quality assessment of the papers in the current review was performed utilizing the critical appraisal tools of Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI). EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS: The included papers totally comprised 10,973 individuals. The prevalence of injuries in these individuals was in the range between 0.3 and 91.2%. Shoulder injuries in 66 out of 94 studies (70.2%), knee in 34 out of 94 studies (36.1%), arm/forearm in 20 out of 94 studies (21.2%), neck in 16 out of 94 studies (17.02%), hand injuries in 14 out of 94 studies (14.8%), low back in 13 out of 94 studies (13.8%), and spine in 11 out of 94 studies (11.7%) were the highest prevalence in diversified injuries. The subgroup analysis showed that the polled prevalence of shoulder injuries in elite swimmers (46.03%; 95% CI 35.85, 56.22) was higher than the amateur (45.77%; 95% CI 29.96, 61.57) and competitive (33.96%; 95% CI 30.59, 37.33) individuals. The subgroup analysis showed that the polled prevalence of shoulder injuries in elite swimmers (46.03%; 95% CI 35.85, 56.22) was higher than the amateur (45.77%; 95% CI 29.96, 61.57) and competitive (33.96%; 95% CI 30.59, 37.33) individuals. CONCLUSIONS: These outcomes spotlight the urgent need for injury prevention and management protocols, in particular targeting vulnerable regions such as the shoulder and knee in swimmers.
Does the asymmetry in the boat make sweep rowers less symmetric in the gym? A case study of how rowers sit on the rowing ergometer.
Cerasola D, Giglia G, Zangla D … +1 more , Grima JN
J Sports Med Phys Fitness · 2026 Feb · PMID 41342746 · Publisher ↗
BACKGROUND: This study analyses whether sweep rowers (port, starboard), who in the boat row in an asymmetric movement, sit on the seat of the rowing ergometer in a different manner from scullers, who on the boat row in s...
BACKGROUND: This study analyses whether sweep rowers (port, starboard), who in the boat row in an asymmetric movement, sit on the seat of the rowing ergometer in a different manner from scullers, who on the boat row in symmetric manner. METHODS: Twenty-five male rowers (9 scull and 16 sweep: 8 port and 8 starboard) each performed a 90-min endurance training on rowing ergometer. Any displacement sideways of the rowers on the seats was measured from images of back of the rower at 30, 60 and 90 min. RESULTS: Scullers were seated in the expected manner maintaining centrality of the seat (distance from center at 30, 60, 90 min = 0.3±0.5 cm; 0.3±0.5 cm, 0.6±0.5 cm) in contrast with portside rowers who shifted to the left (30, 60, 90 min = -3.0±1.1 cm; -3.6±1.1 cm; -3.5±0.9 cm) and starboard rowers who shifted to the right (30, 60, 90 min = 3.1±2 cm; 3.9±1.6 cm; 3.4±1.4 cm). Shifted seating for sweep rowers was consistently observed to the opposite side to which they rowed. CONCLUSIONS: The type of rowing on the boat influenced how rowers sit on the ergometer with sweep rowers consistently adopting a seating position shifted to opposite side to the one they rowed. This can be interpreted in terms of neural memory of prior postural adjustments and calls for further monitoring as asymmetry in seating may lead to uneven loading, particularly relevant to athletes with large training volume and density and when rowing in more "extreme" rowing settings, for example, coastal rowing / beach sprints events.
Comparing the effects of static and variable loading in potentiation of the lower extremities through vertical jump.
Lavigne TJ, Hawkes AR
J Sports Med Phys Fitness · 2026 Feb · PMID 41342745 · Publisher ↗
BACKGROUND: Post-activation potentiation (PAP) can elicit increased force in a muscular contraction following a specific preparatory activity, though little research exists regarding how various loading methods in said a...
BACKGROUND: Post-activation potentiation (PAP) can elicit increased force in a muscular contraction following a specific preparatory activity, though little research exists regarding how various loading methods in said activity impact the potentiation effect. This study seeks to determine if banded PAP activities are more effective than static loading in improving power production. METHODS: Participants in this randomized cross-over design study were 7 female collegiate volleyball players with a 6-month minimum training age and no significant injuries. The study took place across 3 sessions, each 48 hours apart. At the 1 session, baseline vertical jump height (cm), power (W), and 1RM back squat were taken, and subjects were randomly placed into one of two different PAP activity groups at the 2 and 3 sessions. PAP activity was standardized to 2 sets of 2 back squats at 90% 1RM with a 3-second eccentric, with the variance in groups being the inclusion or exclusion of 20% of the load from elastic resistance bands. Following the PAP activity, and an 8-minute rest, subjects performed 3 vertical jumps. RESULTS: The PAP band-resisted activity group showed significant improvements in vertical jump height (P=0.006) and power (P=0.006) when analyzed with an ANOVA repeated measures test. No significant difference was found in the same analysis with the non-banded group for height (P=0.512) or power (P=0.517), and there were no significant differences found between group peak performance or averages when comparing between groups. A priori power analysis showed sufficient statistical significance despite the small sample size (1 - β=0.95). CONCLUSIONS: This study was conducted utilizing barbell back squats as the potentiation activity with the dynamic variable being 20% of the load being from elastic band resistance, and a standardized rest period of 8 minutes before testing the potential impact this PAP activity had on vertical jump performance. Utilizing PAP activities that are specific to the demands of a given sport may improve vertical jump and power capabilities within athletes.
