Training Frequency Research Articles

Impact of combiner aerobic and resistance training on depression: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

ObjectiveTo summarize the existing literature and evaluate the efficacy of combined resistance and aerobic training in alleviating depressive symptoms among individuals with depression. Subgroup analyses were conducted based on study region, age, depression severity, intervention duration, intervention frequency, and whether the intervention was supervised or unsupervised.MethodsFive databases were thoroughly examined from database establishment until August 20, 2024, to find randomized controlled trials that investigated resistance combined aerobic training impact on depression.ResultsFinally, 27 eligible studies were included, involving a total of 2,342 patients with depression. The outcomes indicated that resistance combined aerobic training notably improved signs of depression in these patients (SMD=-1.39, 95%CI=-1.80 to -0.96, p = 0.000). Subgroup analysis based on study area, age, severity of depressive symptoms, and exercise prescription revealed that resistance combined aerobic training had a particularly significant effect on middle-aged and elderly patients with depression, as well as on those with moderate depression. Additionally, moderate period (9–24 weeks), moderate frequency (3–4 times per week), a total weekly duration of more than 180 min and supervised training displayed the best results.ConclusionResistance combined aerobic training serves as an efficient approach to relieve depression-related symptoms, particularly in middle-aged and elderly patients with depression and those with moderate depression. Moderate training intensity, duration, frequency, and total weekly duration offer the greatest benefit.

The Correlation of Training Frequency on Generalized Hypermobility Joint in Ballerina at Namarina Dance Academy, Jakarta

The Dutch East Indies became the initial place for the development of ballet in the Indies. The arrival of a Russian ballerina named Anna Pavlova in 1929 succeeded in popularizing ballet among the people of the Indies. This group of ballet dancers toured major cities in the Indies to provide relaxing entertainment. Batavia (becoming Jakarta) then became a city that was crazy about ballet dance, spreading to other big cities in Indonesia. However, due to a lack of education and information, many ballet dancers do not realize that they are experiencing GJH. This research aims to determine the relationship between training frequency and GJH in the ballet dancer population in Jakarta, especially at the Namarina Dance Academy and to provide information regarding the relationship between training frequency and GJH experienced by ballet dancers so that dancers can be more careful when carrying out their profession. This research uses a cross-sectional design with samples taken using purposive sampling. The total sample was obtained using the Slovin formula and 83 samples were obtained. Data was collected by measuring the frequency of dancers' practice using the IPAQ-short questionnaire and GJH using the Beighton score. The results of this study showed that 4 people (4.8%) were affected by mild hypermobility, 31 people (37.3%) were affected by moderate hypermobility, and 48 people (57.8%) were affected by severe hypermobility, in other words, they were in the Generalized Joint Hypermobility (GJH) category. The conclusion from this research is, that this research produced a significance value of 0.000 (p<0.5) and a positive correlation value of 0.439, which means there is a significant relationship between practice frequency and GJH in ballet dancers at the Namarina Dance Academy Jakarta. Keywords: Exercise Frequency, Joint Hypermobility, Ballet Dancer

Effect of Different Reduced Training Frequencies After 12 Weeks of Concurrent Ballistic and Aerobic Training on Muscle Power and Triceps Brachii Muscle Architecture.

Background/Objectives: The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of two long-term reduced concurrent training frequencies (incorporating power training for the upper and high-intensity interval aerobic training for the lower extremities), in which participants performed one training session every either 7 or 14 days, after 12 weeks of systematic concurrent training on upper extremities' muscle strength, power, and morphology in young females. Methods: After a 12-week concurrent resistance and aerobic training period, participants were assigned into three groups and performed either one training session every 7 days (G7), or once every 14 days (G14), or detraining (GD) for 12 weeks, followed by 12 additional weeks of detraining. Results: Performance and muscle mass increased after the initial 12-week training period. After the reduced training frequency period, bench press 1-RM and aerobic power remained unchanged in G7 and decreased significantly in G14 (-5.9 ± 4.9%; -1.4 ± 4.5%). Muscle power and muscle thickness of the triceps branchii long head decreased significantly in G7 (-9.8 ± 7.7%; -0.9 ± 0.6%; respectively, p < 0.05) and G14 (-10.9 ± 7.6%; -2.8 ± 2.7%, respectively, p < 0.05), without significant differences between groups (p > 0.05). Conclusions: In conclusion, 12 weeks of systematic concurrent resistance (upper extremities) and aerobic training (lower extremities) induced significant improvements in upper extremities muscle power/strength and muscle architecture characteristics. Both reduced training frequencies led to significant reductions in power performance. Thus, performing one training session every 2 weeks for 3 months may preserve 90 to 95% of the muscle power/strength, aerobic power and 72% of muscle mass adaptations achieved with systematic concurrent training. However, greater preservations in the above parameters could be observed if the training frequency is one training session per week.

