Medicine Ball Throw Research Articles

The Distance Effect in Focus of Attention: Spatial or Temporal Distance?

ABSTRACT Purpose: The benefit of an external focus over an internal focus has been well-established. Within this literature, several studies have documented a distal effect of attentional focus by comparing the efficacy of a proximal and distal external focus. A potential confound is that most distal focus cues direct the performer’s attention to an outcome occurring after the completion of movement, while the proximal cues direct attention to something that occurs during the movement process. This study aims to disentangle whether the distal effect of attentional focus comes from spatial distance (proximal vs. distal) or temporal distance (during vs. after). Method: To test this, we employed a two-handed underhand medicine ball throw for maximum distance with 38 healthy young adults. This study employed five conditions: baseline, internal-during, internal-after, external-during, and external-after focus. Results: The result indicated that both external-during and -after foci elicited a significantly greater throwing distance than internal-during (p = .006) and internal-after (p < .001), where internal-after even significantly underperformed than baseline (p = .02). Conclusion: Our findings indicate that using an outcome cue unrelated to the intended action does not enhance motor performance. Rather, the most effective approach is to use an external cue that represents the action effect either during or after the movement.

Similar adaptive responses in the upper body physical performance of table tennis players following the traditional and cluster set resistance and plyometric training

Numerous studies have investigated the impact of resistance training (RT) and plyometric training (PT) set configurations (cluster sets [CS] and traditional sets [TS]) on lower body performance adaptations. However, the effects of these training modalities on upper body physical performance, particularly among Table Tennis (TT) players, remain unclear. Therefore, this study aimed to examine the effects of an 8-week RT and PT using CS and TS configurations on the physical performance attributes of male TT players. Forty young male players were recruited from a local academy and after determining their dominant hand, divided into CS-PT, TS-PT, CS-RT, TS-RT, and active control (CON) groups, each of eight. Pre- and post-interventions, the upper body muscular power (medicine ball throw), maximal strength (bench press), reaction time, and arm crank anaerobic power test were measured. Following the intervention, the CON group exhibited no changes; however, the CS-PT, TS-PT, CS-RT, and TS-RT groups displayed significant (p = 0.001) improvements in muscular power (effect size [ES] = 1.21 [large], 1.02 [medium], 0.81 [medium], 0.64 [medium]), strength (ES = 0.40 [small], 0.43 [small], 0.62 [medium], 0.63 [medium]), reaction time (ES = − 0.71 [medium], − 0.68 [medium], − 0.83 [medium], − 0.61 [medium]), peak power (ES = 1.83 [large], 1.66 [large], 0.90 [medium], 0.67 [medium]), and mean power (ES = 0.89 [medium], 0.89 [medium], 0.57 [small], 0.59 [small]), respectively. The PT groups indicated significantly greater changes than the RT groups in both muscular (CS, p = 0.021; TS, p = 0.018) and anaerobic power (peak power: CS, p = 0.017; TS, p = 0.011; mean power: CS, p = 0.024; TS, p = 0.042) performance, while the RT groups showed greater adaptive responses than the PT groups in maximal strength (CS, p = 0.033; TS, p = 0.048). In conclusion, PT is recommended for enhancing power performance, while RT is preferred for increasing strength. When various set configurations were incorporated, no further effects were noted.

Lacrosse Player's Sprint Ability: The Relationship Between 30M Cradle Sprint and Medicine Ball Throw