Association between BOLT Score, aerobic fitness, and physical activity in active university students: a cross-sectional study.
Marko D, Krajcigr M, Bahenský P
J Sports Med Phys Fitness · 2026 Mar · PMID 41307566 · Publisher ↗
BACKGROUND: The Body Oxygen Level Test (BOLT), also known as the control pause in the Buteyko method, is a breath-hold test proposed to reflect CO<inf>2</inf> tolerance and breathing efficiency. Although popularized as a...
BACKGROUND: The Body Oxygen Level Test (BOLT), also known as the control pause in the Buteyko method, is a breath-hold test proposed to reflect CO<inf>2</inf> tolerance and breathing efficiency. Although popularized as a fitness indicator, its relationship to aerobic capacity and physical activity in healthy adults remains unclear. This study examined associations between BOLT score, maximal oxygen uptake (VO<inf>2</inf>max), treadmill time to exhaustion (TTE), and weekly physical activity in active university students. METHODS: Twenty-eight healthy, physically active university students (15 men, 13 women; age 22.1±2.5 years) completed a graded treadmill test (Bruce protocol) with gas analysis to determine VO<inf>2</inf>max and TTE. BOLT was measured as comfortable breath-hold time after normal exhalation. Weekly physical activity was assessed using the Godin Leisure-Time Exercise Questionnaire (GLTEQ). Spearman correlations examined associations between BOLT, VO<inf>2</inf>max, TTE, and GLTEQ. A multiple linear regression tested whether VO<inf>2</inf>max, TTE, age, height, weight, and GLTEQ predicted BOLT. RESULTS: BOLT times did not significantly differ between sexes. BOLT scores showed no strong correlation with VO<inf>2</inf>max (ρ=0.31, P=0.10), TTE (ρ=0.27, P=0.16), or GLTEQ (ρ=0.05, P=0.59). Regression analysis (R=0.22, P=0.46) identified no significant predictors of BOLT. CONCLUSIONS: In active young adults, the BOLT breath-hold test was not significantly associated with VO<inf>2</inf>max, endurance time, or self-reported exercise levels. These findings suggest that BOLT - a measure of breathing function and CO<inf>2</inf> tolerance - does not serve as a surrogate indicator of aerobic capacity or habitual physical activity in this population. BOLT should be interpreted with caution if used for fitness assessment, as it appears to reflect a distinct aspect of physiological function not captured by standard aerobic performance tests.
Exploring oxygen uptake efficiency slope as an accessible marker of aerobic fitness in middle-aged adults.
Del Vecchio L, Climstein M
J Sports Med Phys Fitness · 2026 Feb · PMID 41307565 · Publisher ↗
BACKGROUND: The oxygen uptake efficiency slope (OUES) is a submaximal, effort-independent index derived from cardiopulmonary exercise testing that reflects aerobic fitness. Although OUES has shown strong correlations wit...
BACKGROUND: The oxygen uptake efficiency slope (OUES) is a submaximal, effort-independent index derived from cardiopulmonary exercise testing that reflects aerobic fitness. Although OUES has shown strong correlations with maximal oxygen uptake (VO<inf>2</inf>max) in clinical populations, its validity and relationship with habitual physical activity in healthy middle-aged adults remain underexplored. This study aimed to evaluate OUES as a marker of aerobic fitness and examine its association with self-reported physical activity in this demographic. METHODS: Twenty-one middle-aged adults (14 women, seven men; mean age 63.3±3.8 years) without known cardiopulmonary disease were recruited. Participants completed the Sports Medicine Australia pre-exercise screening questionnaire, including weekly physical activity reporting. Each participant underwent a graded treadmill test (Bruce protocol) to submaximal effort, with oxygen uptake (VO<inf>2</inf>) and ventilation (VE) measured continuously using a validated portable metabolic system. OUES was calculated from the linear regression of VO<inf>2</inf> against the log<inf>10</inf>VE). VO<inf>2</inf>max was estimated via a resting seismocardiography device (VentriJect Seismofit). Pearson's correlations and one-way ANOVA were used to evaluate relationships between variables and tertile-based fitness groups. An independent-samples t-test compared OUES values by sex. RESULTS: Mean peak VO<inf>2</inf> was 25.2±4.1 mL/kg/min; mean OUES was 1629.6±522.0 mL/min per log L/min. OUES showed a moderate but non-significant correlation with estimated VO<inf>2</inf>max (r=0.415, P=0.069) and no meaningful association with self-reported physical activity (r=-0.012, P=0.960). One-way ANOVA showed significant differences in VO<inf>2</inf>max across VentriJect VO<inf>2</inf> tertiles (P<0.001, η=0.65), but not in OUES (P=0.162). Males had significantly higher OUES values than females (2171±391 vs. 1366±282; P<0.001), with a large effect size (Cohen's d=2.50). CONCLUSIONS: OUES can be reliably obtained using a brief treadmill protocol and portable metabolic equipment in middle-aged adults. While not associated with self-reported activity, OUES showed moderate correlations with VO<inf>2</inf>max and differentiated higher-fitness individuals, especially by sex. These findings support OUES as a valid submaximal marker of cardiorespiratory fitness and underscore the importance of objective fitness measures alongside self-report tools in health and exercise settings.