Correlation between physical activity and acute respiratory infections in preschool children

&amp;lt;p&amp;gt;&amp;lt;strong&amp;gt;Aim&amp;lt;/strong&amp;gt; To analyse a correlation between physical activity (PA) and acute respiratory infections (ARIs) in preschool children aged 5 to 7 years.&amp;lt;br /&amp;gt;&amp;lt;strong&amp;gt;Methods&amp;lt;/strong&amp;gt; Data on both ARIs, sedentary behaviour (SB) and PA were obtained through specially created questionnaires for this study and relationships between them were examined.&amp;lt;br /&amp;gt;&amp;lt;strong&amp;gt;Results&amp;lt;/strong&amp;gt; A total of 129 children with an average age of 72.2&amp;amp;plusmn;4.2 months, with a slightly higher number of males, 65 (50.4%), have participated in the study. Upper respiratory tract infections (URTIs) were in a significantly negative correlation with the frequency of training on weekdays (p=0.041) and weekends (p=0.005). Lower respiratory tract infections (LRTIs) had a significantly positive correlation with the frequency of usage of electronic gaming devices on weekdays (p=0.034), and a significant negative correlation with the frequency of spending time in nature on weekends (p=0.036). ARIs in total were in a significant negative correlation with the frequency of training on weekdays (p=0.025) and weekends (p=0.005).&amp;lt;br /&amp;gt;&amp;lt;strong&amp;gt;Conclusion&amp;lt;/strong&amp;gt; An increase of SB and reduced PA level showed a negative impact on the ARIs increase. It is recommended to introduce programs to increase PA among young children.&amp;lt;/p&amp;gt;

Research on Injury Factors of Figure Skaters and Construction of Injury Prediction Model

Objective: This study aims to systematically analyze and screen the main factors affecting injuries of figure skaters and to construct a scientific injury prediction model. Methods: A questionnaire survey was conducted to collect the basic information of 34 figure skaters from Jiangsu, Zhejiang, and Shanghai, including the subjects' gender, starting age, years of skating, frequency of on-ice training, duration of each training session, frequency of off-ice training, warm-up time, sleep duration, coach level, ice surface conditions and skate fit during training, as well as the number injuries the subjects had in the past years. The main factors affecting injuries of figure skaters were found through a logistic regression model, and a nomogram was constructed. All data were analyzed in R language. Results and Conclusion: The findings indicate that gender, starting age, height, skating experience, and free skating level are key factors influencing the risk of sport injuries. Based on these factors, this study successfully developed a comprehensive risk assessment model for sports injuries in youth figure skaters. This model can predict and reduce the risk of injuries and provide a scientific basis for personalized training programs

Assessing Nutritional Knowledge and Physical Health Among Football Players: A Pilot Study from Three Sports Clubs in Western Romania.

Football players require optimal nutrition and physical fitness to enhance their performance and maintain their health. Understanding the relationships among nutritional knowledge, dietary habits, physical health, and substance use in athletes is essential for developing effective strategies. This study investigates these factors in male football players aged 16-33 years. The study involved 60 male football players from three teams in Liga4Arad. A mixed-methods approach was used, incorporating a self-developed pilot questionnaire and internationally validated instruments. The reliability of the questionnaire was confirmed using Guttman's λ2. The questionnaire assessed nutritional knowledge, eating habits, substance use, and physical health parameters, including body fat percentage and training frequency. Spearman's correlation was used to analyze the data and explore the interrelationships between these factors. It is important to note that the pilot questionnaire used in this study was self-developed and not previously validated in this specific context. Nutritional knowledge was positively correlated with healthier eating habits (ρ = 0.675, p < 0.001). Intensive training and higher physical activity levels were both associated with improved body composition and lower body fat (ρ = 0.341, p = 0.006). Supplement use was moderately correlated with alcohol consumption (ρ = 0.548, p < 0.001) and weakly correlated with smoking (ρ = 0.348, p = 0.007). The study highlights a strong relationship between nutritional knowledge and healthier eating habits among football players, as well as the significant role of frequent intense training in reducing body fat percentages and enhancing physical fitness. Additionally, the findings suggest a moderate association between dietary supplement use and alcohol consumption, underscoring the need for tailored interventions to address substance use and its impact on players' health behaviors and performance.

