The Journal Of Sports Medicine And Physical Fitness[JOURNAL]
Sun
200 papers
Insight the athlete's heart: role of vortex analysis.
Corsi M, Falconi E, Palazzo R … +6 more , Orlandi M, Mascherini G, Bini V, Maglione M, Corbetta L, Stefani L
J Sports Med Phys Fitness · 2025 Sep · PMID 40677132 · Publisher ↗
BACKGROUND: Athlete's heart has been extensively studied, particularly regarding global myocardial remodeling in normal systo-diastolic function and supernormal deformation reserve. Based on specific morphological charac...
BACKGROUND: Athlete's heart has been extensively studied, particularly regarding global myocardial remodeling in normal systo-diastolic function and supernormal deformation reserve. Based on specific morphological characteristics, it is commonly classified as eccentric and concentric remodeling; however, the recent interest in echocardiography lies in the dynamicity of the vorticity flow inside the LV chamber, primarily correlated with diastolic function. This study aims to verify the potential additional contribution of vortex analysis in characterizing the athlete's heart. METHODS: A group of 23 highly trained athletes was studied using 2D standard and deformation echo parameters and vortex examination. A dedicated software (HyperDoppler; ESAOTE) defined geometrical and dynamic vortex parameters (area, length, depth, energy dissipation, vorticity fluctuation, kinetic energy fluctuation). The data obtained were compared with a group of 26 active non-athletes and a group of 23 normal subjects. BMI differed among the three groups, with higher values in normal subjects (normal = 27.2±5.7; active = 22.9±2.6; triathletes = 22.1±1.8; P=0.01). RESULTS: Indicized left ventricular mass (iLV) was significantly higher in triathletes (triathletes = 96.9±14.9; active = 87.6±15; normal = 79.5±15.7; P=0.003) as twist (triathletes = 12.3±3.9; active = 9.8±3.7; normal = 8.1±3.1; P=0.001), expressing a supernormal apical reserve. Diastolic function was normal in both groups. In the presence of normal geometrical vortex data, vortex energetic parameters were significantly higher in triathletes (energy dissipation= 1.10±0.41, P<0.001; vorticity fluctuation = 0.89±0.04, P<0.001; kinetic energy fluctuation = 1.01±0.08, P<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Vortex analysis complements the morphological remodeling of the athlete's heart. It can contribute to defining the effects of training intensity and energy consumption. Future research will focus on potential modifications in different sports.
The Turkish adaptation of the athletic perceptions of Performance Scale: shame, guilt, and performance concerns and their associations with mental health problems among Turkish elite-level adult athletes.
Lima Y, Yilmaz ND, Denerel N … +3 more , Doğan E, Treeby MS, Rice S
J Sports Med Phys Fitness · 2025 Sep · PMID 40677131 · Publisher ↗
BACKGROUND: There are many sport-specific factors in daily sport/competition environment that may negatively affect athletes and cause athletic shame or guilt linked with mental health problems. The aim of the present st...
BACKGROUND: There are many sport-specific factors in daily sport/competition environment that may negatively affect athletes and cause athletic shame or guilt linked with mental health problems. The aim of the present study was to establish psychometric data for the Turkish version of the Athletic Perceptions of Performance Scale (APPS-Tr) and evaluate correlates of athletic shame and guilt among adult Turkish professional athletes. METHODS: This cross-sectional online survey study utilized standardized scales to assess athletic shame and guilt, performance concerns, athlete-specific stress, depression, and anxiety. The survey was distributed to 960 Turkish professional athletes. A subset of participants (N.=45) provided APPS-Tr test-retest data at 30 days. RESULTS: A total of 426 athletes participated. Confirmatory factor analysis validated the APPS-Tr, test-retest data confirmed its temporal stability, and the reliability values were within an acceptable range. Younger athletes (compared to older counterparts) reported higher athletic guilt scores (P<0.01), while athletes with less sport experience (compared to more sporting experienced counterparts) reported higher athletic shame scores (P=0.04). Athletes who had experienced recent adverse life events were more likely to endorse athletic shame and guilt and performance concerns (P=0.01, P=0.01, P<0.01, respectively). Athletic shame was more strongly associated with athlete-specific stress, depression, and anxiety than athletic guilt (r>0.30 versus r<0.30). CONCLUSIONS: Findings provide cross-cultural validation of the APPS assessing athletic shame and guilt among adult elite athletes. Consistent with other studies, athletic shame was more strongly associated with mental health problems than athletic guilt. Results suggest that athletes experiencing athletic shame and performance concerns may benefit from supportive coaching and/or mental health support.
Are isokinetic muscle functions related to lower extremity sports injuries in elite taekwondo athletes?