A systematic review and meta-analysis examining if hyperplasia occurs in humans in response to resistance exercise.
Barton NV, Gowda HN, Dankel SJ
J Sports Med Phys Fitness · 2026 Feb · PMID 41307564 · Publisher ↗
INTRODUCTION: While it is understood that resistance exercise in humans induces muscle growth primarily via muscle hypertrophy, there is some debate as to whether muscle hyperplasia also occurs. The purpose of this meta-...
INTRODUCTION: While it is understood that resistance exercise in humans induces muscle growth primarily via muscle hypertrophy, there is some debate as to whether muscle hyperplasia also occurs. The purpose of this meta-analysis was to quantitively assess whether the presence of muscle hyperplasia occurs in humans performing resistance training. EVIDENCE ACQUISITION: Medline, Scopus, and Web of Science were searched on May 17, 2024. Studies that measured or reported sufficient data to estimate muscle fiber number before and after resistance training were included in a three-level random effects model. Fiber number was estimated from the ratio of muscle cross-sectional area to fiber cross-sectional area. EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS: A total of 11 studies met the inclusion criteria. Changes in fiber number were estimated in the biceps brachii or vastus lateralis muscles. Meta-analysis results indicated that resistance exercise did not significantly alter the estimated number of muscle fibers (ES: 4086; 95% CI: -6430, 14,604; P=0.419). Additionally, the presence of muscle hyperplasia was not moderated by prior training status, training duration, or the muscle group analyzed (all P>0.05). CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest that meaningful changes in muscle fiber number are unlikely to occur in humans following resistance training interventions lasting up to 6 months. While muscle hyperplasia was not evident, it may be difficult to detect due to the relatively short duration of the included training interventions and/or difficulties in estimating muscle fiber number, which resulted in a wide range of estimates across studies.
An analysis of ChatGPT 4.0 and Google Gemini: readability, accuracy, and quality as patient education tools for common sports injuries.
Lavi AB, Berglas E, Singh A … +5 more , Musheyev D, Monas A, Mesa M, Yomtov N, Ng MK
J Sports Med Phys Fitness · 2026 Feb · PMID 41307563 · Publisher ↗
BACKGROUND: The aim of this study is to assess the performance of chatbot-generated information for a complex injury, concussion, compared to two less complex injuries, sprains and fractures. METHODS: A cross-sectional s...
BACKGROUND: The aim of this study is to assess the performance of chatbot-generated information for a complex injury, concussion, compared to two less complex injuries, sprains and fractures. METHODS: A cross-sectional study design was implemented. Queries on concussions, sprains, and fractures were developed and inputted into ChatGPT Version 4.0 and Google Gemini (Gemini). Responses were graded on accuracy, readability, quality, understandability, and actionability using guideline-based Likert scales, Flesch-Kincaid Grade Level, the DISCERN instrument, and the Patient Education Materials Assessment Tool for Printable Materials (PEMAT) instrument. T-tests, Mann-Whitney U Tests and One-way ANOVAs compared continuous variables, and Chi-square tests were used for categorical variables. RESULTS: Only three out of 180 responses had misinformation, all of which related to concussions. Concussion-related queries (mean: 10.80) had statistically greater reading grade level responses compared to sprain (mean: 8.13; P<0.0001) and fracture (mean: 8.29; P<0.0001) queries. Median cumulative DISCERN scores significantly differed between chatbots (V4.0 median = 38.00, Gemini median = 44.50; P<0.0001), with no significant difference between injury type. There were no significant PEMAT understandability or actionability differences by injury type. CONCLUSIONS: Our results show that responses to complex injuries have significantly higher reading grade levels with minor accuracy issues, but no differences in understandability and actionability. With better reading level, quality, and actionability, ChatGPT and Gemini chatbots could become conventional options for general information on injuries because they have minimal misinformation and high understandability.
Reliability and validity of a brief self-report measure of health-related fitness in adults: the Multidimensional Health-Related Fitness Scale.
