Physical Performance Parameters Research Articles

The effect of time of day and menstrual cycle on physical performance and psychological responses in elite female Tunisian volleyball players

BackgroundThe influence of circadian rhythms and menstrual cycle phases on athletic performance and psychological responses is critical for optimizing training and competition strategies for female athletes. This study aimed to investigate the effects of time of day and menstrual cycle phases on the physical performance and psychological responses of elite female Tunisian volleyball players.MethodsThirteen elite female volleyball players were assessed during three different phases of their menstrual cycle (menstrual, follicular, and luteal) and at two different times of day (morning and evening). Physical performance was evaluated using the Modified Agility Test (MAT), Reactive Agility Test (RAT), and Repeated Sprint Ability (RSA) Test. Psychological responses were measured using the Profile of Mood States (POMS), Hooper’s Questionnaire, Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index, Epworth Sleepiness Scale, Vis-Morgen Questionnaire, and Spiegel Questionnaire.ResultsSignificant effects of menstrual cycle, time of day, and competition on physical performance, cognitive function, mood, and sleep parameters were found. Physical performance, including the Countermovement Jump (CMJ), the Modified Agility T-test (MAT) and the Reactive Agility test (RAT), was higher in the afternoon than in the morning across all menstrual phases (CMJ: p < 0.001, η² = 0.836; MAT: p < 0.001, η² = 0.777; RAT: p < 0.001, η² = 0.859). After the competition, performance decreased significantly, especially in the follicular and luteal phases. As measured by the Stroop test, cognitive function showed significant diurnal effects (p < 0.001, η² = 0.910), with pre-competition performance being better in the afternoon. Mood disturbances (POMS) increased after the competition, especially in the morning and during the luteal phase (p < 0.001, η² = 0.961). Sleep parameters were significantly influenced by time and menstrual cycle, with higher fatigue (Hooper score: p < 0.001, η² = 0.754) and poorer sleep quality (PSQI: p < 0.001, η² = 0.627) in the morning, especially after the competition.ConclusionOur results suggest that aligning high-intensity training and competitions with afternoon circadian peaks may enhance physical and cognitive performance in elite female athletes. Recovery strategies and workload adjustments should account for menstrual phases, particularly reducing morning demands during the luteal phase to mitigate fatigue and mood disruptions. Integrating circadian timing with menstrual cycle monitoring offers a practical, evidence-based approach to optimize athlete readiness and resilience.

Influence of two strength training modalities (hypertrophy vs. contrast training) on muscular strength, bone health parameters and quality of life in a group of older adults with low skeletal muscle mass index.

Influence of two strength training modalities (hypertrophy vs. contrast training) on muscular strength, bone health parameters and quality of life in a group of older adults with low skeletal muscle mass index.

Decreased muscle strength and thigh muscle area assessed with CT imaging in older Chinese adults with long duration of type 2 diabetes.

Decreased muscle strength and thigh muscle area assessed with CT imaging in older Chinese adults with long duration of type 2 diabetes.

Physical Performance Parameters of Korfball and Volleyball Athletes: A Cross-Sectional Study in Türkiye

Objective: This study aimed to compare the physical performance parameters of korfball and volleyball athletes in a university. Materials and Methods: A total of 26 korfball (n:9) and volleyball (n:17) athletes voluntarily participated in this study. Body composition, aerobic and anaerobic capacity, muscle strength and endurance, static and dynamic balance, flexibility and hand grip strength were measured. Results: The average age of the athletes participating in this study was 22.2±2.2, 21.4±5.26 years (korfball, volleyball, respectively). There was no significant difference between the demographic features and body composition parameters of korfball and volleyball athletes (p&gt;0.05). Skinfold thickness in four regions of volleyball athletes was significantly lower than korfball athletes (p

Effects of External and Internal Focus of Attention Exercises in Chronic Low Back Pain: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Effects of External and Internal Focus of Attention Exercises in Chronic Low Back Pain: A Randomized Controlled Trial.