Park KJ
J Sports Med Phys Fitness · 2025 Oct · PMID 40673789 · Publisher ↗
BACKGROUND: This study assessed the influence of knee and ankle muscle strength and endurance on lower extremity injury patterns (Injury incidence rate, injury type, and return-to-sport period) in elite taekwondo athlete...
BACKGROUND: This study assessed the influence of knee and ankle muscle strength and endurance on lower extremity injury patterns (Injury incidence rate, injury type, and return-to-sport period) in elite taekwondo athletes. METHODS: The study involved 60 elite taekwondo athletes (male and female 30, respectively) aged 18 and older, who trained intensively at a training institution for two years, from January 2022 to December 2023. The injury incidence rate per 1000 hours of training was calculated using a 95% Poisson confidence interval. We also employed simple linear regression analysis to identify the factors that muscle strength and endurance affect injury. All statistical significance levels were set at α=0.05, and we used SPSS version 27.0 for Windows for our analysis. RESULTS: In both male and female Taekwondo athletes, there was no significant association between the injury incidence rate of lower extremity and the muscle strength and endurance of the knee and ankle. However, the ratio of muscle endurance to the agonist and antagonist muscles in the knee and ankle was found to be associated with lower extremity injury incidence rates. This is also associated with ligament injury incidence rates. CONCLUSIONS: Effectively managing lower extremity injuries in taekwondo athletes necessitates a proper balance of muscle endurance between the agonist and antagonist muscles in the knee and ankle. Therefore, it is essential to develop an exercise program that addresses the imbalance between these muscle groups for taekwondo athletes.
The relationship of functional movement screen score with balance, core endurance, and musculoskeletal system injuries in CrossFit athletes.
Ikiz B, Angin E, Depreli O
J Sports Med Phys Fitness · 2025 Oct · PMID 40673788 · Publisher ↗
BACKGROUND: CrossFit training, which includes functional exercises and improves various physical parameters, has become increasingly popular in recent years. Since CrossFit is a high-intensity training program, injury ra...
BACKGROUND: CrossFit training, which includes functional exercises and improves various physical parameters, has become increasingly popular in recent years. Since CrossFit is a high-intensity training program, injury rate and risk factors must be evaluated. This study aims to determine the relationship between the Functional Movement Screen (FMS) score and balance, core endurance, and musculoskeletal system injuries in CrossFit athletes. METHODS: This cross-sectional study included 52 CrossFit athletes. FMS assessed biomechanical abnormalities, fundamental movement patterns, and asymmetries in CrossFit athletes. Four different tests (trunk flexion, Biering Sorenson, lateral plank, and plank) with different positions were used to evaluate core endurance. The Y balance test was used to assess dynamic balance. RESULTS: The mean age of the 52 participants (21 female, 31 male) was 28.02±8.64 years, and their mean body mass index was 24.69±4.09 kg/m. The lumbar spine was the most commonly injured body part (19%), and the thoracic spine and knee were second (13%), followed by the knee and shoulder (10%). A relationship was found between injury and FMS composite (r=-0.338; P=0.014), deep squat (r=0.31; P=0.026), shoulder mobility (r=0.329; P=0.017), and rotary stability score (r=-0.297; P=0.032). CONCLUSIONS: New screening tools such as FMS are essential in determining movement quality and its relationship with injury prevention and performance predictability. In addition, this study will guide corrective exercise programs drawn by physiotherapists according to the movement pattern determined by the screening results and safe and practical recommendations to prevent injuries.
Pitch counts and overuse in high school softball pitchers: a pilot study encompassing bullpen, warm-up, and game pitches.
Kamarajugadda S, Pazik M, Horodyski M … +7 more , Farmer K, Zaremski J, Zeppieri G, Roach R, Prine B, Moser M, Smith MS
J Sports Med Phys Fitness · 2025 Oct · PMID 40673787 · Publisher ↗
BACKGROUND: Fastpitch softball participation continues to rise, yet there is minimal research into universal pitch count regulations for pitchers. The only current guidelines published by American Orthopaedic Society for...