Pilot Study on the Assessment of Therapeutic Education in Children and Adolescents with Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus.

Introduction: Type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) is a chronic metabolic disorder primarily managed through insulin therapy, which is crucial for achieving optimal glycemic control in children and adolescents. Therapeutic education is essential, equipping patients and their families with the knowledge and skills necessary for effective self-management. This familial support plays a critical role in the success of therapy and in fostering an environment conducive to the child's self-management of the condition. A core objective of therapeutic education is the prevention of complications associated with T1DM. Children and adolescents are made aware of the importance of consistent disease management by receiving information about the potential consequences of prolonged metabolic dysregulation. Methods: The study employed a diagnostic survey method with a proprietary questionnaire consisting of a demographic section and 28 closed-ended questions. The survey was conducted between February and May 2024 at the Pediatric Diabetes and Pediatrics Clinical Department of the Polikarp Brudziński Independent Public Children's Clinical Hospital in Warsaw. A total of 100 valid responses were included. Data were analyzed using frequency analysis for categorical variables, descriptive statistics for quantitative data, and Pearson's Chi-squared test for relationship analysis. Results: Most parents (76%) initiated knowledge acquisition in diabetology departments. Group and individual training sessions were attended by 58% of respondents. Training frequency was predominantly daily (88%), and 92% of parents stressed the importance of consistent education. The vast majority (96%) of participants rated the training as well prepared, with 100% affirming that the education was adapted to their needs. Conclusions: Therapeutic education for children with T1DM is highly effective, particularly when integrating individual and group training sessions. Regular daily exercise is associated with higher levels of knowledge and skills in diabetes management. This emphasizes the importance of structured and frequent educational programs to optimize disease control, enhance familial support, and prevent complications, ultimately improving patient outcomes.

Bike-Riding Training may Improve Communication Skills and Stereotyped Behavior in Adolescents With Autism.

This research aimed to establish whether 12 weeks of bicycle-riding skills exercises with massed and distributed practice frequency at low and high intensity affect communication performance and stereotyped behavior among adolescent boys with autism. Fifty autistic boys aged 13.3 ± 1.32 years participated in the study. The participants were divided into homogeneous experimental groups (N = 10) with dissimilar training frequencies and intensities, along with a control group. Pre-tests using the GARS-2 test were administered to assess stereotyped behavior and communication skills, followed by post-tests and a one-month follow-up. Non-parametric Kruskal Wallis and ANCOVA results at a significance level of 0.05 showed that there was a significant difference in the post-test of stereotyped behavior and communication skills (p = 0.001 and p = 0.002, respectively) and follow-up test one month later (p = 0.003, p = 0.048, respectively) between the intervention and control groups after performing bike riding skills exercises with low and high intensities and frequencies (one and three sessions per week). Regardless of the intensity and frequency, bike riding skills training during the critical period of adolescence can significantly reduce stereotyped behaviors and enhance communication skills, which can also support positive development in other domains for individuals with autism.

Practice, Experiences, and Facilitators of Simulation-Based Training During One Year of Implementation in 30 Hospitals in Tanzania.

Enhancing the proficiency of healthcare workers (HCWs) in handling birth-related complications is crucial for reducing maternal and newborn morbidity and mortality. To achieve this, the Safer Births Bundle of Care offers a comprehensive set of innovative, simulation-based training interventions designed to strengthen the skills and competencies of HCWs working as skilled birth attendants. To describe the use of in-situ low-dose, high-frequency simulation-based training, and the experiences of this usage among HCWs and stakeholders at facilities in Tanzania. This mixed-methods study included quantitative and qualitative data collected between July 2021 and July 2022 across 30 health facilities in five regions of Tanzania. NeoNatalie Live (NNL) simulators were installed for independent skills and scenario training, and in-situ facilitator-led team simulations were introduced. The training frequency was analyzed using descriptive and analytical statistics, and mentorship and supervision reports were analyzed using qualitative content analysis. A large and sustained number of in-situ NNL skill-training sessions (n = 35,101) and facilitator-led team simulations (n = 266) were conducted during the first year. Clinical burden per HCW did not affect the frequency of NNL skills training at the health facility level (r = -0.16, p = .40) nor facilitator-led team simulations. There was a positive but weak correlation between the frequency of facilitator-led team simulations and NNL skills training (r = 0.34, p = .05). Qualitative data showed a high degree of motivation and participation among all stakeholders, and active use of hospital data, both clinical indicators and training data, was perceived as a success factor. Facilitator-led in-situ simulation training was more likely to occur where individual skills-training sessions were recorded. Training sessions took place regardless of the increased workload.