High-intensity functional training modulates oxidative stress and improves physical performance in adolescent male soccer players: a randomized controlled trial

While regular exercise training is known to decrease oxidative stress (OS) and enhance antioxidant functions in adults, limited data exist on OS responses in the pediatric population. This study aimed to investigate the effects of high-intensity functional training (HIFT) on oxidative stress and physical performance in adolescent soccer players. In this randomized controlled trial, 20 well-trained adolescent soccer players were divided into HIFT (n = 10) and moderate-intensity soccer technical training (MITT, n = 10) groups. Both groups trained for 8 weeks (3 days/week). Oxidative stress biomarkers (MDA, 8-OHDG, H2O2, GPx, CAT) and physical performance (VO2peak, vertical jump height [VJH], maximal explosive power [MEP]) were assessed pre- and post-intervention. Repeated measure mixed ANOVA (2 × 2) with a significance level of P < 0.05 was used to determine differences between and within subjects. The main effect of interaction was significant for VO2peak, VJH and MEP (P < 0.05). The main effect of interaction was not significant for CAT, 8-OHDG, GPx, H2O2 and MDA (P > 0.05). Following intervention, VO2peak and VJH performance in the HIFT were significantly higher than MITT (P < 0.05). MDA and H2O2 in the HIFT decreased significantly (P < 0.05), but no significant changes were observed in the MITT (P > 0.05). CAT activity decreased significantly (P < 0.05), while GPx activity increased significantly (P < 0.05) in both groups. 8-OHDG did not show significant changes in both groups (P > 0.05). Eight weeks of HIFT did not cause greater OS compared to MITT, while could improve physical performance parameters. These findings suggest that HIFT is a viable and time-efficient training strategy for enhancing athletic performance in youth sports. Trial registration: The present study was a randomized controlled trial (registration number: IRCT20190530043762N1, 25/09/2019, Iran).

Acute and time-course changes in hemodynamic and physical performance parameters following single and multiple resistance training sets in cognitively impaired individuals: A randomized crossover study.

Acute and time-course changes in hemodynamic and physical performance parameters following single and multiple resistance training sets in cognitively impaired individuals: A randomized crossover study.

Association between ACTN3 (R577X), BDKRB2 (−9/+9) and AGT (M235T) polymorphisms and physical performance in Brazilian junior handball players

Team handball performance relies on physical and technical abilities, influenced by environmental and genetic factors. Variants in ACTN3 R577X (rs1815739), BDKRB2 −9/+9 (rs5810761), and AGT Met235Thr (rs699) genes are associated with athletic performance, but their relevance in handball remains unclear. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the association of these polymorphisms with physical performance in Brazilian junior handball players. The study included 91 junior male handball players (16.4 ± 0.7 years) and 74 age-matched non-athletes. Genotypes for ACTN3 (R577X), BDKRB2 (−9/+9), and AGT (M235T) were identified using PCR-based techniques. Physical tests assessed upper limb strength (medicine ball throw) and lower limb strength (standing long jump). Genotypic and allelic frequencies were compared using Chi-square tests, while performance data were analyzed using ANOVA and t-tests (p ≤ 0.05). No significant differences were found in genotypic or allelic frequencies between athletes and controls for ACTN3 (R577X), BDKRB2 (−9/+9), and AGT (M235T) polymorphisms. Among athletes, ACTN3 RR carriers displayed significantly better upper limb strength (p = 0.049, d = 0.48). However, no genotype significantly influenced lower limb strength or anthropometric traits. Additionally, the study found no significant associations between BDKRB2 and AGT polymorphisms and physical performance parameters. This study demonstrates that specific genetic variants of the ACTN3 (R577X) gene may influence individual traits, such as upper-body strength, in Brazilian junior handball players. However, we found limited influence of BDKRB2 (−9/+9), and AGT (M235T) polymorphisms on overall performance. This lack of association may be attributed to the small sample size and the genetic heterogeneity of the studied population, encouraging further research with larger cohorts.

A Dietary Supplement Containing Essential Amino Acids in Combination with Resistance Training Improves Body Composition and Physical Performance Parameters in Generally Healthy Adults: A Pragmatic Single Arm Study

A Dietary Supplement Containing Essential Amino Acids in Combination with Resistance Training Improves Body Composition and Physical Performance Parameters in Generally Healthy Adults: A Pragmatic Single Arm Study

Improved Effect of Spinach Extract on Physical Performance: A Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials.

Nitric oxide is a key regulator of many systems in the human body and has become a popular supplement for sports, given its potential to increase health and physical performance. Spinach extract contains a rich amount of nitrates, and we aim to examine the effects of its supplementation on physical performance, body composition, and safety profile.A systematic review following the guidelines from the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) was performed in PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) reporting on physical performance parameters after spinach extract supplementation. Study variables extracted included author, publication date, study year, number of patients, male/female ratio, mean age, mean follow-up, dose regimen, pre- and post-intervention patient-reported outcomes, and complications.Four RCTs (three red spinach, one green spinach), with 94 patients (45.7% male, 54.3% female), mean age of 29.4 years (20.5 to 58.9) and mean follow-up time of 43.8 days (7 to 84). Dosages ranged from 1 to 2 g. Spinach extract demonstrated significant improvements in most physical performance parameters, mixed results on body composition, and no complications were reported. Spinach extract demonstrates promising improvements in physical performance and safety profile as an ergogenic aid. However, more research is required to determine optimal dosing regimens and their effects in different patient populations.