BACKGROUND: Fastpitch softball participation continues to rise, yet there is minimal research into universal pitch count regulations for pitchers. The only current guidelines published by American Orthopaedic Society for Sports Medicine (AOSSM) in conjunction with the National Council for Youth Sports (NCYS), are based on pitch counts for youth baseball. The aim of this study was to quantify the total number of pitches thrown by high school fastpitch softball pitchers during a game outing to estimate the true workload experienced by the pitchers. We hypothesized that pitchers exceed the current recommendations. METHODS: Researchers collected total pitch count, quantified as total number of bullpens, warm-up (between inning), and in-game pitches thrown by high school varsity fastpitch softball pitchers during a single game outing. RESULTS: A total of 8248 pitches were counted during 89 varsity high school fastpitch softball pitcher outings. Of the 77 pitchers that pitched in a live game setting, 25.6% of pitchers pitched above the recommendation; which increased to 51.2% when including bullpen and warm-up pitches. Starters threw significantly more and relievers significantly less than the recommendations (P=0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Though current pitch count recommendations for youth fastpitch softball, were modeled after current guidelines in youth baseball, they are all that exists to help softball pitchers from incurring increased workload. However, our data suggests that many fastpitch softball players pitch above the recommendation, and thus further research is required to determine injury association with pitch counts in fastpitch softball.
Effects of tennis exercise of different intensities on cardiorespiratory capacity and mental health of sedentary students.
Tan L, Kwanmuangwanic P
J Sports Med Phys Fitness · 2025 Oct · PMID 40673786 · Publisher ↗
BACKGROUND: The aim of this study is to investigate the impacts of different intensities of tennis exercise on cardiorespiratory capacity and psychological status of college students who sit for long periods of time. MET...
BACKGROUND: The aim of this study is to investigate the impacts of different intensities of tennis exercise on cardiorespiratory capacity and psychological status of college students who sit for long periods of time. METHODS: An experiment was conducted on 40 university students according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria. An experiment was conducted with 40 university students based on inclusion and exclusion criteria. The study was divided into four groups: the control group received health education only and did not participate in tennis training; the low-intensity group (Group B), the moderate-intensity group (Group C1) and the high-intensity group (Group C2) underwent individualized tennis training based on a maximal oxygen uptake (VO<inf>2</inf>max) of 40%-50%, 60-67%, and 68-75%, respectively, four times a week, with a training duration of 1 hour, 40 minutes and 40 minutes, respectively. The study tested participants' cardiorespiratory fitness (VO<inf>2max</inf>), psychological well-being (anxiety and depression scores), body weight, resting heart rate, and blood pressure before and after 12, 24, and 36 weeks of training. Repeated measures were analyzed by ANOVA. RESULTS: A statistically significant difference (P<0.05) was seen when comparing the weight changes of the various groups prior to and during the intervention. Students' VO<inf>2max</inf> values were improved at different exercise intensities after the exercise intervention. Group C2 showed different degrees of improvement in students' mental health at different periods after exercise intervention. Both light and high intensity exercise were effective in improving students' cardiorespiratory capacity. CONCLUSIONS: Prolonged tennis exercise improves students' cardiorespiratory capacity and mental health. Tennis exercises of different intensities have better improvement on the weight of sedentary students. Students' physical condition is better impacted by high-intensity tennis.
Effects of daily protein intake frequency during 8 weeks of resistance training on lean mass and strength adaptations: a randomized non-controlled clinical trial.
Tavares H, Roschel H, Felício V … +6 more , Nobrega Á, Hevia-Larraín V, Gonçalves LS, Barros TA, Costa AS, Nascimento E
J Sports Med Phys Fitness · 2025 Oct · PMID 40673785 · Publisher ↗
BACKGROUND: The optimal protein intake distribution per meal for maximizing muscle mass and strength gains remains debated in current literature. This study investigated the outcomes of different protein distributions on...
BACKGROUND: The optimal protein intake distribution per meal for maximizing muscle mass and strength gains remains debated in current literature. This study investigated the outcomes of different protein distributions on muscle strength and body composition in healthy, young, resistance-trained men. METHODS: Thirty-two young resistance-trained men were randomly allocated into two groups based on the number of protein-supplemented meals (>0.24 g/kg/meal): three high-protein meals (PRO3x) or five high-protein meals (PRO5x). Both groups had a similar daily protein intake but different meal distribution patterns. At baseline and after eight weeks of resistance training, subjects were evaluated for the cross-sectional area (CSA) of lower limb muscles (ultrasound), body composition (DXA), body weight, and muscle strength (knee extension 1RM). RESULTS: Eighteen participants completed the study protocol and significant improvements over time (P<0.05) were observed in both groups, with increases in lean mass (PRO3x: 1.15±1.54 kg; PRO5x: 0.63±1.32 kg), vastus lateralis muscle CSA (PRO3x: 3.41±3.79 cm; PRO5x: 2.53±3.31 cm), and knee extension 1RM (PRO3x: 19.08±7.56 kg; PRO5x: 16.01±5.17 kg), with no significant differences between groups. CONCLUSIONS: Therefore, consuming protein three or five times a day in energetically balanced, optimal amounts per meal is equally effective in supporting resistance training-induced gains in muscle mass and strength.
The potential effects of a holistic yoga intervention on performance and injury risk in volleyball players: a randomized controlled trial.