Background: Few studies have examined the sprinting capacity of female lacrosse players compared to other field-based sports. Sprinting ability in lacrosse, particularly when players are cradling the ball, may differ from traditional sprinting, as handling the ball can affect acceleration and overall speed.Aims: This study aimed to investigate the relationship between sprinting ability and medicine ball throws in female collegiate lacrosse players. Specifically, it sought to compare sprint performance with and without cradling and examine how medicine ball throw performance correlates with sprinting ability.Methods: Twenty-two participants (19.9 ± 1.2 years) were recruited from a collegiate lacrosse team. They performed 30m and cradle sprint trials from a standing start. Additionally, participants conducted medicine ball throws with 1kg, 2kg, and 3kg weights. Sprint times were recorded for 0-10m and a total of 30m distances.Results: The time for the total 30m distance was significantly shorter in the regular 30m sprint trial than in the 30m cradle trial. The 0-10m segment was slower in the cradle sprint trial than the regular sprint trial. Faster individuals in the 30m sprint trial were associated with longer distances in the 1kg and 2kg medicine ball throws. In comparison, faster individuals in the 30m cradle sprint trial were correlated with longer distances in the 1kg, 2kg, and 3kg medicine ball throws.Conclusion: The cradle affects acceleration from a stopped position. Additionally, sprinting ability while cradling the ball is correlated with performance in the 3kg medicine ball throw, suggesting a relationship between upper-body strength and sprint performance in lacrosse.

Physical fitness and body build parameters of children and adolescents participating in the physical activity promotion programme “Athletics for all!”

BackgroundThis study attempts to analyse physical fitness and basic anthropometric parameters of children and adolescents participating in the nationwide physical activity promotion programme “Athletics for All!” (AFA). The programme aims to establish a national system for diagnosing, selecting, recruiting, and identifying talents in youth training. It also aims to build a career development path for athletics, forming the basis of a new structure for youth training in Poland. The primary goal of this study was to assess physical fitness of AFA participants over the years of its implementation (2015–2022) and to identify the leading motor ability with consideration for age, gender, and body build parameters determined with Body Mass Index and Ponderal Index.MethodsNationwide measurements of basic anthropometric parameters as well as physical fitness tests were conducted among 31,790 girls (F) and 22,260 boys (M) participating in the AFA programme. Physical fitness assessments were performed using the OSF test (3 × 10 m shuttle run, standing broad jump, 1 kg medicine ball throw, 4-minute run). Comparative analysis of OSF test results, considering gender, was conducted using the independent samples T-test. The strength and direction of correlations between variables were calculated using the rho-Spearman coefficient.ResultsOSF test results were converted into points, considering age and gender. Gender was found to be a significantly differentiating factor in physical fitness of AFA participants. Among twelve- and fifteen-year-olds, statistically significant differences were observed in all analysed variables, i.e. in each of the four tests and the overall score. It was noted that the examined girls aged 11 to 17 exhibited higher levels of strength compared to their male counterparts. Statistical analysis revealed significant correlations between OSF test results and the age and body build indicators, with the strength of the correlations being negligible in most cases.ConclusionsParticipants of the nationwide programme “Athletics for All!” demonstrate a high level of physical fitness, with endurance being a fundamental motor ability. Physical fitness levels show significant correlations with the anthropometric parameters of children and adolescents. The study results confirm the need and justification for implementing physical activity promotion programmes for the younger generation.

Effect of Stretch-shortening Exercise on skill-based physical performance among elite players: A Narrative Review

Background: The Stretch-shortening exercise (SSE), a combination of eccentric and concentric muscle actions, is integral in many sports. Its effect on skill-based physical performance among elite players is of particular interest due to the high demands of their competitive activities. Objective: To conduct a thorough literature review on the effect of SSE on elite players' skillbased physical performance. Methods: Numerous databases were thoroughly searched, including SPORTDiscus, Web of Science, PubMed, and Scopus. Studies were chosen based on predetermined inclusion and exclusion criteria. Results: Out of 50 articles identified, 25 studies met the inclusion criteria. The results indicated that SSE plyometric exercise enhanced shoulder strength, explosive power, throwing accuracy, stability, and power output in sports like rugby, archery, and medicine ball throw, with a positive correlation between arm length and Closed Kinetic Chain Upper Extremity Stability Test (CKCUEST)scores. Conclusions:Elite athletes can improve their skill-based physical performance with the help of SSE.

Magnitude and Direction of Interlimb Asymmetry and the Association of Interlimb Asymmetry with Physical Performance in Judo Athletes with Visual Impairment.