McCORMACK GR, Frehlich L, Naish C … +3 more , Ng L, Souster M, Doyle-Baker PK
J Sports Med Phys Fitness · 2026 Jan · PMID 41307562 · Publisher ↗
BACKGROUND: Health-related fitness (HRF) is essential for wellbeing and daily functioning. While objective fitness assessments are preferred, self-report measures are practical for large-scale or geographically diverse s...
BACKGROUND: Health-related fitness (HRF) is essential for wellbeing and daily functioning. While objective fitness assessments are preferred, self-report measures are practical for large-scale or geographically diverse studies. Existing self-report HRF measures may lack sensitivity for younger or healthy adults. Additionally, many include items with no or poorly defined reference populations, potentially limiting their validity and comparability. This study examined the reliability and validity of single-item self-reported HRF measures of aerobic fitness, muscular strength and endurance, flexibility, coordination, agility, and body composition. METHODS: Between April and July 2023, University of Calgary students and staff (N.=129; mean age 28±9 years) completed the first questionnaire, with subsets completing a second questionnaire and validated fitness assessment. Nine items captured participants' self-rated HRF relative to those of the same age and gender. The nine self-reported HRF items were aggregated to obtain an estimate of overall HRF (Multidimensional Health-Related Fitness Scale, MHFS). We used intraclass correlations (ICC) to estimate test-retest reliability of the individual self-reported HRF items and MHFS. We assessed convergent validity with self-reported leisure physical activity (LPA) and concurrent validity with objective fitness measures using age- and sex-adjusted partial correlations. RESULTS: The single-item self-reported HRF measures (ICC=0.60-0.85) and MHFS (ICC=0.87) had acceptable test-retest reliability. The MHFS also had high internal consistency (Cronbach's α=0.87). Evidence of validity was observed with partial correlations ≥0.30 between self-reported HRF and LPA, and objective fitness measures. CONCLUSIONS: The MHFS provides a reliable and valid HRF indicator among younger adult populations.
Moral disengagement in elite martial arts athletes: role of transformational leadership on pride and prosocial/antisocial behaviors.
Oh Y
J Sports Med Phys Fitness · 2026 Feb · PMID 41307561 · Publisher ↗
BACKGROUND: Although the relationship between pride, moral disengagement, and social behavior has been investigated and the importance of transformational leadership has been highlighted in prior studies, little effort h...
BACKGROUND: Although the relationship between pride, moral disengagement, and social behavior has been investigated and the importance of transformational leadership has been highlighted in prior studies, little effort has been made to examine the relationship between transformational leadership and social behavior. METHODS: In order to better understand this, we tested the mediating effects of pride and moral disengagement on the relationship between transformational leadership and social behaviors. We recruited 296 elite athletes registered in the Korean sport and Olympic Committee. RESULTS: Structural equation modeling was performed to test the hypotheses. Despite the nonsignificant direct effect, transformational leadership had significant indirect effects on antisocial behavior towards teammates and opponents mediated by authentic and hubristic pride. Further, moral disengagement showed negative mediation effects on prosocial behaviors towards opponents and positive mediation effects on antisocial behaviors towards teammates and opponents. CONCLUSIONS: Our study supported a full mediation model of transformational leadership, pride, moral disengagement, and social behaviors. These extends theoretical approaches of the transformational leadership theory and as the empirical research model conveys important implications in competitive sport situations.
Correction to: Accuracy and cross-validity of the Xiaomi Mi Band 2, 3, 4, and 5 wristbands in evaluating physical activity in adolescents according to WHO 2020 guidelines: School-Fit study.
Mayorga-Vega D, Guijarro-Romero S, Casado-Robles C … +1 more , Viciana J
J Sports Med Phys Fitness · 2025 Dec · PMID 41292363 · Publisher ↗
This article was published in Volume 65, issue 9 of publishing year 2025, with a mistake in Figure 2 and a mistake regarding the supplementary materials. The correct Figure 2 is the one included in this erratum. As for t...
This article was published in Volume 65, issue 9 of publishing year 2025, with a mistake in Figure 2 and a mistake regarding the supplementary materials. The correct Figure 2 is the one included in this erratum. As for the Supplementary Materials, they were published in the wrong order. The correct order of publication of the Supplementary Materials is: Supplementary Table I.-Accuracy of the activity wristband-measured daily physical activity thresholds related to achieving the recommended 60 minutes per day of MVPA (N.=62). Supplementary Table II .-Cross-validity of activity wristband-measured daily steps thresholds related to achieving the recommended 60 minutes per day of MVPA (N.=62).
Comparison of the effect of the TRX Suspension Trainer and the Physioball devices on developing trunk muscles: a quasi-experimental study.
Varga D, Alfatafta H, Atallah H … +6 more , Csernák G, Derkács E, Makai A, Gyuró MS, Boncz I, Molics B
J Sports Med Phys Fitness · 2026 Jan · PMID 41284259 · Publisher ↗
BACKGROUND: The aim of our research was to compare the effects of the TRX Suspension Trainer and Physioball devices on developing trunk muscles among primary school students. METHODS: In this quasi-experimental study, we...
