12-week Training Program Research Articles

The Influence of Nordic Walking Training on the Serum Levels of Sirtuins, FOXO3a, and Vitamin D Metabolites in Patients with Multiple Myeloma

Background: Multiple myeloma, a malignancy of plasma cells, often involves the disruption of vitamin D metabolism. Vitamin D, acting through its receptor (VDR), affects transcription factors like FOXO and sirtuins, which regulate cellular processes. The impact of physical activity on these markers in multiple myeloma patients is unclear. Therefore, the objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of a 6-week training program on these parameters. Material and methods: The study was completed by 30 patients, including 16 in the Nordic walking training group (TG) and 14 in the control group (non-exercising, CG). All participants underwent a thorough medical interview before starting the project. Venous blood samples were collected from all participants four times—at baseline, after 3 weeks, after 6 weeks, and after 9 weeks (follow-up). The serum concentrations of sirtuin 1, sirtuin 3, Foxo3a, vitamin D receptor (VDR), 25(OH)D3, and 1,25(OH)2D were determined. Body composition, physical fitness, and physical activity level were assessed at baseline and after 6 weeks. Results: No statistically significant changes were observed in the serum levels of sirtuins, the FOXO3a protein, and 1,25(OH)2D. A statistically significant difference was observed in the levels of VDR for both time and group factors, but this was not confirmed in the post hoc test. Vitamin 25(OH)D3 level increased significantly in the study group with time. Conclusions: The applied 6-week Nordic walking training cycle positively affected the level of vitamin 25(OH)D3 but did not influence the rest of the biochemical parameters studied. The obtained results also indicate that the applied intervention is safe for patients and does not interfere with body composition.

The Effect Of Pylates-Based Exercıse Programs On Gırls' Quıckness And Strength

ABSTRACT To investigate the effects of Pilates-based exercise programs on girls' quickness and strength. Conducted at a private Pilates studio in Kırıkkale, the research involved 50 female students aged 9-10 years, with 25 in the experimental group and 25 in the control group. A 10-week training program included exercise sessions twice a week, focusing on basic Pilates movements, balance, and strength development. Quickness and strength levels were assessed at the beginning and end of the study using specific tests. Quickness was measured through short-distance running and reaction tests, while strength was assessed by the number of repetitions in various exercises and resistance tests. The findings indicated that Pilates-based exercise programs positively impacted the quickness and strength of the girls. Specifically, Pilates movements were particularly effective in enhancing muscle strength and developing quickness. These results suggest that Pilates exercises can effectively contribute to the physical development of children. It is recommended that educators and coaches implement Pilates-based programs for children, considering the benefits of such exercises.

Influence of puberty stage in immune-inflammatory parameters in well-trained adolescent soccer-players, following 8-weeks of pre-seasonal preparation training

Aim: The immune system can experience temporary suppression following acute or prolonged strenuous exercise, potentially increasing susceptibility to infections. Young athletes, who must balance school, training, studies, and social life, may further disrupt their immune-inflammatory responses. This study aimed to investigate the effects of an 8-week pre-season training on circulating leukocyte responses in well-trained adolescent soccer-players at different stages of puberty. Methods: Thirty-six soccer players, divided into two groups based on their biological age-under sixteen (U16) and above sixteen (A16)-underwent two rounds of assessments. These included evaluations of anthropometrics, physical fitness, and immune parameters before and after an 8-week pre-season soccer training program. Results: No significant treatment or interaction effects were found for erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), platelets, total leucocyte count, immune inflammation markers (IIM), weekly rating of perceived exertion, body composition, sit-and-reach flexibility, or VO2max (P > 0.05). However, post-intervention neutrophil counts were increased, while lymphocyte counts decreased, and IIM levels rose in both groups (P < 0.05). Neuromuscular explosiveness and strength endurance were significantly higher in the A16 group compared to the U16 group (P < 0.05). Body fat was reduced, and all physical fitness parameters improved in both groups over time (P < 0.05). Conclusions: The 8-week soccer-specific training program did not lead to different effects on immune-inflammatory parameters between youth soccer players at different stages of puberty. However, training adaptations, including improvements in physical fitness, were observed in both groups. This suggests that when the same training load (frequency, duration, intensity) is applied to adolescents at different stages of puberty, immune-inflammatory responses are not significantly influenced by age, but physical fitness improves regardless of puberty stage. A key limitation of this study is the lack analysis of lymphocyte subpopulations, which could provide a deeper understanding of the cellular effects of training on immune function.