For judo athletes with visual impairments and their coaches, understanding possible muscle adaptations can be challenging. As it is commonplace for these adaptations to include interlimb asymmetry, we analyzed the magnitude and direction of interlimb asymmetry in judo athletes with visual impairments and verified the association of this asymmetry with their unilateral physical performances. Participants were 18 elite judo athletes (10 male, 8 female) with visual impairments. These athletes performed three physical tests: countermovement jump (CMJ), medicine ball throw (MBT), and handgrip strength (HGS), while we conducted unilateral right and left side assessments using the interlimb asymmetry equation for each physical test. Our main results showed that the CMJ and MBT tests presented asymmetry values above 10%; with CMJ significantly higher than HGS (p = 0.050), and with inconsistencies across the three tests in the direction of interlimb asymmetry (k = -0.22-0.26). Unilateral CMJ (left limb) was negatively correlated with asymmetry (r = -0.51; p = 0.031), and unilateral MBT (right limb) was positively correlated with asymmetry (r = 0.52; p = 0.024). Based on these results, coaches should prioritize regular assessments of interlimb asymmetry using these specific tests. This data can guide the construction of training programs aimed at minimizing asymmetry and enhancing overall physical performance. Continuous monitoring and adjustment of training strategies based on asymmetry findings are crucial for optimizing muscle balance in judo athletes with visual impairments.

Effect of the PROFIT-BR exercise program on physical fitness of children: a protocol study

BackgroundConsidering that school environments are important and have the potential to promote an active lifestyle with direct impacts on physical, motor, cognitive, affective, and psychological aspects, the objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of a physical exercise program in the school context.MethodsA parallel, two-arm experimental research project carried out over 19 weeks, with two non-consecutive weekly classes of 60 min, with the inclusion of PROFIT-BR in the initial 15 min of the class followed by 40 min based on specific physical education skills on indicators of physical fitness in children. Estimates of excess weight and visceral fat will be measured and assessed by body mass index and waist-to-height ratio, respectively, and cardiorespiratory fitness by performance in the six-minute run/walk test. Flexibility will be assessed by the sit and reach test; and muscle strength measured by the number of sit-ups in one minute. The 2 kg medicine ball throw and the horizontal jump will be used to measure upper and lower limb power, respectively, the square test used as a measure of agility, and the 20-meter run test used to measure speed. To analyze the differences between baseline and post-intervention values, repeated measures ANOVA adjusted for somatic maturation will be used. The magnitude of the effect size will be estimated by “partial eta squared”. Statistical analyses will be carried out using SPSS version 24.0 software and a 5% probability of error in the analyses will be accepted.DiscussionThe main theoretical assumption of the proposal is the cause-and-effect relationship between the regular practice of physical exercise in childhood and adolescence and several parameters of health and motor performance. The elaborated program has a lot of applicability because it was wondering from the perspective of the school, in terms of materials, space, and objectives of physical education.

Anthropometrical and Physical Performance Profiles of Military Cadets from Angola

Military efforts must include different evaluations to prepare for battles around the world. This study aimed to characterize the body composition and physical performance levels of military cadets from Angola. Ninety military academy participants (males: n=48, females: n=42) aged 18-24 years old performed a battery of physical fitness tests to evaluate upper and lower limbs muscle strength, cardiorespiratory fitness, and body composition. Significant differences between sexes were observed in all variables (p&lt;0.05). Males and females, respectively, showed normal-range values in the body mass index (BMI) (23.32±3.95; 24.75±4.01 Kg/m2), body fat (9.09±6.17; 14.59±8.86 kg), push-ups (36.88±9.81; 20.67±6.62 repetitions), sit-ups (71.04±17.14; 61.95±19.05 repetitions) and medicine ball throwing (5.06±0.89; 4.00±0.84 m). However, countermovement jump (36.14±6.54; 23.53±7.62 cm), 80-meter sprint (13.08±1.90; 14.96±2.01 s), cardiorespiratory fitness (maximal oxygen uptake: 38.02±6.3; 33.18±6.49 ml/kg/min), and fat-free mass values (54.17 ± 8.06; 46.18 ± 6.9 kg) were considered low, specifically in females. Military cadets from Angola, especially females, presented low values of fat-free mass, cardiorespiratory fitness, and neuromuscular maximal performances (countermovement jump and sprint). This highlights a need for body composition and physical condition improvement to perform physical tasks with high military relevance.

