ABSTRACT The study aimed to describe which criteria are used by medical and performance practitioners in elite European football to progress players through different stages of rehabilitation following a hamstring strain injury. Practitioners from European football clubs from five first-division leagues (Bundesliga, La Liga, Ligue 1, Premier League, Serie A) were invited to participate in an online survey developed in English using the online software QuestionPro. The survey was divided into two parts: part one (six questions) aimed to analyse demographic and job roles; part two (six questions) presented two clinical cases. In total, 25 surveys were completed. The participants were asked to rate on a Likert scale from “Not important” to “Very important” the following criteria for the Return-to-high-speed-running, Return-to-training and Return-to-performance phases: Time since injury, Absence of pain, Hamstring flexibility, Askling H-Test, Negative Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) (injury fully healed), Psychological readiness, Isometric strength, Eccentric strength (Nordics test), Isokinetic test, Single leg bridge (maximal number of repetitions), Jump tests, Completion of progressive on-field exposure (internal and external training load), Ability to run at maximal speed, Repeated sprint ability test, Global Position System (GPS) metrics equivalent to match requirements. We found that practitioners used a variety of criteria across the different stages. This heterogeneity highlights the need for a multidisciplinary approach to return-to-play (RTP) decision-making across all the phases, especially when rehabilitating an intramuscular hamstring tendon injury. Overall, the practitioners felt the need for a greater number and higher specificity of tests during the rehabilitation progression for the intramuscular tendon than the myotendinous junction injury.

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

Amateur female volleyball players face substantial physical and psychological demands despite limited access to professional monitoring tools. Practical, low-cost strategies to assess readiness and recovery are needed. This study investigated whether combining the Countermovement Jump (CMJ) Test with psychometric questionnaires could effectively monitor neuromuscular and psychophysical status within a weekly microcycle. In this 12-week observational cohort study, twenty-one Italian amateur female volleyball players (mean age: 23.0±2.8 years) were monitored. CMJ performance was assessed on three key training days within the weekly microcycle (GD+2, GD-3, and GD-1) using the Chronojump Bosco-System. Subjective wellness variables, including sleep quality, recovery, readiness, perceived exertion (RPE), session-RPE, and menstrual-related soreness, were collected via questionnaires across the microcycle, including game day (GD). CMJ performance improved significantly from GD+2 and GD-3 to GD-1 (P<0.001), reflecting enhanced neuromuscular readiness leading into match day. Readiness scores were higher on GD compared to GD+2 (P<0.001). Among subjective variables, menstrual soreness was significantly and negatively associated with CMJ output (P=0.05), suggesting its relevance in performance monitoring. Sleep and recovery scores did not vary significantly across days, while session RPE showed moderate variation. Combining CMJ testing with brief psychometric questionnaires offers a feasible and informative strategy for monitoring readiness in amateur female volleyball. While CMJ alone cannot fully explain performance variability, its integration with subjective wellness indicators provides a more comprehensive view of recovery status. This approach supports individualized training adjustments and is particularly valuable in settings with limited access to advanced technologies.

This cross-sectional study aimed to compare body composition and physical performance between national-team selected and non-selected female soccer players, and to examine the potential associations between body composition and physical performance. Forty-five female players were divided into two groups: national-team players (N.=22, 22±3 years) and league players (not selected to national-team N.=23, 22±4 years) players. Body composition was assessed using the Inbody 720 device, and physical performance was measured by the following field tests: 30-meter sprint test, Countermovement Jump (CMJ) Test, and the 1200-meter shuttle run test to estimate maximal aerobic speed (MAS). No significant differences in body composition were found between groups, but national-team players were faster in the 30-meter sprint (4.55±0.14 s [95% confidence interval (CI) 4.48-4.61] vs. 4.67±0.18 s [4.59-4.75], g = -0.72 [-1.34 to -0.10], P=0.021) and had higher MAS (4.28±0.20 m/s [4.18-4.38] vs. 4.04±0.29 m/s [3.91-4.16], g = 0.94 [0.31 to 1.57], P=0.003). For correlation and regression analyses, data was pooled across groups. Weak-to-moderate correlations (r=-0.327 to -0.577, P<0.05) were found between body composition variables and physical performance. Linear regression analysis indicated that body composition variables explained 8-33% of the variance in performance outcomes. Despite no differences in body composition between groups, national-team players were faster and had higher MAS, and body composition showed weak-to-moderate associations with performance. Elite preparation should therefore target the concurrent development of physical performance and body composition, progressed together within multidisciplinary, high-standard practice.