BACKGROUND: The aim of our research was to compare the effects of the TRX Suspension Trainer and Physioball devices on developing trunk muscles among primary school students. METHODS: In this quasi-experimental study, we used non-randomized sampling methods. 40 primary school students were involved in the study (14 years old). The participants exclusively used TRX and Physioball devices between the warm-up and relaxation part. For the measurement we applied the trunk stability test (modified plank test) and the dynamic balance test (Y-balance test, star balance test). Statistical tests used: Wilcoxon test, Mann-Whitney U Test. The P value was set at P<0.050. The statistical analysis was performed using SPSS 26.0 software. RESULTS: The local muscular endurance of the core muscles was significantly improved in both groups (P<0.001). In the TRX and in the Physioball group the stability of the upper limb was significantly improved (P<0.050), except for one direction (P=0.059) in the TRX group. In the lower limb of the TRX and of the Physioball group there was a significant improvement (P<0.050) except for two directions (medial: P=0.083; anteromedial: P=0.154) in the TRX group and two directions (anterior: P=0.052; posteromedial: P=0.085) in the Physioball group. CONCLUSIONS: The applied program had a positive effect, but no significant difference was found between the developmental effects of the TRX and Physioball. Despite the different availability prices of the devices and the similar but different mechanisms of action of the devices, it can be said that both devices are equally effective.
Match running performance in elite soccer: a comparison of team and individual performance across age categories.
Kessouri O, Grine W, Belfritas Y
J Sports Med Phys Fitness · 2026 Jan · PMID 41284258 · Publisher ↗
BACKGROUND: Match running performance is crucial for evaluating physical demands in elite soccer, with potential differences across age categories. Understanding these differences is essential for optimizing the physical...
BACKGROUND: Match running performance is crucial for evaluating physical demands in elite soccer, with potential differences across age categories. Understanding these differences is essential for optimizing the physical preparation and career progression of young players. This study aimed to compare match running performance among senior, under-20 (U20), and under-17 (U17) elite soccer teams. METHODS: Data were collected from FIFA World Cup 2022, U20 World Cup, and U17 World Cup 2023 from the FIFA website. Running performance was assessed at both the team level and the individual level. Key performance variables included total distance covered (TD), distance across five running zones, sprints (SPR), high-speed runs (HSR), and maximum sprinting speed (MSS). Linear mixed model was used to compare performance across the three age groups. RESULTS: No significant differences between senior and U20 teams in most variables (all P>0.05) were observed, except for walking distance, which favored the senior teams in both team and individual performance (P<0.05). U20 teams covered greater distances in jogging and moderate speed running (MSR) (team performance), and jogging distance (individual performance) compared to senior teams (P<0.05). Senior and U20 teams generally outperformed U17 teams in most variables (P<0.05), except for walking distance, where U17 teams performed higher than U20 teams (P<0.001), with no significant differences between U17 and senior teams (P>0.05) for individual performance. Additionally, U17 teams showed similar performance to senior teams in jogging distance (team performance) (P>0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Senior and U20 teams consistently outperformed U17 teams in most variables, except for walking distance. These findings provide valuable insights into the physical demands of match play across age groups.
Traditional Mediterranean physical activity: integration of active lifestyle behaviors and exercise with social interactions as part of daily life.
Kushkestani M, Karagounis LG, Lawson R … +15 more , Beneka A, Bird R, Birrell F, Chatzinikola C, Davis AM, Korovljev D, Mercore Hutanu E, Piątek K, Sidossis A, Soultanakis H, Tkacz A, Arnaoutis G, Vlachopoulos D, Itsiopoulos C, Sidossis LS
J Sports Med Phys Fitness · 2026 Jan · PMID 41284257 · Publisher ↗
The Mediterranean lifestyle has attracted significant research attention in recent years. This lifestyle is supported by several key pillars, including dietary habits, social and spiritual engagement, and physical activi...
The Mediterranean lifestyle has attracted significant research attention in recent years. This lifestyle is supported by several key pillars, including dietary habits, social and spiritual engagement, and physical activity. Although much of the research has focused on the health benefits of the Mediterranean diet, physical activity has received comparatively less emphasis. Nevertheless, physical activity remains a vital component of the Mediterranean lifestyle, deeply embedded in cultural traditions and daily routines. This paper examines the defining features, movement patterns, and cultural foundations of physical activity within the traditional Mediterranean lifestyle. By drawing on historical sources, anthropological studies, and contemporary research, we characterize Traditional Mediterranean Physical Activity (TMPA) as a set of habitual, non-structured movement patterns integrated into daily life. These activities include farming, fishing, manual labor, dancing, and walking for transportation, all reflecting a functionally active lifestyle shaped by environmental and occupational demands. The study also explores how TMPA has evolved and its potential alignment with modern physical activity paradigms. The key components of TMPA include functional movements, outdoor engagement, and communal participation, reflecting a culturally embedded approach to physical activity in Mediterranean societies. This study provides a foundation for understanding TMPA as a distinct movement model shaped by tradition and sustainability and offers insights into how these activity patterns have persisted or adapted in contemporary settings.
