Lower Limb Power Research Articles

Relationship Between Anthropometric Attributes and Physical Fitness Levels in Young Male Portuguese Futsal players

Background Futsal demands lower limb power, repeated sprint ability, and technical prowess. Furthermore, anthropometric characteristics have been shown to influence physical capacities and sports performance and, thus, should be assessed alongside physical fitness levels to maximize performance. Methods This study aimed to investigate the potential correlations between anthropometric characteristics and physical fitness levels among young Portuguese male futsal players and to compare these attributes across two distinct age groups. Twenty-one male athletes from two age groups (Under-18: N=14 - 16.1 ± 0.6 years old; Under-15: N=7 - 13.7 ± 0.6 years old) were recruited to take part in this investigation. Anthropometric characteristics [body weight, height, body mass index (BMI), waist and hip circumference, and waist-to-hip ratio] were assessed, and participants performed three performance tasks (20-meter sprint, vertical and horizontal jump). Results Statistically significant differences regarding body weight (p=0.005), height (p=0.011), and hip circumference (p=0.036) were observed between age groups (Under-18 and Under-15), but no differences were found regarding performance tasks (all p≥0.736). Conclusion After analyzing the entire sample, BMI was found to be inversely correlated with horizontal (r=-0.51; p=0.03) and vertical (r=-0.64; p<0.001) jump performance, and waist-to-hip ratio was positively correlated with 20-meter sprint performance (r=0.70; p<0.001). These indicate a correlation between a higher BMI and waist-to-hip ratio with lower physical fitness levels.

Role of Lumbar Sympathetic MIPSI in Linezolid-induced Peripheral Neuropathy with Motor Dysfunction

Abstract Linezolid is a Class A drug of multidrug-resistant and extensively drug-resistant tuberculosis whose use carries a considerable risk of toxicity. In this study, five patients of linezolid-induced peripheral neuropathy (LIPN) showed decreased great toe power in both lower limbs (LLs). The sympathetic nervous system has been implicated in pain and motor dysfunction associated with painful peripheral neuropathy. Therapeutic interventions targeted at the sympathetic nervous system are very uncommon. We have used pain detect score (PDS) for the assessment of neuropathic pain. However, none of the criteria in the PDS questionnaire include motor response, thus in patients with sensory-motor neuropathy, we assessed great toe power, which was 4/5 in all 5 patients before lumbar sympathetic minimally invasive pain and spine intervention (MIPSI). All patients had improved pain symptoms and great toe power 5/5 immediately postprocedure, with no slipping of chappals. Here, we are providing evidence and conclude that lumbar sympathetic MIPSI is an important modality of treatment in patients with LIPN with motor dysfunction.

Cross-sectional interactive associations of physical activity and sedentary behaviour with physical capacity across adulthood.

The way physical activity (PA) and sedentary behaviour (SB) independently and interactively modify the age-related decline in physical capacity remains poorly understood. This cross-sectional study investigated the independent and interactive associations of PA and SB with physical function and performance throughout the adult life course. Data from 499 community-dwelling adults (63% female) aged 20-92years, involved in the INSPIRE Human Translational Cohort, were used in this cross-sectional study. Daily time spent on moderate-to-vigorous PA (MVPA, min/day) and SB (h/day) was measured with activPAL triaxial accelerometers. Physical function and performance were assessed through the measurement of the 4-m usual gait speed (m/s), handgrip strength (kg), lower-limb strength (isokinetic knee extension torque, N·m), estimated lower-limb power (five-time chair-rise test performance, s) and cardiorespiratory fitness (V̇O2max, mL/kg/min). Confounder-adjusted multiple linear and curvilinear regressions were performed to investigate how MVPA, SB and their interactions were associated with the physical outcomes (all square root-transformed except gait speed) throughout the adulthood spectrum. Interaction analyses revealed that the combination of higher levels of MVPA with lower levels of SB favourably reshaped the negative relationship between handgrip strength and age (age2×SB×MVPA: B=-7E-08, SE=3E-08, P<0.05). In addition, higher levels of MVPA were independently associated with an improved age-related profile in gait speed (age2×MVPA: B=3E-06, SE=1E-06, P<0.05), chair-rise performance (age×MVPA: B=-9E-05, SE=4E-05, P<0.05) and V̇O2max (MVPA at 21years: B=3E-02, SE=7E-03, P<0.05; age×MVPA: B=-5E-04, SE=2E-04, P<0.05). Conversely, the detrimental association of age with lower-limb muscle strength (age×SB: B=-1E-04, SE=6E-05, P<0.05) and chair-rise performance (age×SB: B=1E-05, SE=7E-06, P<0.05) was exacerbated with increasing duration of SB, independently of MVPA. Supplementary analyses further revealed that some of these associations were age and sex specific. This cross-sectional study demonstrated that reduced sedentary time and increased activity duration were independently and synergistically associated with an attenuated age-related loss in physical capacity. These findings need to be confirmed with longitudinal data but encourage both adopting an active lifestyle and reducing sedentary time as preventive measures against physical aging.