Effects of concurrent in-season training on physiological functions required for top handball performance athletes

This study examined the physiological effects of combining contrast complex training (CCT) with either repeated short sprints (RSE) or high-intensity intervals (HIIT) on elite male handball players during the competitive season. The goal was to identify which training method more effectively enhances strength, endurance, and sprint performance. Fifteen elite handball players were divided into two groups during a 12-week training program, conducted alongside their regular handball practice. The RSE group (n = 8) performed 10 shuttle sprints (2x15m) with passive rest, while the HIIT group (n = 7) completed 5 repetitions of 30-second all-out sprints with directional changes. Both groups participated in CCT exercises, including squats at 90% of 1RM, jump squats at 50% of body weight, and drop jumps from 30 cm. Performance was assessed before and after the intervention using tests for jump squat rate of force development (RFD), 5-jump distance, 30m sprint, repeated shuttle sprint ability (RSSA), maximal squat strength, Yo-Yo intermittent recovery (YYIRT 1), and VO2max. Both groups significantly increased maximal squat strength, with the RSE group improving by 8.8% and the HIIT group by 7.4% (p < .01). The HIIT group showed a greater improvement in RFD (63.3% vs. 56.3%, p < .05). VO2max increased by about 2% in both groups. YYIRT 1 improved by 9.4% in the RSE group and 5.8% in the HIIT group. However, acceleration (5m sprint) declined in both groups, more notably in the RSE group (-5.7%). RSSA performance deteriorated in the RSE group, while the HIIT group significantly enhanced their fatigue resistance, with a 39.1% improvement in Sdec at RSA (p < .09). CCT increased strength and RFD but did not improve acceleration. HIIT was superior to RSE in maintaining or improving repeated sprint ability, making it the preferred method for elite handball players during the competitive season.

Effect of Oral Screen Training After Stroke-A Randomised Controlled Trial.

To assess the effects of oral screen training in patients with dysphagia post-stroke. Oral screen training has been identified as an effective method for improving orofacial and oropharyngeal motor functions. However, the evidence supporting a positive transfer effect on swallowing capacity post-primary stroke rehabilitation is still unclear. The aim of this randomised controlled trial was to investigate the effect of a 12-week oral screen training programme using a prefabricated oral screen, with swallowing capacity as the primary outcome. In a randomised trial, stroke survivors with residual dysphagia post-rehabilitation were randomised into intervention group (n = 12) and control group (n = 12). The intervention group underwent 12 weeks of oral screen training. The main outcome was swallowing capacity, with lip force as a training indicator. Secondary outcomes were assessed by the Eating Assessment Tool, Masticatory performance, Nordic Orofacial Test-Screening, Life Satisfaction Questionnaire and the Edmonton Symptom Assessment System. At the 3-month follow-up, the group that trained with an oral screen showed a significantly greater increase in lip force than the control group (mean lip force increase 10.2 N vs. 3.1 N; p = 0.02). There was no significant improvement in swallowing capacity (mean increase 0.7 mL/min vs. 0.8 mL/min; p = 0.43), or in any of the secondary variables in the intervention group relative to the control group. The findings from this study showed that oral screen training initiated after completion of regular rehabilitation post-stroke can increase lip force. However, there was no indication of any transfer effect on swallowing capacity. Clinicaltrial.gov identifier: NCT03167892.