The effect of caffeine mouth rinsing on tennis targeting performance: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover study.
Toktaş N, Şahan A, Balci C … +3 more , Özçelik MA, Erman KA, Özkaya YG
J Sports Med Phys Fitness · 2026 Feb · PMID 41269093 · Publisher ↗
BACKGROUND: The effects of caffeine mouth rinsing on cognitive performance using a field-based approach have not yet been investigated. This study aimed to examine the effects of caffeine mouth rinsing on tennis targetin...
BACKGROUND: The effects of caffeine mouth rinsing on cognitive performance using a field-based approach have not yet been investigated. This study aimed to examine the effects of caffeine mouth rinsing on tennis targeting performance in young male recreational tennis players. METHODS: In total, 16 recreationally active young male tennis players (mean age: 22.03±1.74 years) were enrolled in this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover study. Test of groundstroke depth (TGD), test of groundstroke accuracy (TGA), test of volley depth (TVD), test of serve (TS) and tennis targeting performance (TTP), was assessed using the International Tennis Number (ITN) test. Interventions included 20 seconds of caffeine mouth rinsing (CMR: 300 mg/25 mL), placebo (PLA: 25 mL water), and a no-rinse control (CON) before each section of the ITN test. Data were analyzed using repeated measures ANOVA and Bonferroni post hoc tests, with a significance level of P≤0.05. RESULTS: Repeated measures ANOVA revealed a significant time-dependent difference in total tennis targeting performance scores obtained from the ITN test (P<0.01). Bonferroni post-hoc tests revealed that CMR significantly increased TGA, TVD and TTP scores. TTP points were increased in CMR group in a comparison with the PLA (147.06±26.23 vs. 130.25±20.38, P<0.001) and CON (147.06±26.23 vs. 129.19±22.27, P<0.01). TTP test scores were similar between PLA and CON (130.25±20.38 vs. 129.19±22.27, P>0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Based on the total scores obtained from the ITN tests, the CMR intervention was found to improve tennis targeting performance in recreationally active tennis players.
Impact of physical exercise on health outcomes in people with Down Syndrome: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.
Meira LB, Barreto LO, Fernandes JV … +2 more , Neto OB, Oliveira AS
J Sports Med Phys Fitness · 2026 Jan · PMID 41060271 · Publisher ↗
INTRODUCTION: Down syndrome (DS), caused by an extra chromosome 21, leads to physical and cognitive challenges. Physical activity is underutilized as a therapeutic approach. This study reviews the effectiveness of physic...
INTRODUCTION: Down syndrome (DS), caused by an extra chromosome 21, leads to physical and cognitive challenges. Physical activity is underutilized as a therapeutic approach. This study reviews the effectiveness of physical exercise in improving body composition and health outcomes in individuals with DS. EVIDENCE ACQUISITION: Following PRISMA guidelines, this review was registered on PROSPERO (CRD42024561407). A systematic search across six databases identified randomized controlled trials (RCTs) involving physical activity interventions in DS populations compared to controls. Data were analyzed using a random-effects model, with heterogeneity assessed through REML, Q-test, and I. Risk of bias was evaluated using RoB 2. EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS: From 245 records, 13 RCTs (447 participants from eight countries) met inclusion criteria. Interventions lasted 6 to 43 weeks, with 1 to 5 sessions per week. Body mass decreased significantly (SMD: -0.2099, 95% CI: -0.3539 to -0.0658). BMI and body fat also reduced significantly (SMD: -0.2369 and -0.4255, respectively). Waist circumference showed no significant changes, but favorable trends were noted. Muscle strength improvements in chest and leg press were positive but not statistically significant. CONCLUSIONS: Physical exercise significantly improves body composition in individuals with DS, notably reducing body mass, BMI, and body fat. These findings highlight the value of structured physical activity as part of DS management to improve health and quality of life.
Pedal power: female cyclists at 94.7 Ride Joburg face fewer illnesses but more injuries and finishing challenges.
Janse VAN Rensburg DC, Swart X, Ramagole D … +6 more , DU Toit FC, Viljoen C, Botha T, Phalane M, Beeton R, Jansen VAN Rensburg A
J Sports Med Phys Fitness · 2026 Feb · PMID 41051367 · Publisher ↗
BACKGROUND: Mass participation in amateur cycling events is popular, and ensuring participant safety is crucial. This study aimed to determine the epidemiology of medical encounters (MEs), including injury and illness, a...