Go-karting Accident Causing an Innocuous Dorsal Spine Injury: Lessons Learned from a Rare Case

A young female in her late 20s presented to us with the inability to move both her lower limbs after being involved in a go-karting accident. On examination, the patient has no power in bilateral lower limbs, the sensation was decreased below D7, and the bowel bladder was involved. The perianal sensations were present and the patient had ASIA B neurology. On investigation, the computed tomography scans revealed a coronal split fracture of the D5 vertebrae without any involvement of the posterior vertebral wall or any canal compromise. There was a subtle facetal subluxation at D5–D6. A magnetic resonance imaging was performed which showed contusion of the cord at D6 vertebral level with edema and possible disruption of the posterior ligamentous complex at D5–D6 level. The patient was operated by posterior decompression with pedicle screw fixation. At the final follow-up, the patients showed neurological recovery with improvement to ASIA D neurology.

Effects of 4-week circuit strength combined with blood flow restriction training on muscle status and performance in Taekwondo athletes

This study explored the effects of a 4-week circuit strength training with blood flow restriction on Taekwondo athletes. Six male athletes (age 20.6 ± 1.85, height 184.3 ± 7.63 cm, training duration 7.5 ± 2.07 years) were assessed for explosive strength, muscle recruitment, and sport-specific skills. The regimen encompassed evaluations of lower limb power, Isokinetic strength, force via electronic kicks, and Tensiomyography (TMG) measurements pre-and post-training. Outcomes revealed enhanced jumping abilities, improved knee muscles, and superior kicking skills. There was a notable increase in muscle fibre recruitment and a shift towards type II muscle fibres. Medial thigh muscle displacement showed a positive correlation with jump duration, while lateral thigh muscles indicated a connection with kick numbers. The regimen notably improved explosive power, muscle fibre distribution, and reduced muscle contraction times. Yet, no significant changes in lower limb bilateral symmetry or the link between TMG parameters and athletic prowess were observed.

The Relationship Between Maximum Lower Limb Strength &amp; Power, and GPS Acceleration Speed in Elite U20 Gaelic Football Athletes

Previous research indicates positive relationships between high levels of lower limb strength and power, and acceleration sprint velocity in team sport athletes. This cross-sectional study aimed to investigate the relationship between lower limb absolute and relative strength, countermovement jump (CMJ) height, and Global Positioning System (GPS) recorded 20m acceleration sprint velocity in elite male U-20 Gaelic football athletes. Nineteen athletes (19.0 ± 0.5 years; 81.1 ± 5.5 kg; 182 ± 6.2 cm) from the same elite U-20 squad participated in this study during an in-season period. Subjects performed a &gt;95% 1RM box squat, a 20m sprint test, and a CMJ test. Relative maximum lower limb strength (r = 0.54, 95% CI [0.11 to 0.8]; p &lt; 0.05) and CMJ height (r = 0.66, 95% CI [0.29 to 0.86]; p &lt; 0.001) showed strong correlations with 20m sprint velocity. A multiple linear regression analysis demonstrated that lower limb maximum relative strength and CMJ height significantly predicted 20m sprint velocity (Adjusted R2 = 0.51, F (2, 16) = 6.29, p &lt; 0.05). These findings provide evidence for the importance of elite under-age Gaelic football athletes acquiring high levels of lower limb strength and power characteristics to enhance acceleration sprint performance.