Sex differences in the adaptations in maximal strength and anaerobic power to upper body plyometric training

This study aimed to compare the effects of a 6-week upper body plyometric training (UBPT) on maximal strength and anaerobic power performance of male and female subjects. Forty collegiate physically active male and female subjects participated in the study and were assigned to either UBPT group (M-UBPT, n = 10, F-UBPT, n = 10) or control group (M-CON, n = 10; F-CON, n = 10). The training groups performed 6 weeks of progressive overload UBPT three times per week using six exercises and were evaluated for upper-body anaerobic power and maximal strength, 3-kg medicine ball throw (MBT), push-up endurance, and reaction time at pre- and post-intervention. After the training intervention, the M-CON and F-CON groups did not show significant (p > 0.05) changes in the variables, while both the M-UBPT and F-UBPT groups demonstrated significant (p = 0.001) medium to very large improvements in their performance as follows: maximal strength (effect size [ES] = 0.55, 0.92), MBT (ES = 1.96, 0.89) peak power output (ES = 2.31, 1.52), mean power output (ES = 2.19, 1.11), push-up endurance (ES = 1.26, 0.70), and reaction time (ES = − 2.16, − 1.56), respectively. Nevertheless, the male group experienced more significant improvements in the MBT (p = 0.001), peak (p = 0.001) and mean power output (p = 0.01), as well as reaction time (p = 0.01) compared to the female group when utilizing UBPT. In conclusion, it is imperative to take sex into account as a crucial factor when incorporating UBPT, particularly if the objective is to enhance anaerobic power output, muscular power, and reaction time.

Quantifying the Training Loads and Corresponding Changes in Physical Qualities among Adolescent, Schoolboy Rugby League Players.

The adolescent development period is critical for rugby league athletes, given the physical growth, neuromuscular adaptation, and skill acquisition that occurs. Secondary schools play an important role in the development of adolescent rugby league players; however, players may be selected into rugby league academies and development programs outside of school, as well as participating in additional sports. In turn, the training loads these young athletes accrue and the implications of these loads are currently unknown. Our aim was to quantify the training loads and concomitant changes in physical qualities of schoolboy and adolescent rugby league players during mesocycles within the pre-season and in-season phases. This is a prospective experimental study. Twenty-one schoolboy rugby league players (16.2 ± 1.3 years) were monitored across separate 4-week mesocycles in the pre-season and in-season. Session frequency, duration, and the session rating of perceived exertion (sRPE) load were reported for all examples of training and match participation in the school rugby league program, as well as club and representative teams for any sport and personal strength and conditioning. Various physical qualities were assessed before and after each 4-week mesocycle. The sRPE load that accumulated across the 4-week mesocycles was higher in the pre-season than the in-season (8260 ± 2021 arbitrary units [AU] vs. 6148 ± 980 AU, p < 0.001), with non-significant differences in accumulated session frequency and duration between phases. Session frequency, duration, and sRPE load differed (p < 0.05) between some weeks in an inconsistent manner during the pre-season and in-season mesocycles. Regarding physical qualities, improvements (p < 0.05) in the 10 m sprint test, Multistage Fitness Test, medicine ball throw, and 1-repetition maximum back squat and bench press performances were evident across the pre-season mesocycle, with declines (p < 0.05) in the 505-Agility Test, L-run Test, and 1-repetition maximum back squat performances across the in-season mesocycle. Conclusions: These novel training load data show schoolboy rugby league players experience considerable demands that may be suitable in developing several physical qualities during the pre-season but detrimental to maintaining such qualities across the in-season.

Upper limb functional testing: does age, gender, and sport influence performance?