Compare physical education (PE) teachers' perceptions of their students' motor competence (MC) with students' objectively assessed actual motor competence. 20 PE teachers and 340 students participated. Teachers were asked to estimate the student MC. Normative videos of the performance on each test (Standing Long Jump, Shuttle Run, Shifting Platforms, Jumping Sideways, Ball Throwing, and Kicking Velocity) were presented to assess teachers' perceptions of MC. Paired t-tests with Cohen's d quantified differences between children's actual motor competence and teachers' perceptions, alongside error tendency analyses (accurate, over-, or underestimation) using a 5% threshold. Associations and agreement between perceived and actual MC were examined using Pearson correlations and Bland-Altman plots. Teachers overestimated MC in most tests, particularly stability-related tasks such as the Shifting Platforms test (p < 0.001). However, underestimations were evident in the Standing Long Jump test (p < 0.001), where students performed above national values. Also, there was a tendency to underestimate the lateral jumps, but it was not significant. Our findings underscore the need for targeted teacher training programs and curriculum adjustments to improve assessment accuracy, ensuring that PE instruction effectively promotes skill development.

PurposeCompare physical education (PE) teachers’ perceptions of their students’ motor competence (MC) with students’ objectively assessed actual motor competence.Methods20 PE teachers and 340 students participated. Teachers were asked to estimate the student MC. Normative videos of the performance on each test (Standing Long Jump, Shuttle Run, Shifting Platforms, Jumping Sideways, Ball Throwing, and Kicking Velocity) were presented to assess teachers’ perceptions of MC. Paired t-tests with Cohen’s d quantified differences between children’s actual motor competence and teachers’ perceptions, alongside error tendency analyses (accurate, over-, or underestimation) using a 5% threshold. Associations and agreement between perceived and actual MC were examined using Pearson correlations and Bland-Altman plots.FindingsTeachers overestimated MC in most tests, particularly stability-related tasks such as the Shifting Platforms test (p < 0.001). However, underestimations were evident in the Standing Long Jump test (p < 0.001), where students performed above national values. Also, there was a tendency to underestimate the lateral jumps, but it was not significant.ConclusionOur findings underscore the need for targeted teacher training programs and curriculum adjustments to improve assessment accuracy, ensuring that PE instruction effectively promotes skill development.

To compare the acute biomechanical and functional effects of rigid taping, the self-locking ankle orthosis (SLAO), and a free condition during two functional jump tests. Forty-five physically active participants completed three randomized conditions (Free, Taping, SLAO) in a single-session crossover design. Functional performance was assessed using the Drop Jump Test and Side Hop Test, while ankle mobility was measured with the Weight-Bearing Lunge Test. Kinematic variables were obtained from 2D video analysis, and temporal parameters (contact time, flight time, jump height, RSI, and power) were recorded using the OptoJump system. Compared with the free condition, both taping and the SLAO significantly reduced ankle dorsiflexion in the Weight-Bearing Lunge Test (p = 0.001) and during landing in the Drop Jump Test (p = 0.001), with greater restriction under taping. In the Drop Jump Test, contact time and maximal knee flexion differed across conditions, but only ankle dorsiflexion at landing showed significant pairwise differences between all conditions (all p < 0.001). In the Side Hop Test, both fixation systems significantly altered all performance-related variables compared with the free condition (all p < 0.001), while no differences were observed between taping and orthosis. The SLAO and ankle taping reduced functional performance compared with the free condition in the Drop Jump and Side Hop tests. Rigid taping induced greater restriction of ankle dorsiflexion, also evident in the Weight-Bearing Lunge Test, whereas the SLAO showed slightly greater sagittal mobility.