Analiza učinka grupnog progresivnog treninga otpora na inflamatorne markere, parametre kardiovaskularne sposobnosti i respiratornu funkciju kod starijih pacijenata sa hroničnom opstruktivnom bolešću pluća

Background: To investigate the effects of implementing group progressive resistance training on Maximal Oxygen consumption (VO2max), Maximum Ventilation per minute (VEmax), Maximal Oxygen pulse (O2pulsemax), Maximum Heart Rate (HRmax), and Modified Medical Research Council dyspnea scale (mMRC) in elderly patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Methods: A total number of 114 elderly patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease treated in the hospital from May 2022 to May 2024 were collected and divided into two groups based on different training methods. The conventional group (n=57) received routine rehabilitation training, while the organization group (n=57) received group progressive resistance training. Cardio - pulmonary Exercise Testing (CPET) parameters, serum inflammatory factors, lung function indicators, and mMRC score were compared between two groups before training, 2 weeks of training, and 4 weeks of training. Results: Before training, there was no significant difference between the two groups regarding training compliance, CPET parameters, inflammatory factors, and mMRC score. After 2-4 weeks of training, both groups showed improvements in training frequency, intensity, autonomous training, and increases in VO2MAX, VEmax, O2pulsemax, and HRmax. However, the organization group had higher scores in these areas and lower levels of inflammatory factors (IL-8, IL-18, IL-6, IL-12) and mMRC scores compared to the conventional group, with statistically significant differences (P&lt;0.05). Conclusions: Group progressive resistance training can help improve the compliance of elderly patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease with training, reduce the body's inflammatory response, improve VO2MAX, VEmax, O2pulsemax, and HRmax levels, and alleviate breathing difficulties.

Optimizing muscle health: The role of resistance training and frequency in muscle hypertrophy

Resistance training (RT) is a key factor in promoting muscle hypertrophy and overall muscle health. Recent research highlights the role of RT frequency in optimizing hypertrophic outcomes. The purpose of this literature review is to explore the influence of training frequency on muscle hypertrophy and evaluates its effectiveness in tailoring programs to individual needs. A total of 63 research papers published between the years 2019 to 2024 were accessed and used for this review that met the criteria. The review indicates that while training volume is the primary driver of hypertrophy, frequency adjustments may enhance outcomes in specific contexts, such as recovery capacity and advanced adaptations. This review underscores the potential of frequency as a variable to optimize RT programs for improved muscle health.

Effects of Exergaming on Morphological Variables, Biochemical Parameters, and Blood Pressure in Children and Adolescents with Overweight/Obesity: A Systematic Review with Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials.

This systematic review with meta-analysis aimed to evaluate the available body of published peer-reviewed studies on the effects of exergaming (EXG) compared to the control group (CG) on morphological variables, biochemical parameters, and blood pressure in children and adolescents with overweight/obesity. A systematic literature search was conducted until September 2024 using five databases: PubMed, Medline, CINAHL Complete, Scopus, and Web of Science. PRISMA, TESTEX, RoB 2, and GRADE tools assessed the methodological quality and certainty of evidence. Hedge's g effect sizes (ES) for morphological, biochemical, and blood pressure variables were calculated for meta-analyses. Using a random effects model, potential sources of heterogeneity were selected, including subgroup analyses (age) and single training factor analysis (program duration, training frequency). The protocol was registered in PROSPERO (code: CRD42024626992). Out of 72 records, 6 randomized controlled trials with 191 children and adolescents with overweight/obesity were included. Nine meta-analyses were performed, showing significant decreases in body mass index (p = 0.04), waist circumference (p = 0.03), and systolic blood pressure (p = 0.007). However, no significant improvements were observed in diastolic blood pressure, body fat percentage, total cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, triglycerides, and glucose. Subgroup analyses showed significant decreases in total cholesterol (<15 years, ES = 0.56; p = 0.006), HDL-cholesterol (<15 years, ES = 0.51; p = 0.01), LDL-cholesterol (<15 years, ES = 0.63; p = 0.01), and triglycerides (<15 years, ES = 0.82; p = 0.000). In training duration, only significant decreases in total cholesterol (ES = 0.69; p = 0.02) were presented in favor of <12 weeks vs. ≥12 weeks. While in training frequency only significant decreases in triglycerides (ES = 0.70; p = 0.03) were reported in favor of ≥3 sessions per week vs. <3 sessions per week. EXG significantly decreases body mass index, waist circumference, and systolic blood pressure in children and adolescents with overweight/obesity.