BackgroundMusculoskeletal adaptations in overhead athletes are common in overhead athletes. As they also are involved in injury prevention, there as been an increase in their evaluation through shoulder screening over the last years. However, for some evaluations, and especially for functional testing, there is a lack of normative values, which limits the interpretation of the values measured. Moreover, the influence of age, gender, and sport on upper-limb functional tests remains underexplored. Methods587 athletes (handball players, rugby players, swimmers, tennis players, and volleyball players) performed a battery of upper-limb functional tests between 2018 and 2023, including the Modified Athletic Shoulder Test (M-AST), the Single Arm Medicine Ball Throw (SAMBT), the Seated Single Arm Shot Put Test (SSASPT), the Upper Limb Rotation Test (ULRT), the Upper Quarter Y Balance Test (UQYBT), the Modified Closed Kinetic Chain Upper Extremity Stability Test (MCKCUEST), and the Posterior Shoulder Endurance Test (PSET). In total, normative values as well as the influence of age, gender and sport on upper limb functional performance were obtained for 496 of them. ResultsThe M-AST revealed sport-specific adaptations, with dominant arms significantly outperforming non-dominant arms, notably in handball, rugby, and tennis. The SAMBT and SSASPT highlighted the influence of age and gender on upper limb power, with males consistently outperforming females. The ULRT demonstrated similar rotation in both arms across sports, while gender disparities were still observed. The UQYBT exhibited surprising consistency in upper-quarter balance across sports and age groups (p>0.05). The MCKCUEST showed age-related improvements in stability, while the PSET demonstrated age-related differences in posterior shoulder endurance in swimmers. ConclusionThis study contributes to advances in sports medicine by better understanding functional shoulder performances in upper limb athletes. The differences observed according to the sport, gender or age underscore the importance of sport-specific assessments and interventions. Moreover, the normative values provided will be essential for primary prevention as well as for determining return to play capacity after an injury or surgery.

Contribution Of Arm Muscle Power And Confidence Towards Smash Results Of PB Players Reality

Objective from study this is for know contribution muscle power arms and believe self to results badminton smash PB player Reality. As for types study This is correlation double. Population and sample in study This is PB player. The reality is that there are 15 people with technique taking sample that is total sampling so that samples in research This totaling 15 people. Instrument research used​ is test medicine ball throw, charging questionnaire believe yourself and test smash badminton. Data analysis techniques used is count mark correlation double . Based on results study can concluded that (1) There is contribution power muscle arm to results smash badminton PB player. Reality is 49.56%, (2) Exists contribution believe self to results smash badminton PB player. Reality is 42.12%, (3) Exists contribution power muscle arms and believe self to results smash badminton PB player The reality is 58.37%.

Changes in physical fitness and body build of women and men surveyed in 2004 and 2022-A longitudinal study.

Physical fitness plays a crucial role in determining human health and overall well-being. The objective of the study was to assess the changes in body structure and physical fitness among individuals examined in 2004 and 2022 (persons aged 32-34 and 50-52). The research material consists of data from the Krakow Continuous Study (KCS) of somatic development and physical fitness of people born in 1970 and 1972, conducted in Krakow in the years 1976-2022. In total, in 2004, 103 women and 122 men took part in the study, and in 2022-47 women and 67 men. Of these participants, 37 women and 53 men were present for both measurements. The following measurements were performed-physical fitness tests: handgrip strength of left and right hand, standing broad jump, sit-and-reach test and overhead medicine ball throw (2 kg); anthropometric measurements: body height, body weight and tissue composition, circumferences of the chest (relaxed and in deep inspiration), waist, hips, thigh, mid-upper-arm (MUAC, relaxed and in deep inspiration), forearm and calf, thickness of biceps, triceps, subscapular, abdominal, suprailiac and calf skinfolds; width of shoulders and hips, depth and width of the chest. A comparative analysis of the two series showed that all fitness test scores deteriorated. The percentage decrease was greater in women than in men in the tests of right and left handgrip strength and overhead medicine ball throw than in men, in the standing broad jump test similar in both sexes, in the sit-and-reach test-lower in women than in men. The greatest decreases were observed in the standing broad jump (by 14%) and the 2 kg medicine ball throw (15-12%), both in women and men. In contrast, the level of development of most of the somatic characteristics studied in 2022 was higher compared to the previous study, and, apart from body height, elbow and knee width and calf skinfold in both sexes, the differences in arithmetic means between the 2004 and 2022 series were statistically significant. Furthermore, the absence of involutionary changes in body height can be highlighted. In conclusion, the decrease in physical fitness occurring in adulthood and the increase in most somatic characteristics between 32 and 34 year-olds and 50 and 52 year-olds were confirmed.