Talpey, SW, Haintz, L, Drake, M, Mundy, PM, Rayner, R, James, LP, O'Grady, M, Gabbett, TJ, and Gardner, EC. The utility of the countermovement rebound jump for the assessment of neuromuscular status in National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I American football players. J Strength Cond Res XX(X): 000-000, 2025-The purpose of this study was to explore the sensitivity of the countermovement rebound jump (CMRJ) for assessing neuromuscular status after National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Division I American Football games. Twenty-nine male NCAA Division I American football players completed CMJ and CMRJ assessments 24 hours pregame, and at 24 and 72 hours postgame across 2 competitive matches. Jump testing was performed using dual force plates, and total PlayerLoad was recorded during games via Global Positioning System tracking. Linear mixed-effects models were used to examine the effects of time, match load, and game on CMRJ and CMJ metrics. Significant findings were followed by post-hoc pairwise comparisons and calculation of effect sizes. Significant time-dependent decrements were observed in CMRJ average power (p = 0.001, d = 0.67), RSImod (p = 0.03, d = 0.49), and jump height (p = 0.046, d = 0.46) at 24 hours postmatch, with recovery evident in average (p = 0.002, d = -0.63) and peak power (p = 0.004, d = -0.60) by 72 hours. Countermovement jump height increased significantly by 72 hours (p = 0.02, d = -0.49). Match load significantly mediated recovery trajectories for CMJ RSImod (p = 0.004) and time to take-off (p = 0.016), with higher loads associated with impaired recovery. The CMRJ appears to be more sensitive to acute fatigue. Whereas certain CMJ metrics were more sensitive to detecting how recovery trajectories were moderated by game load. The CMRJ offers practitioners a time-efficient and informative tool to assess the presence of acute fatigue after competition.

Objectives. The aim of this study was to assess whether a warm-up routine incorporating plyometric exercises promotes greater improvements in jumping performance, power output, and neuromuscular responsiveness compared with warm-up strategies commonly used in volleyball practice. Materials and Methods. Twenty-four sub-elite female volleyball players (age: 16.3 ± 0.6 years; body mass: 58.7 ± 3.8 kg; height: 165.6 ± 6.8 cm) from a regional club performed three different warm-up protocols, each lasting 20 minutes: traditional warm-up (TWU), neuromuscular warm-up (NWU), and isometric warm-up (IWU). To minimize fatigue effects, three experimental sessions were conducted with 48-hour intervals. Following each warm-up protocol, participants were randomly assessed using the Squat Jump (SJ), Countermovement Jump (CMJ), Standing Long Jump (SLJ), Squat Jump–Block Jump (SJ–BJ), Repeated Countermovement Jump (RCMJ), and Drop Jump (DJ) tests. Results. Jump performance outcomes demonstrated significantly higher values (p &lt; 0.001) following the NWU protocol. Compared with IWU, TWU resulted in higher performance values in SLJ, SJ–BJ, RCMJ, and shorter ground contact time during the DJ test. Conclusions. Neuromuscular warm-up appears to be particularly effective in sports requiring explosive, high-speed actions, as it may directly enhance training quality and jumping performance during competition. The findings indicate that post-activation performance enhancement (PAPE) can be observed in Under-17 female volleyball players when appropriate warm-up exercises are applied. This study provides practical insights into warm-up strategies for youth volleyball clubs with limited access to resistance training equipment.