Erkan Özalp R, Yilmaz E, Karaca AA … +1 more , Yilmaz EB
J Sports Med Phys Fitness · 2025 Oct · PMID 40663109 · Publisher ↗
BACKGROUND: This study aimed to evaluate the effects of yoga exercises on volleyball players' fundamental physical indicators and their contributions to sports performance and injury prevention. METHODS: Twenty-six volle...
BACKGROUND: This study aimed to evaluate the effects of yoga exercises on volleyball players' fundamental physical indicators and their contributions to sports performance and injury prevention. METHODS: Twenty-six volleyball players aged 18-26 were randomly divided into intervention and control groups for an eight-session pretest-posttest, single-blinded experimental study. Both groups followed routine training; the intervention group added yoga twice weekly, while the control group performed strength exercises. Evaluated flexibility, strength, endurance, balance, vertical jump, speed, and service accuracy. RESULTS: The intervention group showed significantly greater improvements in flexibility, balance, endurance, and service accuracy compared to the control group (P<0.05). Additionally, the intervention group demonstrated notable enhancements in upper extremity strength and vertical jump performance, while the control group exhibited limited progress, especially in flexibility and vertical jump. CONCLUSIONS: Incorporating yoga into the regular training regimen of volleyball players significantly improves flexibility, balance, endurance, and service accuracy. Additionally, it enhances upper extremity strength and vertical jump performance, while reducing injury risks through improved musculoskeletal balance and body awareness.
Influence of CrossFit training on bone mineral density in athletes.
Kutac P, Kolodej D, Bunc V … +1 more , Krajcigr M
J Sports Med Phys Fitness · 2025 Oct · PMID 40663108 · Publisher ↗
BACKGROUND: The volume of physical activity (PA) is decreasing, including those types that would have an impact on bone mineral density (BMD). This leads to a search for suitable and accessible forms of PA with sufficien...
BACKGROUND: The volume of physical activity (PA) is decreasing, including those types that would have an impact on bone mineral density (BMD). This leads to a search for suitable and accessible forms of PA with sufficient effects on BMD. CrossFit (CF) could be among these forms of PA. Exercises included in a CrossFit (CF) training program should contain stimuli that lead to bone mass remodeling and, therefore, could positively influence the development and maintenance of bone mineral density (BMD). However, the results verifying the effect of CF on BMD are inconsistent in the current studies. The aim of the study is to investigate the impact of CrossFit training with an average weekly volume of 511.3±124.4 and 202.5±34.2 minutes in middle-aged individuals on their BMD. Given the number of participants, this study is more of a case study. METHODS: This cross-sectional study included 36 males divided into three groups. Group G1 was inactive individuals who did not meet the WHO (2020) physical activity (PA) recommendations. Participants were from the 4HAIE project. Group G2 was CF recreational athletes and group G3 was CF competitive athletes. Participants G2 and G3 had been doing regular CF training for at least 2 years. The average duration of training in G2 was 4.0±2.1 years and in G3 5.9±2.4 years. The age of the participants ranged from 26 to 35 years (G1 31.3±2.5, G2 31.9±2.5, G3 29.9±2.3 years). BMD was measured using DXA. RESULTS: The results showed that although the G2 group had higher BMD values than G1, the differences were not significant; the P values ranged from 0.180 to 0.617. The G3 group had significantly higher BMD values than G1 and G2. When comparing G3 and G2, the P values ranged from 0.000 to 0.048, while the difference in the lower limbs was not significant (P=0.053 and 0.146). When comparing G3 and G1, the P values ranged from 0.000 to 0.002. CONCLUSIONS: Therefore, we can conclude that CF could have a positive effect on BMD, but only if training is performed over a long period and at a high volume, which aligns with the level of PA recommendations for additional health benefits (more than 300 min/week moderate-intensity, or 150 min/week vigorous-intensity) according to the WHO.
The effects of e-Sports on physical and psychosomatic parameters: non-randomized controlled trials.
Unuz H, Kirmizigil B
J Sports Med Phys Fitness · 2025 Oct · PMID 40663107 · Publisher ↗
BACKGROUND: e-Sport is taking firm steps towards becoming the most popular sports field in the world with an increasing number of players and spectators. However, its popularity comes with negativity due to the physical...