Contribution of Ladder Drill and Dryland Circuit Training to 50-meter Freestyle Swimming Speed in 13-to-14 Male Swimmers Aquatic Swimming Club

The objective of this study was to assess the impact of ladder drill and dryland circuit exercises on the pace of 50-meter freestyle swimming in male swimmers aged 13-14 years at the Aquatic Swimming Club in Medan. The researchers employed an experimental approach utilising a pre-experimental design consisting of a single group with pretest and posttest measurements. The sample comprised 8 adolescent male swimmers, aged 13-14 years, who were actively involved in the club. They were recruited via purposive sampling. The study was carried out for a duration of 6 weeks, consisting of 18 training sessions, conducted 3 times a week. Measurements were obtained using 40-meter sprint tests, medicine ball throw tests, and 50-meter freestyle swimming speed tests conducted both before and after the training treatments. The data underwent analysis through normality tests, homogeneity tests, correlation tests, and regression tests. The findings demonstrated that ladder drill training made a noteworthy contribution of 59.29% to enhancing 50-meter freestyle swimming speed. Similarly, dryland circuit training had a substantial impact, accounting for 77.44% of the improvement. Furthermore, when both training methods were combined, they together contributed 62% to the enhancement of swimming speed. The study found that both ladder drill and dryland circuit training have a substantial impact on improving the 50-meter freestyle swimming speed of male swimmers aged 13-14 at the Aquatic Swimming Club in Medan. Additionally, the dryland circuit training was found to have a greater effect than the ladder drill.

Kinematic and Kinetic Differences Between Ball Rotational Exercises and the Throwing Motion in Collegiate Baseball Athletes.

Mylott, JA, Potts, EM, Wolf, JH, Bullock, GS, and Nicholson, KF. Kinematic and kinetic differences between ball rotational exercises and the throwing motion in collegiate baseball athletes. J Strength Cond Res XX(X): 000-000, 2024-The purpose of this study was to observe the associations that medicine ball pushes and chops have on the lower extremities regarding ground reaction forces (GRF) and lead knee flexion angles and to compare these values with a regular baseball overhead throw. Lower extremity kinetics and kinematics were obtained via force plates and marker motion capture. Subjects (n = 35) included baseball players (age 19.7 ± 1.5 years). Five medicine ball movements of each type along with at least 3 pitches or 5 throws off the mound were recorded for data collection. Statistical parametric mapping, including analysis of variance and 2-way t-tests, was used to compare the variables of interest between the movements for continuous time data. All kinematic and kinetic variables were significantly different (p < 0.05) for some time during the motion between the different trial types of medicine ball exercises and throws. A medicine ball chop can increase peak drive leg GRF, whereas a push can help an athlete keep greater driver leg GRF and maintain ground connection into foot plant. A push helps train lead leg deficiencies in the delivery. Both the medicine ball chop and push have benefits for training lead leg stabilization and extension.

Functional Performance Testing to Evaluate Stretching Programs for Sprinters and Jumpers

Flexibility is a crucial element for success in various sports, notably in athletics, especially for runners and jumpers. Inadequate flexibility heightens the risk of strains, sprains, and other musculoskeletal issues. This article forms part of a project aimed at devising warm-up and cool-down stretching routines. The study population is adolescent athletes. The following assessment methods are used: Trunk Power Test (Backward Overhead Medicine Ball Throw); Lower Extremity Power Tests (Vertical Jump; Standing Long Jump); Upper Extremity Power Test (Seated Shot-Put Medicine Ball Throw); Sprint Test (30 Meter Flying Start). Conclusion. The warm-up program is designed to facilitate dynamic muscle engagement and prepare the body for activity. Meanwhile, the relaxation program focuses on enhancing muscle and tendon flexibility; thereby decreasing the risk of overuse injuries and improving overall lower extremity resilience. Determining the influence of various stretching programs on speed-power metrics will aid in adjusting training protocols and enhancing competitive performances.