Assessment of atrial strain variations in amateur runners: A 10-week unsupervised training program and half-Marathon impact study using 2D and speckle-tracking echocardiography

BackgroundCompetitive running leads to cardiac remodeling and functional changes in cardiovascular haemodynamics in professional runners. Data on atrial changes in amateur runners completing a half-marathon are limited. The study sought to analyze the impact of training and a 21.0975-km run on echocardiographic parameters of left (LA) and right (RA) atrial anatomy and function in recreational runners. MethodsThe study group comprised 52 amateur runners [mean age 32.96 (5.12) years], including 32 men. Echocardiographic evaluations were performed at three stages: prior to the ten-week unsupervised training, and then before and after the run. Morphological and functional parameters were assessed using two-dimensional imaging, Doppler, and speckle-tracking technique. ResultsDuring the training period, both LA dimension [31.87 mm vs. 33.96 mm; p < 0.001] and LA volume [59.00 ml vs. 68.00 ml; p < 0.001] increased and no changes were found for RA morphological parameters. Ten weeks of preparatory training resulted in an increase in LA contractile strain (LASct) [10.50 % vs. 11.00 %; p = 0.030], without affecting the RA function. Change of LASct was particularly pronounced in young women (<32 years; p = 0.029). Half-marathon performance decreased the LA volume. ConclusionsAmateur training for 21.0975-km run remodels LA and enhances LA active contractile function (especially in young women) without influencing RA. The half-marathon decreases LA volume and does not affect RA morphology and function in recreational runners.

Effects of 12 weeks of futsal training on the body composition and physical performance in students-athletes

The aim of this study was to analyze the effect of futsal training on variables related to body composition and physical performance in student-athletes. This longitudinal study was based on a 12-week training program, and the sample consisted of 34 futsal players in the U17 and U19 categories, competing in a regional championship 2023-2024. The players trained for 240 minutes a week, divided into three training sessions. Body composition (BC) was assessed by measuring skinfolds using an adipometer, and the Futsal Intermittent Endurance Test (FIET) was applied. The Shapiro-Wilk test was used, and the pre- and post-intervention values were analyzed using the Wilcoxon test. The differences were classified according to the effect size for the Wilcoxon test (r). In terms of body composition, height showed a significant increase with a large effect (p&lt;0.01) after the 12 weeks of training, as did body mass (p&lt;0.01) and lean mass (p&lt;0.01). On the other hand, fat mass showed a significant and large-effect reduction in both absolute (p&lt;0.01) and relative (p&lt;0.01) measures. Regarding physical performance, peak velocity showed a significant increase with a large effect (p&lt;0.01), and the FIET distance showed the same tendency (p&lt;0.01). The findings of the present study indicate significant and beneficial changes in both anthropometric measures and physical performance parameters in U17 and U19 athletes after a 12-week futsal training program.

Optimizing Compassion Training in Medical Trainees Using an Adjunct mHealth App: A Preliminary Single-Arm Feasibility and Acceptability Study.

While structured compassion training programs have shown promise for increasing compassion among medical trainees, a major challenge is applying the concepts and practices taught during the program into the complex, dynamic, time-pressured, and often hectic hospital workplace. The purpose of this pilot study was to examine the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary effects of Compassion Coach, a mobile health (mHealth) smartphone app designed to bolster a 6-week mindfulness and self-compassion training program for medical trainees. In Compassion Coach, notifications to remind, encourage, and measure the perceived impact of informal mindfulness and compassion practices taught during the program were delivered at 7 AM, 12 PM, and 7 PM, respectively, 3 times per week over the course of the training program. The app also contained a library of guided audio formal mindfulness and compassion practices to allow quick and easy access. In this pilot study, we collected data from 29 medical students and residents who downloaded Compassion Coach and completed surveys assessing perceived effectiveness and acceptability. Engagement with the Compassion Coach app was passively tracked through notification response rate and library resource access over time. The average response rate to notifications was 58% (SD 29%; range 12%-98%), with a significant decline over time (P=.009; odds ratio 0.98, 95% CI 0.96-0.99). Across all participants and occasions, the majority agreed the informal practices prompted by Compassion Coach helped them feel grounded and centered (110/150, 73%), improved compassion (29/41, 71%), reduced burnout (106/191, 56%), and improved their mood (133/191, 70%). In total, 16 (55%) of the 29 participants accessed guided audio recordings on average 3 (SD 3.4) times throughout the program. At the posttreatment time point, most participants (13/18, 72%) indicated that Compassion Coach helped them engage in compassion practices in daily life, and half (9/18, 50%) indicated that Compassion Coach helped improve interactions with patients. Overall, preliminary results of Compassion Coach are encouraging and suggest the integration of a smartphone app with an ongoing mindfulness and self-compassion training program may bolster the effects of the program on medical trainees. However, there was variability in engagement with Compassion Coach and perceived helpfulness. Additional research is indicated to optimize this novel mHealth approach and conduct a study powered to formally evaluate effects.