BACKGROUND: e-Sport is taking firm steps towards becoming the most popular sports field in the world with an increasing number of players and spectators. However, its popularity comes with negativity due to the physical and emotional stresses e-Sport create. Therefore, the study aims to investigate the effect of e-Sports on psychosomatic and physical parameters and to compare it with the control group. METHODS: Within physical factors, pain and fatigue levels were assessed with Visual Analog Scale (VAS), presence of musculoskeletal pain was evaluated with Expanded Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire (NMQ-E). International Physical Activity Short Form (IPAQ-SF) was used to assess physical activity and posture was examined with New York Posture Rating Scale (NYPRS) and Craniovertebral Angle (CVA) method. For psychosomatic factors, Depression Anxiety and Stress Scale 21 (DASS 21) was used to assess mental status and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) was used to evaluate sleep quality. RESULTS: A highly significant difference was found in pain status in activity, sleep quality and posture analyzes of the groups (P≤0.01). Statistically significant differences were found in CVA, resting pain and fatigue levels, depression, anxiety, stress and physical activity values (P<0.05). Additionally in ENMQ, a statistically significant difference was found between groups in neck, hand and low back regions (P<0.05), but no significant differences were found in other body regions (P>0.05). CONCLUSIONS: Individuals who engage in digital gaming experience heightened levels of physical and psychosomatic stress.
Do exercise interventions improve functional mobility and balance in Alzheimer's patients? A systematic review.
Adderley J, Ciccarelli S, Ferraro FV
J Sports Med Phys Fitness · 2025 Sep · PMID 40663106 · Publisher ↗
INTRODUCTION: Alzheimer's Disease (AD) is a form of dementia defined as a degenerative neurological condition associated with cognitive and functional decline above the natural and irreversible structural changes in body...
INTRODUCTION: Alzheimer's Disease (AD) is a form of dementia defined as a degenerative neurological condition associated with cognitive and functional decline above the natural and irreversible structural changes in body tissues caused by ageing. AD is the most common form of cognitive impairment in the population over 65 years old, also associated with poor functional mobility (FM) and balance, which can lead to falls in elderly populations. EVIDENCE ACQUISITION: This systematic review, conducted according to the PRISMA and PROSPERO guidelines, assesses the effectiveness of various physical exercise interventions in improving functional mobility, balance and reducing the risk of falls in patients with Alzheimer's older than 65 years. A search has been conducted in PubMed, PEDro and Cochrane Library databases to identify relevant Randomized Controlled Trial studies. Only studies published in English focusing on Exercise, Exercise Intervention, Alzheimer's, Alzheimer's Disease, Functional Mobility, Mobility, Risk of Falling, Balance, Over 65, and combinations were included. The Cochrane RoB2 tool was used to assess the quality of the identified RCTs. Seven out of 5432 studies were included in the analysis. EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS: A moderate level of evidence suggests that interventions involving strength exercises, FM and balance are effective in improving mobility and balance in older Alzheimer's patients. Limited evidence indicates that this type of activity could also reduce the risk of falls. CONCLUSIONS: Further recommendations concerning exercises, including walking activities, and suggestions for future studies on more comprehensive AD cohorts were discussed.
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 Sep · PMID 40663105 · Publisher ↗
BACKGROUND: The aims of the present study were to examine the accuracy and cross-validity of Xiaomi Mi Band (XMB) 2, 3, 4 and 5 activity wristband-measured daily physical activity thresholds related to achieving at least...
BACKGROUND: The aims of the present study were to examine the accuracy and cross-validity of Xiaomi Mi Band (XMB) 2, 3, 4 and 5 activity wristband-measured daily physical activity thresholds related to achieving at least the recommended 60 minutes per day of moderate-to-vigorous intensity physical activity in adolescents. METHODS: Following a cross-sectional design, 70 adolescents (final sample=62; 54.84% females), aged 11-17 years old, from a public high school wore the activity wristbands XMB 2, 3, 4 and 5 (non-dominant wrist; index tests=steps, slow- and/or brisk-pace walking, total physical activity and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity) and ActiGraph wGT3X-BT accelerometers (right hip; reference standard=moderate-to-vigorous intensity physical activity) for a day. 29.03% of the adolescents achieved the moderate-to-vigorous intensity physical activity recommendation. RESULTS: The results of the Receiver Operating Characteristic curve analyses showed that the accuracy of the activity wristband-measured daily steps thresholds was excellent (e.g., Sensitivity=1.00, Specificity=0.91, k=0.85), being higher than those with intensity-related physical activity outputs. The cross-validity results showed that thresholds from 8,521 to 9,070 steps/day had excellent values (e.g., Sensitivity/Specificity ≥0.90, k≥0.75). CONCLUSIONS: Activity wristband-measured daily steps thresholds are more accurate than those with intensity-related physical activity outputs for evaluating the recommended 60 minutes per day of moderate-to-vigorous intensity physical activity. A 9000-step-per-day recommendation is a simple and accurate activity wristband-based recommendation for adolescents.
Ankle laxity and instability in collegiate swimmers.