The effects of plyometric training on physical fitness and skill-related performance in female basketball players: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

This study aims to analyze the effects of plyometric training (PT) on physical fitness and skill-related performance in female basketball players. Five databases, including Web of Science, Scopus, PubMed, EBSCOhost, and Google Scholar, were used to select articles published up to 20 December 2023, using a combination of keywords related to PT and female basketball players. The risk of bias and the certainty of evidence in included articles were assessed using the Cochrane risk of bias (RoB2) tool and "The Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation" (GRADE). Ten studies were included for the systematic review, and eight for the meta-analysis, totalling 246 female basketball players aged 14.5-22.5years. Most of these players were highly trained. Most of the included studies exhibited concerns regarding the risk of bias. The PT programs lasted 4-8weeks, conducted 2-3 sessions per week, with sessions lasting 20-90min and including 29-190 jumps. In the systematic review, most studies showed that PT significantly improved performance in countermovement jump (CMJ), squat jump (SJ), Sargent jump, standing long jump, lateral hop, medicine ball throw, t-Test, Illinois agility, lane agility drill, linear 20-m sprint, stable and dynamic leg balance, dribbling, passing, shooting, and various basketball-specific tests, as well as increased muscle volume and thigh cross-sectional area. However, some studies showed PT to induce no significant changes in performance during CMJ, t-Test, Illinois agility, knee extensor/flexor strength, linear sprint, and single leg balance tests. In the meta-analysis, CMJ height (ES = 0.37; p = 0.036), vertical jump (VJ) peak power (ES = 0.57; p = 0.015), VJ peak velocity (ES = 0.26; p = 0.004), and t-Test performance time (ES = 0.32; p = 0.004) were significantly improved with small effects following PT. The effect of PT on performance in female basketball players was mixed. Most studies indicated that PT could improve various measures of physical fitness and skill-related performance, but performance remained unchanged in some tests. More studies with established tests are needed to investigate the effect of PT on female basketball players in the future. https://inplasy.com/, Identifier INPLASY2023120078.

Effectiveness of ballistic exercises for increasing upper body explosive power in physical education lessons for university students

Background and Study Aim. Explosive power is an important element of fitness levels, with fast muscle contractions being required in most physical activities. Study implements and verifies the effects of ballistic exercises with medicine balls of various weights on upper body explosive strength for non-sporting university students. Material and Methods. The study involved 184 male and 143 female undergraduate students, all 21 years old. These students had no medical contraindications to participating in the activities required by the physical education program. The development of upper body explosive strength was conducted using ballistic exercises, specifically various types of medicine ball throws, over one academic year. The evaluation comprised six tests: Overhand Ball Throw, Overhead Medicine Ball Throw-forward, Overhead Medicine Ball Throw-backward, Medicine Ball Chest Throw, Shot Put - Track and Field, and 30 s Plyometric Push-Ups. These tests were scheduled at three different times during the academic year: October, December, and May. Results. The results of the Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) with repeated measurements indicate F values associated with statistically significant thresholds (p &lt; 0.05). In contrast, partial eta squared (η²p) values demonstrate a stronger effect of ballistic exercise application for the male group. Significant improvements in results were observed for both genders from one test to another. The differences were notably larger between the test conducted before the winter holiday (December) and the test at the end of the second semester (May) compared to those between the test at the beginning of the academic year (October) and the one before the winter holiday (December). This pattern indicates a clear improvement in muscle strength in the second semester (January-May). The only test where high percentages of men, and especially women, encountered problems was the 30-second Plyometric Push-Ups. In the final tests, 10% of males and 40% of females scored zero. Conclusions. Ballistic exercises based on various medicine ball throws prove to be an attractive and effective solution to improve upper body muscle strength for non-sporting university students. The application of these exercises can significantly enhance physical education programs by providing clear benefits in terms of strength development. This is particularly evident in environments aimed at general student populations rather than athletes. Furthermore, while the exercises are broadly beneficial, they may require modifications to address the challenges some students face.