The Effects of a 12-Week Training Multicomponent Exercise Program on Landing Mechanics in Recreational Athletes.

This study investigated the impacts of a 12-week training program on kinetic parameters during landings in non-professional recreational athletes. Fifty-seven non-elite recreational athletes performed three unilateral-landing trials from a 30 cm high structure on a force platform. The following outcome measures were analyzed: the ground reaction forces at initial ground contact (PF1) and the highest value (PF2), impulse (change in the moment of force during landing), stabilization time, and ankle and knee accelerations. The ground reaction forces, momentum, and accelerations were evaluated in the vertical, medio-lateral, and anteroposterior axes. Participants were randomly assigned to two groups. The experimental group (EG) underwent a 12-week intervention, three times per week, consisting of various exercises, such as strength, eccentric, proprioceptive, whole-body vibration (WBV), and neuromuscular exercises. After 12 weeks, the same outcome measures were analyzed. The effects of the training program on vertical ground reaction forces were not clear (0.3% and 0.9%, respectively). Medio-lateral (64.8%, d = 0.51) and anteroposterior (43.9%, d = 1.34) forces were probably reduced due to the training program. The stabilization time was also reduced in the experimental group (44.2%). The training program most likely decreased the vertical impulse (47.3%, d = -1.56), whereas the total ankle acceleration increased (18.4%, d = 0.79). The findings reveal significant improvements in neuromuscular control and stability during landings, specifically demonstrating reduced medio-lateral forces, vertical momentum, and acceleration during monopodal landings. This study focuses on the importance of proper landing techniques in minimizing the risk of knee injuries, emphasizing the falling strategy's role in injury prevention.

Effect of a Concurrent Training Program with and Without Metformin Treatment on Metabolic Markers and Cardiorespiratory Fitness in Individuals with Insulin Resistance: A Retrospective Analysis.