BACKGROUND: Mass participation in amateur cycling events is popular, and ensuring participant safety is crucial. This study aimed to determine the epidemiology of medical encounters (MEs), including injury and illness, at mass-participation amateur cycling events and to explore associated risk factors. METHODS: We conducted a cross-sectional, descriptive, exploratory analysis of operational data collected during the 2015-2016 94.7 Ride Joburg cycling race. Outcomes include frequency (N., %), prevalence (%), incidence (injuries/1000 participants), did-not-finish (DNF, %), and Odds Ratio (OR, 95%CI). RESULTS: In total, 44849 individuals, mean age 40.06±11.68, participated in the 94.7 Ride Joburg cycling race during 2015-2016. We report the prevalence for MEs (5.3%) (injury: 1.7%, illness: 3.6%). The incidence of all MEs was 52.71 (50.61-54.88) (injury: 16.79 [15.61-18.03], illness: 35.92 [34.19-37.72]). Most race participants were male (79.0%), aged 31-50 (58.9%). Older age decreased the odds of injury, illness, or not finishing (P<0.001). Females had higher odds of injury (OR:1.43; 1.21-1.67; P<0.001) and for DNF (OR:1.57; 1.46-1.70; P<0.001) but lower odds of illness (OR:0.73; 0.64-0.64; P<0.001), compared to males. Overall, 7.9% of participants DNF, 6.9% had MEs, 3.2% were injured, and 3.8% were ill. Medical point location and distance were not significantly associated with medical encounters. CONCLUSIONS: Older participants have lower odds of injury and illness encounters. Females have higher odds of injury encounters and not finishing the race but lower odds of illness encounters than males. These findings offer insights into injury and illness at mass-participation amateur cycling events.
Comparing arterial stiffness across different training modalities in healthy young males.
Berlanga LA, Matos-Duarte M, Gabineski Taborda F … +2 more , Oliveira J, Bohn L
J Sports Med Phys Fitness · 2026 Jan · PMID 41042153 · Publisher ↗
BACKGROUND: Physical exercise is known to modulate arterial stiffness. However, this modulation can vary according to the type of exercise or training. This study aims to compare levels of arterial stiffness among health...
BACKGROUND: Physical exercise is known to modulate arterial stiffness. However, this modulation can vary according to the type of exercise or training. This study aims to compare levels of arterial stiffness among healthy young men practicing different exercise modalities, including resistance training (RT), high-intensity cross-training (HICT), and running (RUN), and comparing these results with a control group. METHODS: Eighty healthy young men were divided into three exercise groups according to the type of exercise they practiced (RT, N.=20; HICT, N.=20; RUN, N.=20), plus a sedentary control group (CON, N.=20). In this observational study, participants were evaluated for arterial stiffness with carotid-femoral Pulse Wave Velocity (c-f PWV, m/s) and pulse wave analyses (Augmentation Index [Aix] and Augmentation Index normalized to a heart rate of 75 bpm [AIx@75bpm]). Participants were also assessed for cardiorespiratory fitness (VO<inf>2</inf>max, mL/kg/min) by means of maximal graded exercise testing. RESULTS: Despite the absence of statistical significance (P>0.05), the CON group showed less favorable arterial stiffness indices (AIx: 1.85±2.99; AIx@75bpm: -7.41±3.00) compared to all exercise groups ([RT AIx: -5.68±2.29; AIx@75bpm: -13.98±2.41]; [HICT AIx: -1.36±2.20; AIx@75bpm: -10.26±2.16]; [RUN AIx: -2.29±3.09; AIx@75bpm: -7.14±3.09]). The RUN group showed significantly higher VO<inf>2</inf>max than the other groups (RUN vs. CON, P<0.001; RUN vs. RT, P<0.001; and RUN vs. HICT, P<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: The findings suggest that arterial stiffness does not differ according to different exercise modalities practiced by healthy young men.
Impact of resistance training-induced changes in muscle quality on muscle power: a post-hoc analysis.
Wang Z, Taniguchi M, Saeki J … +1 more , Ichihashi N
J Sports Med Phys Fitness · 2026 Jan · PMID 41042152 · Publisher ↗
BACKGROUND: This study aimed to determine the effects of changes in muscle mass and quality on muscle function and physical performance following an 8-week resistance training (RT) intervention. METHODS: Thirty-three hea...