Lower limb explosive power and dynamic stability in soccer referees and assistant referees

Background: Elite referees make more than 1,400 changes of action and up to 500 changes of direction in a match, which places a high demand on the explosive power of lower limbs. Lower limb injuries are a common problem for soccer referees and have a negative impact on their performance in a match. The purpose of the study was to assess the explosive power and dynamic stability of soccer referees from the viewpoint of refereeing function. Methods: The research sample consisted of 26 soccer referees, including 13 head referees and 13 assistant referees. The following jump tests were administered to determine the referees’ lower limb explosive power: the countermovement jump test (CMJ), the countermovement jump test with free arms (CMJ FA), the squat jump (SJ), and a 10-second vertical jump test. The level of dynamic stability was diagnosed by the Y Balance test. Results: Compared to assistant referees, head referees reached higher levels of explosive power in all measured parameters but the differences were not statistically significant. For the level of dynamic stability, we observed significant differences in the composite score and % lower limb length in favor of the referees in the posteromedial and posterolateral directions for the left and right legs. Conclusions: The greatest differences were found in dynamic stability, specifically in the composite score and % lower limb length in the posteromedial and posterolateral direction. The differences may be caused by typical movement patterns associated with these two adjudicatory roles. We recommend the inclusion of compensatory exercises in the training of assistant referees.

The Correlation of Muscle Mass and Fat with Leg Power of 16 Senior Highschool Basketball Athlete

&#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D; This study aims to explore the relationship between muscle mass and fat with lower limb power in high school basketball athletes from SMA N 16 Jakarta. The survey method was employed, involving measurement and data analysis using a quantitative correlational approach. The results of the study indicate a significant relationship between muscle mass and fat with lower limb power in athletes. These findings contribute significantly to understanding how body composition, particularly muscle mass and fat, can influence overall body strength, especially in the lower limbs. The conclusion of this research confirms the existence of a relationship between muscle mass, fat, and lower limb power in high school basketball athletes. Thus, the research objective to evaluate this relationship is achieved. Practical implications of this study include an enhanced understanding of athlete body quality. However, it is important to note that factors beyond muscle mass and fat, such as environmental conditions, physical health, and psychological aspects, can also impact muscle strength.&#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D; &#x0D;

Effects of physical fitness on mental health of Chinese college students: across-sectional study

BackgroundThe physical and mental health of college students is often mentioned, but there is limited research on a direct relationship between the mental health status of college students and their physical fitness level. This study mainly proves the relationship between Chinese college students’ mental health and physical fitness indicators.MethodThis study collected SCL-90 Scale test results from 5262 students (4012 boys and 1250 girls) through a questionnaire survey and conducted a Sport Quality Test on these students. Statistical software SPSS was applied for differential analysis and logistic regression analysis. Specifically, the differences in sport quality indicators between normal and abnormal mean total scores of psychological tests were analyzed first. Then, the binary logistic regression model was used to explore the impacts of sports quality indicator scores on students’ psychological fitness.ResultsThere are differences in the results of physical fitness tests between students with abnormal psychology and students with normal psychology. The four indexes of students’ vital capacity, speed, explosive power of lower limbs, and endurance running are effective in improving students’ psychologically abnormal state, and endurance running and improving vital capacity are the most effective methods to improve students’ psychologically abnormal state. In the physical tests of Chinese college students, the risk of psychological abnormalities was reduced by 9% for every one-point increase in lung capacity and 10.4% for every one-point increase in endurance running performance.ConclusionsChinese college students’ physical fitness and mental health are related. The best methods for treating psychological disorders are lung capacity improvement and endurance running. According to the physical test results of Chinese college students, for every 1-point increase in lung capacity and endurance running, the risk of psychological abnormalities decreased by 9% and 10.4%, respectively.

Comparison of physical fitness and game demands between young female rugby sevens athletes in different sports development contexts

Aim: This study aimed to compare the physical and game demands among young women rugby sevens athletes inserted in a long-term athlete development process (LTAD) and selected to the national team. Methods: Twenty-four athletes were recruited in two different contexts: thirteen participants were inserted in the LTAD process (VSR) and eleven Brazilian athletes were selected for the youth national team (BRA). One-repetition-maximum tests, jumping performance, sprint times, and aerobic capacity determined the physical performance and GPS recorded the game demands in the national championship. T-tests for independent samples and Mann-Whitney were used to compare the groups, and effect size (ES) was presented using Cohen's d. Results: 10-m sprint time (p = 0.001; ES = 1.47), 30-m sprint time (p = 0.005; ES = 1.42), sprint distance (p = 0.030; ES = 1.14) and distance in zone 5 (p = 0.040; ES = 0.92) showed differences between groups, with better results in BRA. Moreover, VSR athletes covered greater distances in zone 1 while BRA had greater distances in zone 4, with moderate ES. The strength, power of lower limbs, and aerobic fitness variables did not present significant differences between the groups. However, VSR had the highest mean in squat jump and countermovement jump, with moderate ES. Conclusion: Speed in physical tests and game demands differentiated the groups, and these parameters are essential for selection for the national team. However, the LTAD process can bring physical