Spinal cord epidural stimulation for male sexual function in spinal cord injured rats.

95% of men with spinal cord injuries exhibit difficulties with sexual function, including erectile dysfunction, anejaculation, retrograde ejaculation, poor ejaculatory force, and poor sperm quality. The primary goal is to determine if well-established interventions, such as spinal cord epidural stimulation, are a feasible treatment for sexual dysfunction and if locomotor recovery training can be used to improve ejaculatory function in a rodent model of spinal cord injury (SCI). Male Wistar rats underwent thoracic laminectomies (shams), spinal cord transections, or moderate spinal cord contusion injuries. In urethane-anesthetized rodents, terminal spinal cord epidural stimulation was performed to target the mid-lumbar level spinal generator for ejaculation (SGE) in animals with transection spinal cord injuries at 3-, 14-, or 70-days post-injury and in animals with sham surgeries and spinal cord contusions at 70days post-injury. The impact of locomotor training frequency was examined in two groups of rats with spinal cord contusion, which underwent 1-hr of assisted plantar stepping on a treadmill, training two or five times weekly for 6weeks. Terminal experiments in all groups were followed by measures of sperm concentration and post-mortem testicular weight and morphology. Spinal cord epidural stimulation consistently induced the expulsion phase of ejaculation, and occasionally the emission phase of ejaculation in rats with chronic SCI. All animals were most responsive to spinal cord epidural stimulation combined with manual stimulation to induce ejaculation, with chronic injury resulting in the most consistent responses. Locomotor training improved response rates to spinal cord epidural stimulation, with intermittent training resulting in the most consistent induction of both the emission and expulsion phases of ejaculation. Sperm concentration was impacted by injury completeness and time-post injury, which was lowest in the chronic complete transection group of rats. Locomotor training resulted in an overall increase in sperm concentration, with 2days per week of training resulting in a significant improvement of sperm motility. Spinal cord epidural stimulation combined with locomotor training is a feasible intervention for individuals with SCI who seek to regain sexual function. Although we have anecdotal reports of non-targeted L3 spinal cord epidural stimulation inducing ejaculation in humans having spinal cord injuries, the current outcomes may be underestimated as stimulation was carried out in anesthetized animals. Spinal cord epidural stimulation to target the SGE is a feasible intervention for sexual dysfunction following SCI.

Correlation of the Effect of Mentoring on the Profits of UMKM Fostered by Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Pertamina Sumbagsel

The purpose of this study is to look into the relationship between increased profitability and a mentoring program among Micro, Small, and Medium-Sized Enterprises (MSMEs) taking part in Pertamina Sumbagsel's Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) program. This research is motivated by the important role of MSMEs in the Indonesian economy and the potential of CSR initiatives to improve their performance. Through a survey of 170 MSMEs in South Sumatra, this research analyzes the impact of various aspects of mentoring, including training frequency, financial assistance, and duration of mentoring, on MSME profitability. Adopting a quantitative strategy, This research undertakes a regression analysis to statistically determine the extent to which mentoring influences profits. The conclusions drawn from this study reveal a favorable and statistically significant relationship between participating MSMEs' increased profitability and the level of mentorship. This shows that the mentoring program carried out by Pertamina Sumbagsel is effective in contributing to business financial growth. Additionally, this research identifies specific mentoring components that have the greatest impact on profitability, providing valuable insights for targeted program improvements.