Aim is to improve the physical development and physical fitness of primary school children who are overweight through physical education. Materials and methods The study was conducted from January to May 2024 at the comprehensive school in Moscow (Russia). The pedagogical experiment involved schoolchildren who study in grades 1-4 who were diagnosed with obesity of varying degrees (72 children). Children in the experimental group did physical education with a separate instructor according to the experimental program, and schoolchildren from the control group studied in one with the rest of their class. Before and after the pedagogical experiment, all schoolchildren completed control tests that assessed their level of physical development and physical fitness. Results During the study period, the schoolchildren from the control group showed an increase in the indicators of less than 2% in the EVC, Height, Weight, BMI, Jump and Run tests (p&gt; 0.05). In the RI test, the indicators improved from 10.3±1.6 to 9.4±0.65 (t=0.52; p&gt;0.05), the increase was 9.6%. In the Torso test, the indicators improved by 11.5% (p&gt; 0.05), and in the Jump Rope test, the result was higher by 14.6% (p&gt; 0.05). In the experimental group, a reliable increase in the results was recorded in 7 of 9 tests. The smallest increase in results was noted in the Height test - 1.1% (p&gt;0.05) and Run - 0.6% p&gt;0.05. The EVC increased by 14.2% (p&lt;0.05), the Weight decreased by 7.8% (p&lt;0.05), the BMI decreased by 9% (p&lt;0.05), in the Jump test the result improved by 9% (p&lt;0.05). In the RI test the result improved from 10.9±1 to 7.1±0.75 (t=3; p&lt;0.05), the increase was 53.5%, in the Torso and Jump Rope tests the indicators improved by 31.4% (p&lt;0.05) and 38.3% (p&lt;0.05), respectively. Conclusion The results of the study in the control group indicate the low efficiency of the standard physical education program in a comprehensive school for children aged 7-11 who have excessive weight; the program is more suitable for children who do not have health limitations. The results of the tests in the experimental group indicate the efficiency of using the experimental program for children aged 7-11 who have excessive weight. These schoolchildren should do physical education according to a special program and perform physical exercises that are feasible for them. BJMS, Vol. 25 No. 01 January’26 Page : 253-262

Introduction . In youth volleyball players, no previous study has investigated the relationships between the components of the force-velocity test (FVt) and those of the horizontal jump approach, speed test, and agility test. Aim . To determine the relationships that exist between lower-body power measured via a laboratory test ( i.e. ; FVt) and some field tests [horizontal jump ( i.e. ; 5-jump test (5JT)), speed test ( i.e. ; 20-m sprint) and agility test ( i.e. ; changing of direction (CoD)] in youth volleyball players. Methods . Thirty-one youth volleyball players were investigated for CoD, 5JT, and absolute/relative peak leg power (Ppeak) during the FVt. Speeds (s) during a 20-m sprint were measured at 5, 10, and 20 m (T 5 , T 10 and T 20 , respectively). 5JT performance was expressed in absolute terms (5JTA, m), and relative to leg length and body-mass. Pearson correlation coefficient (r) was performed among the variables of the FVt, 20-m sprint, CoD, and 5JT tests. "r" was considered "high" when it was > 0.70, "good" when it was between 0.50-0.70, "fair" when it was between 0.30-0.50, and "weak or no association" when it was < 0.30. Results . This study identified i) "high" correlations between FVtPpeak (W) and 20-m sprint [T5 (r=-0.858), T10 (r=-0.707), and T20 (r=-0.762)], and CoD (r=-0.745), ii) "good" correlations between FVtPpeak (W.kg) and 5JTA (r=0.531), and iii) "fair" correlations between FVtPpeak (W) and 5JTA (r=0.499), between FVtPpeak (W.kg-0.67) and 5JTA (r=0.489), and 20-m sprint [T5 (r=-0.370), T10 (r=-0.364)]. Conclusion . CoD, 20-m sprint, and 5JT can be used to evaluate lower limb explosive power in youth volleyball players.