Mediating role of physical activity levels on physical fitness in overweight and obese children when Body Mass Index is not a determining factor

Background and Study Aim. Physical fitness is a crucial health indicator in children and adolescents. Despite the global rise in overweight and obesity, the impact of Body Mass Index (BMI) on physical fitness remains unclear. This cross-sectional study aims to investigate: (R1) the differences in physical fitness components and physical activity levels among children according to gender and BMI, and (R2) the mediating role of physical activity in the relationship between BMI and physical fitness components. Material and Methods. The sample was made of 180 students aged 11-14 years (n=90 – male; n=90 - female) divided according to BMI cutoff in normal weight, overweight and obese. Physical fitness components were assessed with several tests: Standing Long Jump (SLJ), Medicine Ball Throw 2Kg (MBT), Shuttle Run 10x5m (10x5), and One Mile Walk Test. Physical activity levels were evaluated with a self-reported questionnaire. A two-way factorial MANOVA was conducted to assess the effects of gender and BMI on physical fitness. Additionally, a mediation analysis was performed to explore the effect of physical activity on the relationship between BMI and physical fitness. Results. Results revealed significant differences in the Standing Long Jump (SLJ), 10x5 Shuttle Run, One Mile Walk Test, and physical activity levels, with moderate to large effect sizes observed. Males demonstrated higher levels of physical fitness and physical activity levels (PAL) compared to females. Individuals of normal weight were generally more active and stronger than their overweight and obese peers. Mediation analysis revealed that physical activity completely mediates the relationship between BMI and physical fitness components. Conclusions. Results from the present study suggest that the development of physical fitness is not solely determined by BMI, but also depends on the daily practice of physical activity. Future research is needed to assess the effect of physical activity in mediating and moderating the relationship between obesity and physical fitness.

Effects of 34 Weeks of Military Service on Body Composition and Physical Fitness in Military Cadets of Angola.

Military personnel need physical fitness to effectively carry out operational military activities within their specific field of operation. This research investigates the effects of a 34-week training program on Angolan cadets' body composition, muscle strength, and cardiorespiratory fitness. Seventy-four volunteer recruits, aged 18 to 26 years, were monitored during their eight-month military service, following an exercise program protocol comprising 12 weeks of strength training followed by 24 weeks of endurance training. Anthropometric variables, including body mass, body mass index, and fat mass, were assessed, along with cardiorespiratory fitness (VO2max), sprint performance, countermovement jump (CMJ), medicine ball throw, push-ups, and curl-ups. The physical training protocol encompassed running sessions, strength exercises, agility drills, and flexibility exercises. The initial assessment revealed gender differences in various parameters such as body mass, body fat percentage, VO2max, sprinting, countermovement jump (CMJ), medicine ball throw, and push-ups. Following the training program, changes were observed in all variables (effect size between 0.48 and 2.33, p < 0.01) for the participants. Significant interactions (sex × time) were found in body mass (F = 5.18, p = 0.03, ηp2 = 0.06), body fat percentage (F = 5.31, p < 0.01, ηp2 = 0.14), and medicine ball throw (F = 10.84, p < 0.01, ηp2 = 0.13). Specifically, males exhibited a greater reduction in body mass (females: 2.70%, males: 3.47%, p < 0.05) and a substantial improvement in ball throwing performance (females: 7.74%, males: 11.47%, p < 0.01), while females experienced a greater reduction in fat mass (females: 5.34%, males: 3.15%, p < 0.01). The physical training regimen effectively influenced body composition, particularly in enhancing strength performance among males. The integration of exercise programs with military service led to a notable reduction in fat tissue and an increase in lean tissue. Hence, the development of tailored training protocols is imperative to enhance the physical capacity and overall health of military recruits, considering sex-specific characteristics and physical attributes.