The Critical Ear

The “critical ear” is a concept crossing ideas of “technical listening” and “ear cleaning”. It was first presented as a workshop (Synth Library Prague, July 2024) dedicated to listening in its manifolds and complexities. It discussed our sonic environment and the several contexts in which listening takes place. Based on exercises that train frequency recognition, for example, how can we recognise that content in our mundane soundscape? In that sense, these exercises take a very pragmatic perspective, aiming at identifying frequencies and acoustic phenomena out-in-the-world. These comprise a basic relationship with sound, that of spatial acoustics, but at the same time, it adopts practices of deep listening and sound healing, towards the poetics of listening. The critical ear reflects the author’s practice endeavour: a constant sway between a technical understanding of sound and a socio-political reflection on being a listener.

Effect of the Robot-assisted Gait Training Frequency on Balance and Gait in Stroke Patients in Convalescent Rehabilitation Hospitals: A Preliminary Study

Effect of the Robot-assisted Gait Training Frequency on Balance and Gait in Stroke Patients in Convalescent Rehabilitation Hospitals: A Preliminary Study

The Effect of Difference Training Intensity on Increased Adiponectin Levels in High-fructose-induced Mice (Mus musculus)

Introduction. The consumption of fructose in excessive quantities has been implicated in the onset of obesity and a spectrum of metabolic dysfunctions. Physical exercise is posited as a potent intervention to ameliorate obesity-induced metabolic anomalies, ostensibly through the elevation of adiponectin concentrations. However, the underlying molecular mechanisms of this effect remain inadequately understood. Objective. This study aims to demonstrate the impact of exercise intensity on increasing adiponectin levels in high-fructose-induced mice, highlighting the underlying molecular mechanisms. Methods. The experiment was carried out on 36 male mice (Mus musculus), aged ±8 weeks, with body weight ± 20 – 25 grams, in healthy condition and without defects. Mice were randomly divided into four groups. Control group without training (CN; n = 9); the low-intensity swimming training group with a 3% load of the mice's body weight (LI; n = 9); the moderate-intensity swimming training group with a 6% load of the mice's body weight (MI; n = 9); the heavy intensity swimming training group with a 9% load of the mice's body weight (HI; n = 9). The frequency of swimming training was carried out 3 times/week for 8 weeks, and the duration of swimming training was calculated as 80% of the maximum swimming time every session. All groups were orally (oral ad libitum) given 30% fructose solution for 8 weeks. Adiponectin levels were quantified via ELISA. Statistical interrogation employed one-way ANOVA and Tukey's HSD post hoc test, with a significance threshold set at 5%. Results. The results indicated a statistically significant divergence in adiponectin levels (p ≤ 0.001). Tukey's HSD post hoc test analysis revealed substantial disparities between CN and LI (p = 0.196), CN and MI (p = 0.0001), CN and HI (p = 0.001), LI and MI (p = 0.001), LI and HI (p = 0.001), and MI and HI (p = 0.001). Conclusion. This study found that moderate-intensity swimming training was more optimal in increasing adiponectin levels in fructose-induced mice compared to high-intensity, low-intensity, and control groups. Additionally, this research identified specific molecular pathways activated by moderate-intensity training, providing new insights for therapeutic interventions in tackling obesity-related metabolic dysfunctions.

A147: Tai Chi for College Students: Optimal Dose and Impact

Background and Purpose: Insufficient physical activity in college students correlates with various physical and mental health complications. Tai Chi, as a mindful-body practice, exhibits potential physiological and psychosocial advantages potentially mitigating these concerns. This systematic review intended to amalgamate existing evidence to thoroughly explore the impacts of Tai Chi and ascertain its optimal implementation parameters for enhancing the physical and psychological well-being of college students. Method: We systematically searched for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) in the following databases: PubMed, the Cochrane Library, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), Chinese Wan Fang Data, Chinese Scientific Journal Database (VIP), and Chinese Biomedical Medicine Database (CBM). The search period for all databases extended from their inception to July 2022, with an additional supplementary update performed in January 2023. Two researchers independently conducted the study screening, data extraction, and appraised the risk of bias following the guidelines of Cochrane Handbook 5.2 and conducted data analysis using Review Manager 5.4 software. Optimal parameters of Tai Chi were identified by conducting subgroup analysis. Results: We included a total of 26 trials with 1806 participants. The results of the meta-analysis demonstrated that Tai Chi exerted a positive influence on the physical and mental well-being of college students. Specifically, it led to an increase in mindfulness levels (SMD= 5.62; 95% CI, 3.14 to 8.09), an enhancement in vital capacity (MD=41.96; 95% CI, 31.49 to 52.44), and a reduction in anxiety (SMD= -0.22; 95% CI, -0.37 to -0.08) and depression symptoms (SMD= -0.17; 95% CI, -0.30 to -0.04). Subgroup analysis unveiled the optimal parameters for mitigating depression symptoms (training duration &gt;150 minutes per week, each session &gt;50 minutes, training frequency ≥4 times per week, training duration &gt;12 weeks) and anxiety symptoms (training duration &gt;150 minutes per week, each session 30-50 minutes, training frequency ≥4 times per week, training duration &gt;12 weeks). Conclusion: In summary, Tai Chi has been shown to enhance mindfulness levels and vital capacity while reducing symptoms of depression and anxiety in college students. However, its influence on various other physical and physiological parameters appeared to be limited. It is important to exercise caution in recommending these findings, considering the constraints of methodology and sample size.