Background and Purpose Injuries to the lower limbs are prevalent among basketball players, frequently affecting their performance and longevity. Plyometric training has been demonstrated to improve athletic performance. Therefore, this study examines the effects of 6 weeks of land-based plyometric training compared to regular basketball training on player performance and the incidence of lower limb injuries. Material and methods A randomized trial was adopted in which forty basket players (N=40) aged 18-25 were randomized into two groups of 20 each using a simple randomization technique. The subjects of the land-based plyometric training (LBPT) group received a 10-minute warm-up exercise, 40 minutes of land-based plyometric exercise followed by 10 minutes of cooling period, while the regular basketball training (RBT) group received only regular basketball training for 60 minutes. The intervention lasted three days per week for six weeks. To examine the effectiveness of the interventions, three variables were evaluated: participants' speed (Agility T-test), power (Vertical Jump test), and overuse injury (Oslo Sports Trauma Research Center Questionnaire on Health Problems (OSTRC-H) Questionnaire. The Wilcoxon Signed Ranks and Mann-Whitney Test were employed to assess the pre- and post-mean differences within and between the groups. Results There was a significant improvement (p &lt; 0.05) in agility (9.57±0.69) and vertical jump (50.70±3.52), along with a reduction in players' injuries after a 6-week plyometric training compared with regular basketball training. Conclusions Subjects in both LBPT and RBT significantly improved agility and vertical jump performance and reduced the occurrence and severity of lower limb injuries following 6 weeks of training. However, LBPT improves better than RBT in enhancing agility, vertical jump performance, and reducing injury incidence among basketball players.

Purpose: This study assessed the adaptations resulting from implementing an experimental, integrated training program tailored to sex-specific traits. The aim was to enhance motor abilities, aerobic capacity, and metabolic variables in female and male rugby sevens athletes. Methods: Employing a combined observational and experimental design, initial and post-intervention assessments were conducted over three months (March–June 2023) with 24 elite professional players, divided equally by sex (12 females, 12 males). The protocol consisted of 12 micro-cycles, each lasting 7 days and comprising 12 training sessions. The evaluations included sprint and jumping tests, as well as functional assessments such as resting metabolic rate and cardiopulmonary exercise testing. Results: Using one-way repeated measures ANOVA, significant improvements were noted across all performance parameters (p &lt; 0.001), with effect sizes ranging from small to very large. Sex-specific differences were evident, with females demonstrating consistent improvements in aerobic capacity and jumping ability, while males excelled in explosive power and longer sprints. Despite initial performance disparities, both sexes improved in short-distance sprints (10 m and 40 m). Cardiovascular efficiency improved as indicated by reduced maximum heart rates and lower respiratory quotients. Conclusions: Males showed superior progress in strength and explosive power tests, reflecting distinct physiological traits. These findings underscore the need for individualized and sex-specific training programs to optimize performance in high-intensity sports, such as rugby sevens.

Handheld massage guns are widely used by athletes, however, evidence for their acute effects during warm-up remains limited. Fifty-nine recreational athletes (21.6 ± 2.4 years; 24 female, 35 male) were randomly assigned to a massage gun group (GUN; n = 30) or control group (CON; n = 29). All participants completed a standardised dynamic warm-up followed by baseline testing of countermovement jumps (CMJ), 10/5 repeated jump test, knee-to-wall ankle mobility, and 20 m sprints. Perceptual measures (fatigue, muscle soreness, readiness to perform) were also recorded. The GUN group then completed a 12-min percussive massage protocol while the CON group rested quietly, before all tests were repeated. Linear mixed models and Hedges’ g effects are reported for the Condition x Time interactions. Massage gun use was associated with greater readiness to perform compared with CON ( p &lt; 0.05, g = 0.64). No differences were observed for perceived fatigue ( p &gt; 0.05). Despite no differences in CMJ height ( p &gt; 0.05), some CMJ metrics were impaired in the GUN group ( p &lt; 0.05), with reduced concentric force ( g = -0.76), longer contraction time ( g = 0.60), and lower RSI-modified ( g = –-0.63), potentially due to greater countermovement depth ( p &lt; 0.05, g = -0.56). No significant Condition x Time interactions were found for the 10/5 repeated jump test, knee-to-wall mobility or sprint performance ( p &gt; 0.05). Massage gun use during warm-up enhanced perceptual readiness to perform, but impaired several markers of CMJ performance, with no benefits observed for mobility or sprinting.