Type 2 diabetes mellitus is a metabolic disorder characterized by insulin resistance (IR), which is prevalent worldwide and has significant adverse health effects. Metformin is commonly prescribed as a pharmacological treatment. Physical exercise is also recognized as an effective regulator of glycemia, independent of metformin. However, the effects of inter-day concurrent training (CT)-which includes both endurance and resistance exercises-combined with metformin treatment on metabolic markers and cardiorespiratory fitness in individuals with IR remain controversial. This study aimed to analyze the effects of a 12-week inter-day CT program on metabolic markers and cardiorespiratory fitness in overweight/obese individuals with IR, both with and without metformin treatment. Additionally, inter-individual responses to CT were examined. Data from the 2022-2023 Obesity Center database were retrospectively analyzed. According to the eligibility criteria, 20 overweight/obese individuals diagnosed with IR participated in a 12-week CT program (three weekly sessions: two endurance and one resistance exercise session). Participants were divided into three groups: the exercise group (E-G: n = 7, 32.86 ± 8.32 years, 85.2 ± 19.67 kg), the exercise-metformin group (E-MG: n = 6, 34.83 ± 12.91 years, 88.13 ± 12.66 kg), and the metformin-only control group (M-G: n = 7, 34.43 ± 13.96 years, 94.23 ± 13.93 kg). The M-G did not perform physical exercise during the 12 weeks but continued pharmacological treatment. Body composition, metabolic markers, and cardiorespiratory fitness were assessed before and after the 12-week CT program. A group-by-time interaction was observed for fasting insulin (F2,17 = 34.059, p < 0.001, η2p = 0.88), the Homeostatic Model Assessment of Insulin Resistance (HOMA-IR) (F2,17 = 35.597, p < 0.001, η2p = 0.80), and maximal fat oxidation (MFO) (F2,17 = 4.541, p = 0.026, η2p = 0.348) following the CT program. The maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max) showed significant improvements in the E-G (F = 4.888, p = 0.041, ∆+13.3%). Additionally, the percentage of fat mass (%FM) and body mass (BM) were significantly reduced across all groups (F = 125.244, p < 0.001 and F = 91.130, p < 0.001, respectively). The BM decreased by ∆-9.43% in the E-G (five responders, Rs), ∆+9.21% in the EM-G (5 Rs), and ∆+5.15% in the M-G (3 Rs). The %FM was reduced in the E-G by ∆-22.52% (seven Rs). Fasting insulin and the HOMA-IR significantly improved in both the E-G and EM-G, with fasting insulin showing a ∆-82.1% reduction in the E-G (five Rs) and a ∆-85% reduction in the EM-G (six Rs). Similarly, the HOMA-IR improved by ∆+82.6% in the E-G (three Rs) and by ∆+84.6% in the EM-G (six Rs). The 12-week inter-day concurrent training program, whether combined with metformin or not, was similarly effective in improving metabolic markers in patients with insulin resistance as metformin treatment alone. Both exercise groups demonstrated a significant reduction in insulin sensitivity and an increase in maximal fat oxidation. Meanwhile, exclusive pharmacological treatment with metformin markedly decreased cardiorespiratory fitness, and consequently, fat oxidation.

The Effects of an 8-Week Cognitive-Motor Training Program on Proprioception and Postural Control Under Single and Dual Task in Older Adults: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

The aim of this study was to assess the effects of an 8-week cognitive-motor training program on postural control and knee proprioception under single and dual task conditions. Design: Randomized clinical trial. Methods: The present study was registered with the ID number NCT04786132. A total of 20 healthy and physically active older adults (73.25 ± 5.98 years) volunteered to participate and were randomly assigned into an experimental and a control group (EG and CG). Postural control was measured with the Romberg test, with open (RBOE) and closed eyes (RBCE) and under unipodal dominant side (RUDL) conditions. Proprioception was assessed by measuring participants' ability to reposition their dominant knee at 45°. Finally, performance of the cognitive task was measured through a subscale of the Barcelona Test called "categorical evocation in associations". The EG and the CG completed 8-week training programs with two sessions, 30 min per week, of postural control and proprioception exercises. The EG additionally included music in each session. Results: The analysis using a mixed ANOVA model revealed no significant group × time interaction effects (p < 0.05) for any of the assessments. However, a significant main effect for the time factor was observed, with both the control and experimental groups showing improved outcomes in the post-intervention measurements. Specifically, significant results were found for RBOE (F (4,15) = 11.87, p < 0.001, η2p = 0.76), RBCE (F (4,15) = 11.62, p < 0.001, η2p = 0.75), and proprioception (F (1,18) = 11.53, p < 0.003, η2p = 0.39). Conclusions: The 8-week training program had a positive impact on the post-intervention results for motor control and proprioception, but not on the results of the cognitive task. There were no significant differences between the groups that carried out sessions with or without music.

Exercise Training in Patients With Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy Without Left Ventricular Outflow Tract Obstruction: A Randomized Clinical Trial.

Patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy without left ventricular outflow tract obstruction commonly experience reduced exercise capacity. Physical training improves exercise capacity in these patients, but whether the underlying effects of exercise are a result of central hemodynamic or peripheral improvement is unclear. This study assessed whether exercise training reduces left ventricular filling pressure measured during exercise in patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy without left ventricular outflow tract obstruction. Between March 2019 and June 2022, patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy without left ventricular outflow tract obstruction were randomly assigned (1:1) to a 12-week (3 h/wk) supervised, moderate-intensity exercise training program or continued usual activity. The primary outcome was the change in invasively measured pulmonary capillary wedge pressure during mild exercise (25 W) from baseline to week 12. Pressure tracings were analyzed offline by a blinded investigator. Secondary outcomes included changes in peak oxygen consumption, cardiac index, quality of life, echocardiographic indices of diastolic function, and natriuretic peptides. Of 59 patients randomized (mean age, 58.1±12.2 years; 27% women), 51 (86%) completed all follow-up assessments. At week 12, the change in 25-W pulmonary capillary wedge pressure was -2.8±6.8 mm Hg in the exercise group, compared with +1.2±4.9 mm Hg in the usual-activity group (between-group difference, 4.0 mm Hg [95% CI, 0.7-7.3]; P=0.018). Peak oxygen consumption improved by +1.8±2.0 mL/kg/min in the exercise group versus -0.3±3.1 mL/kg/min in the usual-activity group (P=0.005). Exercise training improved the ventilatory efficiency (VE/VCO2) slope compared with usual activity (between-group difference, 2.0 [95% CI, 0.6-3.5]; P=0.006). Peak cardiac index improved by +0.38±1.38 L/min/m2 in exercise versus -0.85±1.20 L/min/m2 in the usual-activity group (P=0.002). Change in overall Kansas City Cardiomyopathy Questionnaire score was similar between groups. However, the change in physical limitation scores (+8.4±12.0 points in exercise versus +0.7±6.8 points in usual-activity group; P=0.034) and quality-of-life scores (+8.7±18.0 points in exercise versus 0.7±4.0 points in usual-activity group; P=0.01) differed significantly. There were no significant changes in diastolic function assessed by echocardiography or in natriuretic peptides. In patients with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy without left ventricular outflow tract obstruction, a 12-week moderate-intensity exercise training program resulted in reduced left ventricular filling pressures at mild exertion and improved exercise performance. URL: https://www.clinicaltrials.gov; Unique identifier: NCT03537183.

The Impact of Training Distances (20 m, 50 m, and 70 m) on Concentration and Anaerobic Endurance in Archery Sub-Elite Athletes

This study aims to investigate the effects of a new training method for archery athletes with different distances, namely 20 meters, 50 meters, and 70 meters, in improving concentration and anaerobic endurance. The pre- and post-control group design was used in this study with the sample selection method using the purposive sampling technique. The criteria for participants in this study include: actively practicing archery, aged 14-20 years, having at least 5 years of archery competition experience, domiciled in East Java Province, not injured, and willing to participate in the study until the end. 40 sub-elite archery athletes (20 males, 20 females) became participants in this study and were divided into 4 groups: conventional training (CON), training with a shooting distance of 20 m (NEAR), training with a shooting distance of 50 m (MID), and training with a shooting distance of 70 m (LONG) training groups. Each group underwent a 12-week training program specific to their assigned distance. The instrument used to measure concentration is the standardised archery mirror drawing test and to measure anaerobic endurance using the RAST test instrument. The results of the paired sample t-test analysis showed that in the anaerobic endurance variable, the NEAR, MID, and LONG groups had a p-value &lt;0.05, while the CON group had a p-value &gt; 0.05. In the concentration variable (time), all groups had a p-value &lt;0.05, while in the concentration variable (error), there were only two groups (NEAR and CON) that had a p-value &lt;0.05. The Anova Test results showed a significant difference between the CON and MID groups and CON and LONG (p &lt;0.05) in the anaerobic endurance, while in the concentration (time) there was a significant difference between the CON and LONG groups and NEAR and LONG (p&lt;0.05). In conclusion, the MID and LONG groups significantly improve anaerobic endurance and concentration, two important factors for archery success. Longer training distances appear to have a more pronounced effect on concentration.