Effect of maturation level on normative specific-agility performance metrics and their fitness predictors in soccer players aged 11–18 years

BackgroundIn sports sciences, normative data serve as standards for specific physical performance attributes, enhancing talent identification within a specific population. The aim of this study was to provide standard data for Agility-15 m, Ball-15 m tests, and skill index, considering maturation level, specifically age at peak height velocity (PHV). The study also investigated the relationship between relative performances in these tests and anthropometrics, jumping (squat jump [SJ], countermovement jump [CMJ]), and sprinting abilities (S-5 m, S-10 m, S-20 m, S-30 m) in young soccer players.MethodsThe study involved 647 soccer players aged 11–18 years, categorized into three groups: pre-PHV, circum-PHV, and post-PHV. Statistical analysis was conducted using analysis of variance and Bonferroni post hoc testing to detect variations among maturation groups, and Pearson’s correlation test to examine the relationship between factors.ResultsAgility-15 m and ball-15 m performances among maturity groups showed significant differences (p < 0.01). Significant correlations were identified in pre-PHV group, between lower limb length and Agility-15 m (r=-0.23, p < 0.05) and between height and Ball-15 m (r=-0.23, p < 0.05). In post-PHV group, there was a correlation between body fat percentage (BF %) and Agility-15 m (r = 0.17, p < 0.05) and Ball-15 m (r = 0.21, p < 0.05). In all maturity groups, there were significant correlations between agility and sprint tests (S-5 m, S-10 m, S-20 m, and S-30 m) and muscle power (SJ and CMJ).ConclusionThe study revealed that both speed and lower limb power significantly influence agility in young soccer players, providing valuable insights for coaches and practitioners to create tailored training plans and interventions for different age groups and maturity levels.

Examining the Influence of Warm-Up Static and Dynamic Stretching, as well as Post-Activation Potentiation Effects, on the Acute Enhancement of Gymnastic Performance: A Systematic Review with Meta-Analysis.

The primary objective of this systematic review with meta-analysis is to methodically discern and compare the impact of diverse warm-up strategies, including both static and dynamic stretching, as well as post-activation potentiation techniques, on the immediate performance of gymnasts. Adhering to the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, this paper evaluated studies that examined the gymnasts' performance after different warm-up strategies namely stretching (static [SS] or dynamic), vibration platforms (VP) or post-activation, in comparison to control conditions (e.g., mixed warm-up routines; no warm-up). The principal outcomes were centered on technical performance metrics (e.g., split, gymnastic jumps) and physical performance metrics (e.g., squat jump, countermovement jump, drop jump, balance, range of motion). Methodological assessments of the included studies were conducted using the Downs and Black Checklist. From the initial search across PubMed, Scopus, and the Web of Science databases, a total of 591 titles were retrieved, and 19 articles were ultimately incorporated in the analysis. The results revealed a non-significant differences (p > 0.05) between the SS condition and control conditions in squat jump performance, countermovement jump and gymnastic technical performance (e.g., split; split jump). Despite the difference in warm-up strategies and outcomes analyzed, the results suggest that there is no significant impairment of lower-limb power after SS. Additionally, technical elements dependent on flexibility appear to be enhanced by SS. Conversely, dynamic stretching and VP seem to be more effective for augmenting power-related and dynamic performance in gymnasts.