This study examined the trial-to-trial reliability and usefulness of the Output Sports inertial measurement unit (IMU) in measuring reactive strength index (RSI) derived from the Drop Jump (DJ) and 10-5 rebound jump test (10-5 RJT). Twenty-three male elite intercounty hurlers (mean ± SD; age: 24.3 ± 3.7 years, mass: 88.0 ± 6.3 kg, height: 183.8 ± 5.8 cm, experience at elite level: 5.8 ± 3.8 years) performed three trials each of the DJ and 10-5 RJT, on familiarisation and testing days. There was one week between familiarisation and testing. Reliability was determined by intraclass correlation (ICC) and coefficient of variation (CV) analyses. Usefulness was assessed by comparing typical error (TE) with the smallest worthwhile change (SWC). Both the DJ and 10-5 RJT were reliable in determining RSI, with CV ≤ 10% and ICC ≥ 0.8. The TE was 0.09 and 0.08 for the DJ and 10-5 RJT, respectively. Both tests were unable to detect the SWC, rating them as ‘marginal’; however, they were rated as ‘good’ in detecting moderate change in RSI. The Output Sports IMU is reliable in determining RSI for the DJ and 10-5 RJT; however, it is unable to detect the SWC. Future research must determine validity of the Output Sports IMU in measuring RSI.

ABSTRACT: This study evaluated athletic performance of jumping horses with jumping and incremental speed tests. Eighteen horses were submitted to a competition whose results were used to separate them into best, medium and lowest performance groups. The horses were submitted to two tests: an incremental jumping test with four steps and jumps over 1.10 m height vertical obstacle totaling 70 jumps, and to a speed incremental test with six steps and increasing speed of 2, 4, 5, 6, 7 and 8 m/s. Immediately after each test and on 10 minutes and 30 minutes of rest blood samples were collected to determine blood lactate, hematocrit, total blood plasmatic protein and blood glucose. Blood samples were collected prior and immediately after tests for hemogasometry. Another blood sample was collected prior and after tests for determination of CK, AST LDH and uric acid concentration. On speed incremental test, blood samples were collected to determine lactate concentration and asses VL2 and VL4, velocities for 2 and 4 mmol/l lactate concentration respectively. Results were submitted to ANOVA and compared by Tukey Test 5%. There was no difference between tests (P &lt; 0.05) on AST and CK concentrations. The lactate and uric acid concentrations immediately after tests were higher in speed than in incremental jumping test. On the hemogasometry, observed difference between tests and between blood samples collect moments for pH, pCO2, sodium plasmatic concentration and potassium plasmatic concentration (P&lt;0.05). The pH was lower after speed test than after jumping test (P &lt; 0.05). The pCO2, sodium and potassium concentrations increased after speed incremental test than after jumping test (P &lt; 0.05). The pO2 was not significantly different between tests P &gt; 0.05). There was no difference among groups on VL2 (mean value 5,3 m/s) and VL4 (mean value 7,4 m/s) values (P &gt; 0.05). The jumping and speed incremental tests are useful for asses exercise intensity for jumping horses, so it is possible to assess jumping horse’s performance through speed incremental test. The physiological, hematological and biochemical variables showed changes in their measurements compatible with the level of demand of the exercises performed in the tests, proving to be useful in evaluating the fitness of athletic horses.

To investigate the validity of reactive strength index (RSI), reactive strength ratio, and vertical stiffness (Kvert) from the countermovement rebound jump and 10/5 repeated jump test against these metrics from the drop jump. We also investigated relationships between RSI, reactive strength ratio, Kvert, and flight time to contraction time within and between protocols. Differences in variables and mechanical components in each jump and reliability of all measures were calculated. Twenty-six subjects (18 males, 8 females; age [range]: 20.17 [18.25-31.16]years, weight: 82.20 [64.90-110.30]kg) performed 2 sessions 7days apart, each consisting of 2 trials of drop jump, countermovement rebound jump, and 10/5 repeated jump test. Bland-Altman limits of agreement were calculated to assess validity. Relationships between outcome metrics (eg,RSI) from different jump types were assessed using Pearson correlations. Differences between variables (eg,flight time) and mechanical components (eg,impulse) from different protocols were assessed using linear mixed models (Cohen d). Between-session reliability was determined as coefficient of variation and intraclass correlation coefficient. Relationships between protocols for Kvert and RSI/reactive strength ratio were very weak to moderate (r = .11-.58), and ground contact time differed between protocols (d = 0.51-1.26). All variables demonstrated moderate to excellent reliability (coefficient of variation: 3.01-17.19%; intraclass correlation coefficient: .59-.97). Each outcome metric provides unique information, and differences in variables and mechanical components between protocols suggest distinct movement strategies. Protocols should not be used interchangeably.