Hsu C, Schon J, Genovese T … +1 more , McINNIS K
J Sports Med Phys Fitness · 2025 Sep · PMID 40643372 · Publisher ↗
BACKGROUND: Ankle flexibility is important in maximizing a swimmer's kicking speed. The effects of increased ankle flexibility in swimmers has not been documented in the literature. The goal of this study is to evaluate...
BACKGROUND: Ankle flexibility is important in maximizing a swimmer's kicking speed. The effects of increased ankle flexibility in swimmers has not been documented in the literature. The goal of this study is to evaluate ankle laxity, flexibility, and instability in college swimmers compared to control runners. METHODS: This is an observational, cross-sectional study conducted on collegiate athletes. Participants included 41 collegiate Division I volunteer swimmers and runners between the ages 18 and 23 recruited from a Division I college. Participants were assessed for ankle laxity using ankle physical examination maneuvers such as the anterior drawer and talar tilt test. Ankle flexibility and range of motion through ankle dorsiflexion, plantarflexion, inversion, and eversion were measured using a goniometer. Ankle instability was assessed through the CAIT survey. RESULTS: There was no difference in incidence of injury rates between swimmers and runners. Swimmers demonstrated a positive tilt test (defined as no clear end point) at significantly higher rates than runners). Swimmers demonstrated significantly greater ankle ROM than runner controls in plantarflexion, inversion in neutral, inversion in plantarflexion, eversion in neutral, and eversion in plantarflexion (t=-6.770, P<0.001; t=-4.140, P<0.001; t=-5.293, P<0.001; t=-2.153, P=0.017; t=-3.351, P<0.001). Finally, swimmers also demonstrated lower CAIT scores than control runners (24.78 and 26.79), which equates to greater degrees of ankle instability (t=-2.142, P=0.035). CONCLUSIONS: Although ankle injuries are not common in swimmers, swimmers demonstrate significantly increased ankle flexibility, laxity, and instability compared to runner controls. It is not clear what the significance of these findings are yet; however, it is possible that increased laxity and instability in swimmers' ankles may predispose to ankle injuries in the future, especially swimmers cross-train on land or switch to land-based sports. More research is required to investigate the relationship between ankle laxity and instability in swimmers and injury risk through longitudinal cohort studies.
The effect of the whole-body isometric resistance training program on muscle strengths, brain derived neurotrophic factor, and quality of life in the community-dwelling middle-aged and older adults.
Weng CY, He CS, Chen HC … +5 more , Lin TK, Wang SC, Hsieh S, Lin MN, Hsu BC
J Sports Med Phys Fitness · 2025 Sep · PMID 40643371 · Publisher ↗
BACKGROUND: The isometric form has been recommended as an effective alternative for resistance training in the middle-aged and older adults; however, the effect of the whole-body isometric resistance training (WB-IRT) re...
BACKGROUND: The isometric form has been recommended as an effective alternative for resistance training in the middle-aged and older adults; however, the effect of the whole-body isometric resistance training (WB-IRT) remained unknown. The aim of the present study was to examine the effect of the WB-IRT on muscle strengths, brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), and quality of life (QoL) in the community-dwelling middle-aged and older adults. METHODS: Thirty-five community-dwelling middle-aged and older adults were randomly assigned to 12 weeks of WB-IRT (28 participants, 62.18±8.87) or control group (seven participants, 59.86±6.31). Isokinetic muscle strength was assessed by Biodex isokinetic testing. Blood samples were collected for plasma BDNF assays. WHOQOL-BREF questionnaire was used to assess their QoL. All measurements were collected at baseline and at least one month after this WB-IRT program. RESULTS: There was significant interaction of group and time in plasma BDNF concentrations (F<inf>(1, 29)</inf>=5.533, P=0.026, η<inf>p</inf>=0.160) and QoL (F<inf>(1, 29)</inf>=7.313, P=0.011, η=0.201). For the between-group differences, the maximum peak torque of the knee extension and flexion in WB-IRT group instead of control group were significantly higher in the post-training than in the pre-training (P<0.05). Plasma BDNF concentrations was significantly elevated from pre-training to post-training in WB-IRT group (P<0.001), rather than control group. QoL was significantly decreased from pre-training to post-training in control group (P=0.038). Furthermore, hierarchical regression analyses showed the change of plasma BDNF concentrations could significantly predict post-training QoL in the community-dwelling middle-aged and older adults (β=0.520, P=0.003). CONCLUSIONS: Our results showed that the effect of this WB-IRT program was able to enhance muscle strengths, increase plasma BDNF concentrations, and improve QoL in the middle-aged and older adults. These are possibly alarming in the change of plasma BDNF concentrations, thereby associating QoL. This study recommends that the WB-IRT program is effective in enhancing both physical and psychosocial wellbeing among middle-aged and older adults. Further research is warranted to compare various modalities of resistance training and to evaluate the sustainability of its effects on physical and psychosocial well-being.