BACKGROUND: This study aimed to determine the effects of changes in muscle mass and quality on muscle function and physical performance following an 8-week resistance training (RT) intervention. METHODS: Thirty-three healthy young women (23.1±2.2 years) underwent high- or low-velocity concentric knee extension RT at 60% one-repetition maximum strength (1RM) load for 10 repetitions × 4 sets, 3 times a week for 8 weeks. Before and after the RT intervention, quadriceps femoris muscle thickness (MT) (muscle mass index) and echo intensity (EI) (muscle quality index) were measured using B-mode ultrasound. Muscle function, including maximum isokinetic muscle strength, 1RM, rate of velocity development (RVD), and peak power, was assessed. Physical performance was evaluated using the countermovement jump (CMJ). Percentage changes (%change) in all parameters before and after the intervention were calculated for subsequent analyses. Multiple regression analysis was used to examined the contributions of changes in EI and MT to various muscle functions and physical performance, with the intervention group included as the covariate. RESULTS: MT<inf> %change</inf> was associated with 1RM<inf> %change</inf> (std.β=0.51, P=0.003), whereas EI<inf> %change</inf> was correlated with RVD<inf> %change</inf> (std.β=-0.39, P=0.025), peak power<inf> %change</inf> (std.β=--0.39, P=0.025), and CMJ<inf> %change</inf> (std.β=-0.44, P=0.011). CONCLUSIONS: RT-induced increases in muscle mass contributed to improvements in 1RM, whereas enhancements in muscle quality were associated with gains in peak power, RVD, and CMJ. These results suggest training programs aimed at improving dynamic explosive performance in young adults should not only target muscle hypertrophy but also incorporate strategies to enhance muscle quality.
Handgrip strength reference values and determinants of muscle weakness in French adults: results from the NutriNet-Santé study.
Soumaré A, Oppert JM, Bourhis L … +6 more , Bellicha A, Galan P, Hercberg S, Touvier M, Fezeu LK, Vanhelst J
J Sports Med Phys Fitness · 2026 Jan · PMID 41042151 · Publisher ↗
BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to determine sex- and age-specific handgrip strength percentiles in French adults and investigate sociodemographic and anthropometric variables associated with lower upper arm streng...
BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to determine sex- and age-specific handgrip strength percentiles in French adults and investigate sociodemographic and anthropometric variables associated with lower upper arm strength. METHODS: A sample of 18,532 French adults (5262 men, 13,090 women), aged 18-91, from the NutriNet-Santé cohort (2011-2014) was assessed for handgrip strength. For each hand, the maximum grip strength in kilograms was recorded. Grip strength was analyzed in absolute terms and relative units (relative to body weight and BMI). Percentiles (5 to 95) were established by age and sex. Sociodemographic, lifestyle, and anthropometric factors associated with low handgrip strength (<20 percentile) were evaluated using logistic regression, considering age, education, income, smoking status, BMI, physical activity, and sitting time. RESULTS: Low BMI was linked to low handgrip strength in both sexes, whereas overweight was protective in men (OR 0.77). In women, lower education correlated with higher odds of low strength (OR 0.78-0.84). Male former or current smokers had higher odds of low grip strength (OR 1.20-1.35), while women showed an inverse association (OR 0.86). Physical activity reduced risk in both sexes, particularly at high activity levels (men OR 0.74; women OR 0.73). Age was a key factor in women, with increased odds in the 45-49 and 55-59 age groups (OR 1.27 and 1.32). CONCLUSIONS: The reference values provide reference data for French adults, and these data should be useful in identifying populations at risk of low muscle strength and sarcopenia.
Integrating subjective assessments and wearable-derived metrics: decoding in-game load-performance relationships in collegiate basketball players.
Zhang S, Li M, Gu L … +3 more , Ferioli D, Sansone P, Gomez MA
J Sports Med Phys Fitness · 2026 Jan · PMID 41042150 · Publisher ↗
BACKGROUND: This study aimed to investigate the relationships between well-being, recovery state, game loads, and game performance across 20 official games involving 16 highly trained collegiate basketball players. Under...
BACKGROUND: This study aimed to investigate the relationships between well-being, recovery state, game loads, and game performance across 20 official games involving 16 highly trained collegiate basketball players. Understanding how these factors interact is essential for optimizing performance and workload management in competitive basketball. METHODS: Principal component analysis (PCA) identified six key components contributing to performance: PC1 (loads) accounted for 50% of the total variance, PC2 (well-being) explained 11%, PC3 (jump) captured 8%, PC4 (high-intensity jump) explained 6%, while PC5 (recovery) and PC6 (PlayerLoad per minute) each explained 2%. Generalized linear mixed-effects models were applied to assess the associations between these components and key performance indicators, including Performance Index Rating (PIR) and Player Total Contribution (PTC). RESULTS: Game loads showed a negative association with PIR (β=-1.22, 95% CI=-2.33 to -0.12, P<0.05). In contrast, high-intensity jumps were positively associated with both PIR (β=1.08, 95% CI=0.39 to 1.77, P<0.01) and PTC (β=0.99, 95% CI=0.34 to 1.64, P<0.01), explaining 43.86% of the variance in PIR and 40.17% in PTC. The effects of well-being and recovery were limited. CONCLUSIONS: High-intensity physical activities, particularly jumps, are crucial to enhancing basketball performance, while excessive game loads can negatively impact outcomes. The limited influence of well-being and recovery suggests that their effects may be more evident over longer periods or under different contexts. Future research should focus on optimizing the balance between game loads and high-intensity actions to improve performance.
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