The potential and importance of exercise therapy in pediatric oncology – The PrepAIR study

Introduction Modern therapy has improved survival for children with cancer. However, treatment takes its toll. Children experience delays in motor development milestones such as walking, running, jumping or climbing, diminishing children’s quality of life and affecting their social reintegration. One side-effect of chemotherapy and crucial cause of the many dysfunctions is a peripheral neuropathy (CIPN). Depending on the neurotoxic agent, 52%-100% of children are affected (Kandula et al. 2016). It causes severe symptoms such as loss of sensation, numbness, pain, absent reflexes as well as loss of balance control. It is also of high clinical relevance as it affects medical therapy. Additionally, recovery is poor and there are currently no treatment options (Loprinzi et al. 2020). Previous research has shown (Streckmann et al. 2022) promising results: Specific exercises can reduce symptoms of CIPN and improve patients’ quality of life. In our most recent study in adults, we were also able to prevent the onset of CIPN with clinical impact. We hypothesize that CIPN could be the root of many problems children experience during therapy. Our aim is to maintain relevant sensory and motor functions in children in order for them to receive their planned medical therapy and become fitter and socially better integrated survivors. Methods We are therefore currently running a large, prospective, multicenter, randomized controlled trial (Basel, Bern, Aarau, St. Gallen, Freiburg (D) and Berlin (D)), randomizing N = 131 children planned to receive a neurotoxic chemotherapy into an intervention group or a treatment as usual group and accompanying them throughout their oncological therapy. After therapy the control group will also be shown the training. Primary endpoint is the incidence of CIPN, secondary endpoints are postural control, dorsiflexion function, knee extension strength, lower limb power, walk to run transition time, CIPN-related pain, participation of exercise-related leisure activities, children’s’ physical self-concept and quality of life. Discussion/Conclusion We hypothesize that less children in the intervention group will develop symptoms of CIPN and will be able to maintain relevant motor and sensory functions which will enable them to receive their planned medical therapy but also to stay on the age-appropriate motor development level, improve their quality life and enhance social reintegration after therapy. This would show that specific exercise therapy is more than just a lifestyle intervention, it could be a therapy option without further side- effects, changing supportive care in oncology. This study will therefore contribute to our endeavors to implement exercise therapy in pediatric oncology long-term empowering patients to return to an active lifestyle and additionally reduce the risk of long-term secondary diseases.

Physical activity level and physical fitness in subjects with chronic musculoskeletal pain: a cross-sectional study.

Low physical activity (PA) levels and low physical fitness (PF) have been reported in subjects with temporality-based chronic pain; however, it is unknown whether there are differences in subjects with nociplastic pain (NP) compared with subjects with non-nociplastic pain (NNP). The aim was to compare the levels of PA and PF in patients with chronic, nociplastic, and non-nociplastic musculoskeletal pain. This is an analytical, cross-sectional study. The sample comprised 30 patients receiving ambulatory physiotherapy treatment. Pain was classified as NP or NNP according to the International Association for the Study of Pain categorization system. The PA level was measured with the International Physical Activity Questionnaire-Short Form, and the PF level was measured with the hand grip strength test (HGS) to assess upper limb strength, the five Repetition Sit-to-Stand Test (5R-SRTS) to assess lower limb strength and power, and the YMCA 3 Min Step Test (YMCA-3MST) to estimate peak VO2. The results were compared with independent samples t-tests (with p < 0.05 considered significant). Cohen's d was calculated to determine the effect size. The NP group reported a significantly lower PA level than the NNP group, specifically the vigorous PA (p = 0.0009), moderate PA (p = 0.0002), and total PA (p = 0.005) dimensions. The NP group also showed significantly lower 5R-STS (p = 0.000) and HGS (p = 0.002) results compared with the NNP group. There were no significant differences in the YMCA-3MST between the NP and NNP groups (p = 0.635). It is possible that the neurophysiological and neuromuscular changes related to NP are associated with a reduced ability to perform vigorous PA. Clinicians should identify the presence of NP comorbidities in conjunction with the diagnosis when establishing the therapeutic goals.

Effects of a physical education intervention on children’s physical activity and fitness: the PROFIT pilot study

BackgroundPhysical education classes are widely accepted as one of the most effective settings for promoting physical activity and health and have often been used to implement physical activity interventions. The aim of this pilot study was to test a physical education intervention program on physical activity levels and physical fitness in a sample of school-age children.MethodsParticipants were a convenience sample of 50 children (34 experimental group and 16 in the comparative group) aged between 6 and 11 years old (Mean = 8.28 years). A 21-week intervention was implemented, consisting of high-intensity and physical fitness-focused exercises, in addition to a once-a-month extra class nutritional education. The following variables were evaluated before and post-intervention: physical fitness, sedentary behavior (SB), light physical activity (LPA), moderate physical activity (MVA), and vigorous physical activity (VPA). Propensity score analyses calculated the average treatment effect on the treated (ATET) within a quasi-experimental framework.ResultsPhysical fitness variables showed improvements after the intervention, specifically for agility (ATET = -0.67 s; p < 0.001), cardiorespiratory fitness (ATET = 89.27 m; p = 0.045), lower limbs power (ATET = 4.47 centimeters; p = 0.025), and speed (ATET = -1.06 s; p < 0.001). For physical activity and SB levels, there were no improvements after intervention implementation.ConclusionThe intervention program showed preliminary effectiveness to improve physical fitness of children, but not SB nor physical activity.