Embodying joy: the experience of embodiment as a mediator of exercise enjoyment and mental health in college students.
Tien YM, Lin PY, Lin CY … +1 more , Hsu LC
J Sports Med Phys Fitness · 2025 Sep · PMID 40627492 · Publisher ↗
BACKGROUND: Regular physical activity is essential for a healthy lifestyle. This study investigated how exercise enjoyment affects mental health, focusing on positive embodiment - a holistic, respectful attunement with o...
BACKGROUND: Regular physical activity is essential for a healthy lifestyle. This study investigated how exercise enjoyment affects mental health, focusing on positive embodiment - a holistic, respectful attunement with one's body. We hypothesized that individuals who find pleasure in physical activity are more likely to experience positive embodiment, thereby fostering a deeper, more harmonious connection with their bodies, which in turn enhances mental well-being. This study aimed to provide a more comprehensive understanding of the interrelated effects of these factors on mental health. METHODS: In this cross-sectional study, 207 participants were screened, with 95 who exercised regularly advancing to complete questionnaires assessing level of enjoyment during exercise (LEM), exercise duration per week (ED), years of regular exercise (YRE), positive embodiment using the Experience of Embodiment Scale (EES), mental health using the Adult Mental Health Scale (AMHS), and eating attitudes using the Eating Attitude Test (EAT-26). Pearson's correlations and mediation analysis were used to explore the relationships among these measures. RESULTS: Our findings showed that LEM was significantly positively correlated with EES, AMHS, and YRE scores, and negatively correlated with EAT-26, but not with ED. YRE and ED were not correlated with AMHS, suggesting that merely increasing exercise duration or maintaining a long-term routine alone may not be sufficient to enhance mental well-being. Mediation analysis showed that the experience of embodiment fully mediates the relationship between exercise enjoyment and mental health, accounting for 71.76% of the total effect. CONCLUSIONS: Enjoyment of exercise plays a crucial role in supporting mental health, with positive embodiment acting as a key mediating factor. Promoting positive embodiment can amplify the mental health benefits of physical activity, underscoring the importance of fostering a sense of unity with one's body through enjoyable exercise activities among college students.
Utility of the FIFA 11+ in other sports.
Brusini A, Curatolo D, Papotti B
J Sports Med Phys Fitness · 2025 Oct · PMID 40622315 · Publisher ↗
Abstract loading — click title to view on PubMed.
Tactical analysis of high pressing in open play in the UEFA Champions League Groups 2021-2022.
Kampouris Michos D, Michailidis Y, Metaxas TΙ
J Sports Med Phys Fitness · 2025 Oct · PMID 40622314 · Publisher ↗
BACKGROUND: This study aimed to analyze high pressing in open play during the 2021-2022 UEFA Champions League group stage (N.=192 matches). METHODS: The football pitch was divided into 18 zones, and the variables observe...
BACKGROUND: This study aimed to analyze high pressing in open play during the 2021-2022 UEFA Champions League group stage (N.=192 matches). METHODS: The football pitch was divided into 18 zones, and the variables observed and analyzed included the pressing zone, pressing success, ball recovery zone, attack result, total passes until the outcome of play, team formations and ways used to counter the pressing. Statistical analysis was performed using the Chi-square Test, with significance set at P<0.05. RESULTS: Pressing occurred most frequently in front of the opposite goal post (P<0.001), while "Attack against organized defense," "Loss of possession," and "Throw-in won" were the most observed outcomes of play (P<0.001). The ball was recovered most of the time in the zones between the center line and the opponent's penalty area (P<0.001), and the teams mainly used long passes to counter the pressing (P<0.001). The most notable associations found are between: the pressing zone and the ball recovery zone (χ=295.139, P<0.001), as well as the ways used to counter the pressing (χ=148.723, P<0.001), the outcome of play and both the ball recovery zone (χ=257.267, P<0.001) and the number of passes until the outcome of play (χ=168.455, P<0.001). CONCLUSIONS: Pressing in the offensive third seems to lead to ball recovery in the central third and attacks against an organized defense.
Concussion history's impact on stability evaluation test scores in male division I lacrosse and football players.
Miyashita T, Holland B, Diakogeorgiou E … +1 more , Cochrane-Snyman K
J Sports Med Phys Fitness · 2025 Oct · PMID 40622313 · Publisher ↗
BACKGROUND: Concussion baseline testing is standard practice in collegiate athletes. The influence of concussion history on balance performance remains pervasive, especially with computerized, quantified measures. The ai...