Background: Cognitive skills are important in athletics, especially in football, because quick thinking, teamwork and fast reaction times are key. Concussions have different results for female athletes than for males which can result in changes in both cognitive and physical performance. Yet, there is not much information available on cognition and performance link in female football players who have had concussions. Objective: To determine the association between cognitive function and physical performance in female football players with a history of concussion. Methodology: This cross-sectional study included n=84 female football players aged 14–25 years. Verbal Cognition Test (VCT) for executive function, Delayed Word Recall (DWR) for working memory, Digit Backward (DB) for memory and Attention and Month in Reverse Order (MRO) for executive function were used to test cognitive function. Physical performance assessments included the Vertical Jump, Run Three, 505 Agility and 3-HOP Tests (both right and left legs). The study used a multiple regression analysis while controlling for age, BMI, amount and timing of play, number of headings during games, collisions and temporary loss of consciousness. Result: The results show that having lesser VCT and MRO leads to poorer results in the 3-HOP Right Leg test (p&lt;0.05). Practicing high-heading skills allowed athletes to complete Run Three faster (p=0.043). Nearly significant findings indicated that concussion history did play a moderating role in the results (p=0.079). For Vertical Jump, 505 Agility and 3-HOP Left Leg tests, no significant relationships were discovered. Conclusion: The performance of female football players in lower-body power and agility is affected by cognitive functions, especially by verbal skills and reaction time.

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic neurological disease that often leads to subtle motor impairments even in early stages. Traditional clinical assessments may fail to detect these early deficits. Jump and hop tasks, requiring complex neuromuscular coordination, have emerged as promising functional assessments in neurological populations. This review aims to synthesize current evidence on the use of jump- and hop-based assessments to evaluate motor performance in people with MS (pwMS). A systematic search of PubMed and Scopus was conducted in April 2025. Studies were included if they involved pwMS, used jump or hop tasks, and reported performance, kinetic, or kinematic outcomes. Nine studies met inclusion criteria. Countermovement jumps (CMJ) were most frequently used and consistently detected motor deficits in pwMS, including reduced flight time, jump height, and power output. Single-leg CMJ tests identified asymmetries correlated with disability scores. Bipedal hops revealed impaired coordination and anticipatory control. One study assessed motor fatigability through repetitive jumping, while another evaluated the patient experience of sensor-based jump testing. Jump and hop assessments provide potentially sensitive, non-invasive tools for detecting early motor impairments in MS. They offer potential for improving clinical monitoring and guiding individualized rehabilitation strategies.

The aim of this study was to determine the acute effects of a single session of resistance training on the functional and mechanical properties of leg muscles in recreationally active men. Eighteen subjects, with a mean age of 31 ± 4 years, with at least six months of continuous recreational activity and a frequency of 2–3 physical activities per week, participated in the study. All subjects performed a standardized squat session with external load, while four tests were used to assess neuromuscular performance: Countermovement Jump (CMJ), Squat Jump (SJ), Wall-sit test and Repeated Jump Test (RJT). The results showed a statistically significant decrease in performance in all tests after training (CMJ: -9.2%, SJ: -7.2%, Wall-sit: -18.1%, RJT: -10.4%; p &lt; 0.001), indicating pronounced acute neuromuscular fatigue. The largest decreases were registered in isometric and reactive strength tests, while the decrease in explosive strength was also significant. The data obtained confirm that even a single session of resistance training can induce measurable, temporary changes in functional capacity of leg muscles, emphasizing the importance of adequate rest and training intensity planning. Future research could examine different training protocols, populations of different age groups, and recovery strategies to further investigate acute neuromuscular responses and optimize training planning in recreational and competitive athletes. Keywords: Motor Skills, Fatigue, Explosive Power, Endurance, Training Effects