Relative Age Effect for Different Playing Positions in Adolescent Female Volleyball Players

Understanding the Relative Age Effect (RAE) in female volleyball can provide a deeper insight into potential developmental advantages and selection biases between playing positions and volleyball-related performance characteristics. This study aimed to investigate the occurrence of the RAE in adolescent female volleyball players according to the playing position and the possible differences in anthropometric and performance characteristics between the relative age groups. The study involved 193 young female volleyball players from 12 different regions and 108 sports clubs from all over Greece, with an average age of 14.53 ± 0.31 years, height of 1.67 ± 0.07 m, weight of 57.20 ± 9.10 kg, and body mass index (BMI) of 20.34 ± 2.50. RAE was identified by the birth quarter of each player, categorizing thus the total sample into four sub-groups: Q1 (January–March), Q2 (April–June), Q3 (July–September), and Q4 (OctoberDecember). Anthropometrics, upper and lower limb power, agility, flexibility, and trunk strength were also assessed. The distribution of volleyball players differed significantly across birth quarters (34.19% of Q1, 25.9% of Q2, 22.79% of Q3, 17.09% of Q4; χ2 = 11.788, p = 0.008). Analysis revealed no significant association between birth quarter and playing position (χ2 = 11.314, p = 0.730). Present study’s results indicated no RAE in young female volleyball players regarding their playing position. Also, performance tests did not differ significantly among the RAE groups. Moreover, despite athletes’ early specialization based on assigned playing positions, no differences in athletes’ position-related performance characteristics were observed. These findings suggest that interventions to mitigate RAE should be considered to ensure equitable development opportunities across all playing positions.

Does the sequence of plyometric and dynamic stretching exercises influence subsequent sprint performance? A randomized crossover intervention study.

The objectives of this study were to evaluate the acute effects of the sequence order of drop jumps (DJ) and dynamic stretching (DS) on sprinting performances in competitive athletes and to investigate the relationships between post-activation performance enhancement (PAPE) in sprint performance and lower limb power. Thirteen male jumpers and sprinters participated in this study (19 ± 2 years; 177 ± 7 cm; 71.7 ± 5.6 kg). Through a randomized crossover design, the athletes were exposed to three different conditions after a standardized warm-up: DS+DJ, DJ+DS, and control. Sprinting performance over 40 m was analysed with consideration of initial (0 to 20 m) and final acceleration (20 to 40 m) phases. The effect of intervention was examined by two-way repeated-measures of ANOVA. Pearson's correlation test was used to determine the association between PAPE during sprinting and jump performance. There was no effect of any factor on 40-m sprint performance. Meanwhile, the performance at 20-40 m was higher after the DS+DJ condition when compared to baseline (8.79 ± 0.43 vs. 8.91 ± 0.35 m/s; p = 0.015). However, the initial acceleration was worsened in the DJ+DS condition when compared to baseline (6.26 ± 0.25 vs. 6.22 ± 0.26 m/s; p = 0.002). There was a negative correlation between CMJ height and the improvement in final acceleration (r = -0.741; p = 0.004). The use of DS prior to DJ is an effective strategy to improve performance in the final acceleration phase (20-40 m). The athletes with lower levels of lower limb power benefited the most from this PAPE strategy.