BACKGROUND: Concussion baseline testing is standard practice in collegiate athletes. The influence of concussion history on balance performance remains pervasive, especially with computerized, quantified measures. The aim of this study was to explore concussion history on baseline balance measures. METHODS: A total of 175 division I football and men's lacrosse players (height = 182.6±5.6 cm, weight = 91.7±15.4 kg, age = 19.8±1.2 years) performed the Stability Evaluation Test (SET) on the VSR Sport by NeuroCom. RESULTS: There were no significant differences between those with a positive and negative concussion history on the seven balance measurements. There were significant differences between sports with lacrosse players reporting lower sway velocities on the double leg firm (P=0.001), tandem firm (P=0.003), double leg foam (P=0.002), single-leg foam (P<0.001), and total composite score (P=0.002). CONCLUSIONS: A previous history of a concussion does not appear to influence velocity sway measures. Velocity sway measures may differ between various collegiate teams.
Force-velocity-power profiling versus traditional strength measures for prediction of athletic performance.
Buk Jørgensen T, Junge N, Lundbye-Jensen J … +1 more , Nybo L
J Sports Med Phys Fitness · 2025 Sep · PMID 40622312 · Publisher ↗
BACKGROUND: Force-velocity-power (FVP) profiling may offer additional information regarding neuromuscular parameters compared to traditional isometric peak force (IPF) and one-repetition maximum (1RM) testing, however, t...
BACKGROUND: Force-velocity-power (FVP) profiling may offer additional information regarding neuromuscular parameters compared to traditional isometric peak force (IPF) and one-repetition maximum (1RM) testing, however, the additional associative value towards athletic performance remains less clear. METHODS: Therefore, this cross-sectional study compared half squat IPF/1RM and maximal power (Pmax) derived from squat jump FVP profiling with vertical jump, linear sprint, and change of direction (COD) performance in 84 sport science students (35 females, 49 males). A Pearson's correlation coefficient was used to assess the relationships among the variables and multiple linear regression analyses were used to test the independent implication of the FVP variables Pmax and force-velocity imbalance (FV<inf>imb</inf>). RESULTS: IPF displayed small correlations with peak sprint velocity and 30-m sprint time (P<0.05, r=0.266-0.294), but not with any other athletic performance measures. 1RM displayed significant (P<0.01) moderate-large correlations (r=0.301-0.516) with all performance measures. Correlations between Pmax and all performance measures were moderate-very large (r=0.465-0.714) and highly significant (P<0.001). Including FV<inf>imb</inf> significantly (P<0.02) increased the correlation coefficients for Pmax with 30-m sprint time and COD. CONCLUSIONS: IPF showed small associations with jump, sprint, and COD performance, whereas 1RM and FVP profiling offer moderate to very large associations with explosive athletic performance. The results support an added value of obtaining FVP measures, particularly Pmax, compared to isometric and low-velocity (1RM) strength tests in assessing neuromuscular functional capacity.
The effect of pulmonary functions and respiratory muscle strength on sports performance in elite archers.
Selçuk Z, Saka S, Ertan H
J Sports Med Phys Fitness · 2025 Sep · PMID 40622311 · Publisher ↗
BACKGROUND: The physical, physiological, and functional characteristics of archers affect target shooting performance. In our observational study, we aimed to examine the effect of pulmonary functions and respiratory mus...
BACKGROUND: The physical, physiological, and functional characteristics of archers affect target shooting performance. In our observational study, we aimed to examine the effect of pulmonary functions and respiratory muscle strength on sports performance in archers. METHODS: Our study included 46 (27 female, 19 male) professional archers registered in archery sports clubs in İstanbul. Sociodemographic and physical characteristics were recorded. Pulmonary function test (PFT), respiratory muscle strength, shooting performance test, Moberg-Pickup Collection Test, Nelson Hand Reaction Test, and Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS) were applied to all participants. RESULTS: The archery sports experience of the 46 athletes was determined to be 43.23±22.77 months. There was a moderate positive correlation between the archery shooting performance and FEV<inf>1</inf> (L), FEV<inf>1</inf> (%), FVC (L), FVC (%), MIP (cmH<inf>2</inf>O), and MEP (cmH<inf>2</inf>O) (P<0.05). There was no statistically significant correlation between the archery shooting performance and the Nelson Hand Reaction Test, Moberg-Pickup Collection Test, and FSS score (P>0.05). CONCLUSIONS: In our study, it was determined that pulmonary functions and respiratory muscle strength affected shooting performance in archers. Therefore, the respiratory muscle training included in the training programs of the archers can be supported to increase their shooting performance by improving their pulmonary functions and respiratory muscle strength.
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