Effects of Short Sprint Interval Training Frequency on Physical and Physiological Performance Adaptations in Male Soccer Players.

The study aimed to evaluate the effects of varying frequencies (1 vs. 2 vs. 3) of short sprint interval training (sSIT) on young male soccer players' physical performance and physiological parameters. Forty young male soccer players were randomly assigned to four experimental groups engaging in 36 trials sSIT for a duration of 6 weeks as follows: once weekly (1sSIT = 4 sets of 9 × 5 sec all-out runs), twice weekly (2sSIT = 2 sets of 9 × 5 sec all-out runs), and three times weekly (3sSIT = 2 sets of 6 × 5 sec all-out runs), or an active control group which continued their soccer practice routines. Before and after the 6-week training period, physical performance (countermovement vertical jump, 20-m sprint, Illinois change of direction, Yo-Yo intermittent recovery level 1 [Yo-Yo IR 1] and kicking distance) and physiological parameters (cardiorespiratory fitness, peak and average power output) were evaluated. All sSIT groups demonstrated significant (p < 0.01) and small to very large training effects (i.e., effect size) on measured parameters. More importantly, a comparison of inter-individual variability in the adaptive changes revealed that the 3sSIT group results in lower residuals in changes in cardiorespiratory fitness and anaerobic power, coupled with lower coefficient of variations in the mean group changes and perceived exertion throughout the training period. The findings indicate that incorporating one, two, or three weekly sessions of sSIT into routine soccer training can lead to similar enhancements in soccer players' physiological and performance adaptations. More importantly, higher training frequencies result in more homogenized adaptations among team members by reducing inter-individual variability in the magnitude of the adaptive responses.

Effects of Unilateral, Bilateral and Combined Plyometric Jump Training on Asymmetry of Muscular Strength and Power, and Change-of-Direction in Youth Male Basketball Players.

This study aimed to compare the effects of unilateral (UT), bilateral (BT), and combined (UBT) plyometric training on muscular strength, power, and change-of-direction performance in youth male basketball players. Sixty-six male youth basketball players (age: 16.1 ± 0.8 years) participated in this randomized experimental study, which lasted 8 weeks with a training frequency of 2 sessions per week. The UT group performed only single-leg plyometric exercises, while the BT group conducted similar plyometric drills using both feet. The UBT group combined both approaches, performing one session of UT and one session of BT each week. The players were evaluated at baseline and after the 8-week period using a force platform for the unilateral countermovement jump test (UCMJ), isometric squat test (IST), isometric knee flexor strength test (KFS), leg land and hold test (LHT), and 5-0-5 tests. The asymmetry between legs per outcome was measured using the symmetry angle. The UT, BT, and UBT all significantly improved outcomes in the IST, UCMJ, KFS, LHT, and 5-0-5 tests (p < 0.05) following the intervention, with no significant differences among the three methods. However, while UT and UBT significantly reduced asymmetries in the tests (p < 0.05), BT increased asymmetries. Only, the UT group showed significant improvements over the control group in asymmetry measures: IST asymmetry (mean difference: 1.2%, p = 0.049), KFS asymmetry (mean difference: 2.5%, p < 0.001), and LHT asymmetry (mean difference: 1.1%, p = 0.013). While there are no substantial differences among UT, BT, and UBT in terms of improvements in unilateral tests and symmetry levels, UT stands out for its effectiveness in enhancing neuromuscular performance and reducing asymmetries among basketball players compared to the control condition. UT was the only method that showed significant benefits in this context. Strength and conditioning coaches might consider incorporating UT, either alone or alongside BT, to optimize individual limb strength and coordination.