Pneumatic Compression Massage Decreases Effects of Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness in Active Females

Background: Eccentric exercise often results in Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness (DOMS) which causes decreases in muscle strength and power with accompanying prolonged pain. Objectives: The study examined the effectiveness of Pneumatic Compression Massage (PCM) on changes in leg power following DOMS-inducing eccentric hamstring exercises. Pain levels and perceived efficacy of PCM as a recovery method for exercise-induced DOMS was also examined. Methods: Twenty-one active college-aged female volunteers were randomly assigned to PCM or control groups after performing 4-rounds of eccentric Nordic hamstring exercises to failure after which control subjects sat quietly for 10 minutes while the PCM-assigned subjects wore pneumatic compression massage (PCM) leggings for 10 minutes. All variables were evaluated at baseline and at 1-, 24-, 48-, and 72-hours after the exercise sets. Results: Movement economy was significantly greater as PCM had significantly faster ground contact time (GCT) at 24-hrs (p=0.01), 48-hrs (p=0.04), and 72-hrs (p=0.03) compared to control subjects. Leg muscle power output was significantly higher in PCM at 24-hrs (p=0.04), 48-hrs (p=0.05), and 72-hrs (p=0.01), while control subjects had significantly more pain at 72-hrs (p=0.02). Conclusion: PCM applied for 10-minutes every 24-hours following DOMS-inducing eccentric exercise resulted in greater improvements in movement economy, reaction time, jump height, lower limb power, pain, and other DOMS-related symptoms.

Six months of different exercise type in sedentary primary schoolchildren: impact on physical fitness and saliva microbiota composition.

Lifestyle influences microbiota composition. We previously reported a healthier microbiota composition in saliva from active schoolchildren compared to sedentary. In the present study, we evaluated the effects of 6 months of different exercise types on physical fitness and saliva microbiota composition in 8-11-years-old sedentary schoolchildren. Sixty-four sedentary children from five primary schools in Turin, Italy, were divided into three groups: one continued normal curricular activity while two underwent different exercise protocols for 6 months. The Structured Exercise (Sa) group did 2 h per week of muscle activation, strength and coordination exercises supervised by a kinesiologist. The Daily Mile (Dm) group did 1 h per week of Sa plus 15 min of walking/running outdoors four times a week, supervised by a class teacher; control group (Ct) did 2 h a week of curricular exercise supervised by a class teacher. Physical fitness was evaluated before and after the intervention. Saliva samples were collected post-intervention in all participants and analyzed using PCR amplification of 16S rRNA bacterial genes. The Amplicon Sequence Variants were filtered, decontaminated, and phylogenetically classified using DADA2 software. Differential abundance analysis of microbiome taxa and pathway data was conducted using the LEfSe algorithm and PICRUSt. The Sa group showed better performances in lower limb power and sprint performance while both the Sa and Dm groups improved in endurance and balance at the end of the intervention; only balance resulted slightly improved in the Ct group. Among the genera differently enriched in saliva after the training intervention, we found that the Prevotella, the Dubosiella and the Family XIII AD3011 group were the most abundant in the Sa group; differently, the Neisseria and the Abiotrophia in Ct group. Four species showed significant the Prevotella melaninogenica and the Prevotella nanceiensis were more abundant in the Sa, conversely, Gemella sanguinis was enriched in Dm and Abiotrophia defectiva in Ct saliva group. We demonstrated that Sa and Dm, not curricular exercise, improve the physical fitness components in sedentary schoolchildren correlated to health and promote an enrichment in saliva microbiota species associated to a healthier profile.

Impact of Ladder Training on Lower Limb Power, Strength and Agility in Collegiate Badminton Players: A Pilot Study

Introduction: Badminton is a highly explosive, intermittent sport that requires quick anticipation and response to opponent movements. To execute advanced strokes and compete against stronger opponents, players must improve their basic physical parameters-strength, power and agility, otherwise due to physical demands on the lower limbs, leads to frequent injuries among players. Ladder training, type of strength and sports training, involves performing one or more exercises with an ascending and falling repetition pattern for building muscular endurance and conditioning, to assist players to increase their overall training volume. Aim: To study the impact of ladder training on lower limb power, strength and agility in collegiate badminton players. Materials and Methods: A pilot study was conducted in the Department of Physiotherapy, SGT University, Gurugram, Haryana, India, from December 2023 to January 2024. In the present study, 10Â collegiate badminton players were selected according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria with informed consent signed. The players were further divided into two groups: experimental group (n=5) underwent ladder training for 3 days/week, 6 weeks. and control group (n=5) underwent conventional training for 3 days/week, 6 weeks. The outcome measures for both groups were: Y-shaped agility test, standing broad jump test and Triple hop distance test, taken before and after training session. Results: The data was statistically analysed by paired and unpaired t-test, the agility performance of Group A compared to Group B with p-value=0.001 was considered highly significant and the data between pre and post training the group A was highly significant (p=0.001) in strength, power and agility of the players.