Dynamic Analysis of Upper- and Lower-Extremity Performance During Take-Offs and Landings in High-Wall Climbing: Effects of a Plyometric and Strength Training Intervention

This study used a 12-week plyometric and strength training program as an intervention to improve upper- and lower-extremity muscle strength for jumping and landing when climbing high walls. Sixty general non-athlete male college students were openly recruited and divided into an experimental group and a control group. The experimental group underwent a plyometric and strength training program twice a week for 12 weeks (24 sessions). The intervention was divided into three phases, each lasting four weeks, with the training intensity gradually increasing in each phase. A hand grip dynamometer was used to measure grip strength, and a PASCO double-track force plate was used to assess upper-extremity push-up force and lower-extremity take-off and landing strength. The results of the 12-week intervention showed that the experimental group experienced significant increases in grip strength (both hands), hand-ground reaction force, and upper-extremity hang time. Additionally, the time of upper-extremity action on the force plate decreased. Lower-extremity take-off strength improved, as reflected in increased ground reaction force, rate of force development, and passage time. Upon landing, ground reaction force decreased by 3.2%, and cushioning time shortened by 52.7%. This study concludes that plyometric and strength training have promising effects in enhancing upper- and lower-extremity strength, particularly in climbing and landing tasks.

Study on the impact of shoulder flexibility training on smash speed mechanics in badminton using machine learning

The smash stroke in badminton is a key attack style that makes the opponent player miss the strike; the smash requires speed, agility, strength, and precision. The smash demands a high level of shoulder flexibility from the players, which increases the Range of Motion (ROM) during the backswing and forward swing phases. The shoulder flexibility provides excellent energy storage and transfer, improving smash speed. The biomechanical efficiency of Shoulder Flexibility Training (FLT) on smash speed efficiency is still under study. This lack of study leads to modelling training program limitations, which may increase the risk of injury. Examining the process by which smash speed mechanics are impacted by Shoulder Flexibility Training (SFT) programs is the primary goal of the present investigation. It is approximately a 6-week training program for Amateur Players (AP) and National Players (NP), which uses core shoulder motions like flexion, abduction, and rotation as its basis. Motion capture systems and radar sensors investigated joint motion and smash speeds. To address the shortage of study evidence on the subject, a hybrid CNN + LSTM model was applied to predict smash speed concerning improved shoulder flexibility. As reported by the research results, students’ smash speed and shoulder flexibility improved significantly during training. There was a 4.35% boost to smash speed at contact and a 4.69% gain in shoulder internal rotation compared to non-contact athletes. Additionally, there was a 9.83% boost in smash speed at contact and a 9.76% boost in shoulder internal rotation for the best athletes. Considering post-training illnesses, the CNN + LSTM model successfully predicted smash speed, with R³ scores of 0.99 for NP and 0.97 for AP.

Agility Ladder Training Combined With Plyometric or Multidirectional Speed Drills: Short-Term Adaptations on Jump, Speed, and Change of Direction Performance in Young Female Volleyball Players.

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of agility ladder training combined with plyometric or multidirection speed drills, on performance in young female volleyball players. Seventy-six young female volleyball players were randomly distributed into 3 maturity-matched groups: (1) the agility ladder + plyometric drills group, (2) the agility ladder + multidirection speed drills group, and (3) the control group. Both experimental groups followed a 6-week training program, twice weekly, in addition to the regular volleyball training sessions, while the control group participated only in the regular volleyball training sessions. Assessments pretraining and posttraining included countermovement jump, 20-m sprint, and agility T test.Results: Both experimental groups improved T-test performance (P < .005) but only agility ladder + multidirection speed drills group outperformed the control group (P < .05). Agility ladder training programs combined with either plyometric or speed drills can improve change of direction performance in young female volleyball players but only the combination of agility ladder with multidirection speed drills is more effective than volleyball training per se. The small effectiveness of these protocols may be attributed to the short training period, or to the fact that training elements were combined in a single session. This hypothesis remains to be further investigated.

Effects of a sequential square mat walking training program Fisior® on improving physical performance in older adults with Parkinson's disease: A pilot study

BackgroundThis study aimed to assess the efficacy of a 12-week functional walking training program utilizing a sequential square mat (Fisior® Mat) on the physical performance of older adults diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease (PD). MethodsParticipants, aged over 60 and diagnosed with mild to moderate PD, underwent progressive resistance training sessions lasting 30-40 minutes, three times a week, using the Fisior® sequential square mat. A randomized clinical trial was conducted with participants from a patient association. Multiple linear regression models were employed to analyze physical performance variation between intervention and control groups. ResultsTwenty-eight patients (14 in each group) participated, with improvements observed in total Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB) score, chair test score, gait speed score, and balance test score. Participants in the intervention group showed significant improvement in chair and balance test scores compared to controls. ConclusionThe Fisior® sequential square mat program, as an adjunct to conventional outpatient physiotherapy, effectively enhances physical performance in older adults with PD.

Effects of Moderate and Heavy Slow Resistance Training on Achilles and Patellar Tendons and Muscles Aponeuroses in Elderly Men.

To investigate the effect of moderate or heavy slow resistance training on structural and mechanical properties of patellar and Achilles tendons in older men, invivo. Healthy older men (n = 27) undertook a 12-week resistance training program (3 times/week) of triceps surae and quadriceps muscle-tendon complexes. Participants were randomly assigned to either a moderate load of 55% 1RM (O55, n = 13, age: 70.0 ± 4.6 years) or a progressively heavier load from 55% up to 80% 1RM (O80, n = 14, age: 69.8 ± 4.4 years). Tendon morphology was investigated using a 1.5 T MRI scanner. Mechanical properties of the free Achilles tendon (AT) and medial gastrocnemius (MG) aponeurosis, patellar tendon (PT), and deep aponeurosis of the vastus lateralis (VL) muscle were assessed using ultrasound imaging. Both training programs led to an increase in mean CSA of the PT (O55; +2.7%, O80; +1.7%, p = 0.002) and AT (O55; +2.8%, O80; +2.5%, p < 0.001). Force and stress were increased for all the four regions investigated, while stiffness and Young's modulus assessed at a common force level were only increased for the AT and VL aponeurosis. No interaction between group and time was demonstrated for any of the outcomes. No interaction between time and the four tendon sites was observed for any of the outcomes at common force. A supervised short-term heavy or moderate slow resistance training of equal volume yielded an increase in tendon size and altered mechanical properties of tendinous tissue.

Effect of a 10-week Training Program on Muscle Power, Endurance, and Jump Kick Performance in Young Male Taekwondo Athletes Using the 4D PRO&amp;reg; Bungee Trainer and Battle Ropes Exercises

Effect of a 10-week Training Program on Muscle Power, Endurance, and Jump Kick Performance in Young Male Taekwondo Athletes Using the 4D PRO&amp;reg; Bungee Trainer and Battle Ropes Exercises

Plyometric and Resistance Training: A Dual Approach to Enhance Physical Fitness in 12–15-Year-Old Girls

Background/Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the effects of an 8-week combined plyometric and resistance training program on the physical fitness (PF) of adolescent girls aged 12 to 15 years. The objective was to determine whether combined training (CT) would yield greater improvements in performance measures compared to resistance training (RT) alone. Methods: Forty-seven adolescent girls were randomly assigned to either the CT group or the RT group. Performance measures such as the 20 m sprint, squat jump, vertical jump, handgrip strength, and flexibility (sit and reach test) were assessed before and after the 8-week intervention. Changes in these measures were analyzed to compare the effects of the two training approaches. Results: The CT group showed a significant reduction in sprint time (−6.5%) compared to the RT group (−4.1%), although the difference was not statistically significant. Squat jump height improved significantly by 5.6% in the CT group compared to 1.1% in the RT group (p &lt; 0.05). Similarly, vertical jump height increased by 6.7% in the CT group and by 2.4% in the RT group (p &lt; 0.05). Handgrip strength improved by 7.5% in the CT group and 4.6% in the RT group, with no significant differences between the groups. Flexibility showed slight, non-significant improvements in both groups. Conclusions: The findings suggest that a combined plyometric and RT program is more effective in enhancing explosive power, specifically squat and vertical jump performance, in adolescent girls compared to RT alone. These results highlight the potential of CT programs for improving overall physical performance in this population.