ActiLup: is it feasible? High-intensity interval training in systemic lupus erythematosus patients with fatigue: protocol for a prospective, monocentric proof-of-concept study

The symptoms of active systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) potentially lead to inactivity, muscle loss and social isolation. In addition to medical treatment, the current EULAR recommendations describe the relevance of...

A COMPARISON OF PERFORMANCE PARAMETERS VARYING BY PLAYING POSITIONS OF U-18 FOOTBALL PLAYERS

The aim of this study is to determine the performances of U-18 football players in the Super Amateur League and compare some of their physical and physiological performances based on their positions. League and compare some selected physical and physiological performance parameters according to the positions they played. A total of 54 male soccer players with an age of 16.83±1.68 years and 7.14±3.16 years of sports experience participated in the study voluntarily. Performance criteria for the football players included Yo-Yo IR1 distance, VO2max, and vVO2max, as well as 10m, 30m, Illinois Agility Test, COD, CMJ, and RAST tests. A one-way ANOVA test was employed to compare the performances of football players according to their playing positions. Significant differences were found in favor of forwards in CMJ, average, and peak anaerobic power results (p0.05). It was observed that peak and average anaerobic power and vertical jump results were significantly better in forwards compared to players in other positions. Strikers demonstrated superior peak and average anaerobic power as well as vertical jump performance compared to players in other positions.

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

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

A Novel Method to Measure Dual-Task Capacity in Young Football Players: A Preliminary Study.

When deciding to return to sport, in the literature, evaluations based on physical abilities have usually been used. However, in the current literature, we have been urged to use more than physical performance evaluations. Classical dual-task testing methods do not simulate in-game loads and cannot sufficiently measure football players' dual-task capacity. To create a dual-task test that would simulate football players' in-game situations and measure their capacity. Cross-sectional study. Football pitch. Twenty-two football players (age = 17.37 ± 0.52 years) who played in a professional club (U19, elite league) were recruited for our study. A novel dual-task test with questions containing scenarios from a football game to cognitively load players while they are performing a modified t test. After the warmup period, participants attended 4 tests in random order: juggling (foot), speed dribbling, long passing, and novel dual-task tests. No significant relationship was found between physical performance parameters and dual-task parameters (all P > .05). A significant increase was found in the completion time of the modified t test when performed under the dual-task condition (Z = -7.568, P < .001). The increase in completion time was 2.14 ± 1.29 seconds. This duration difference was calculated as 22.79% ± 14.58%, as dual-task cost. Our test provides a new method to measure athletes' dual-task capacity, which is not related to physical performance and cannot be measured with current tests. This test also showed players with lower dual-task ability could not keep up their performance under dual-task conditions, such as passing a ball to a teammate when being pressed by an opponent. Players with good dual-task ability could maintain their performance (were affected only up to 10%); players with poor dual-task ability could not maintain their performance and were affected by up to 50% (with a mean of 22.79%).

The effects of whole-body vibration exercises with and without conventional physical therapy modalities in patients with knee osteoarthritis: A prospective, randomized-controlled study.

This study aims to examine the effects of whole-body vibration (WBV) therapy + home-based exercise (HBE) therapy; physical therapy modalities (PTMs)+HBE; and WBV+PTM+HBE on pain severity, physical performance, and functional status in patients with knee osteoarthritis (OA). This single-center, single-blind, three-armed, prospective, randomized-controlled study included a total of 65 patients (3 males, 62 females; mean age: 56.0±6.3 years; range, 45 to 70 years) who were diagnosed with knee OA between February 2014 and July 2014. The participants were randomly divided into three groups. Group 1 (n=22) received WBV+HBE, Group 2 (n=22) received WBV+PTM+HBE, and Group 3 (n=21) received PTM+HBE alone. The primary outcome measure was functional physical performance, while the secondary outcome measures were pain intensity and functional status. All the measurements were evaluated by a single blinded investigator before and after treatment. All the functional physical performance tests (p<0.01), pain intensity (p<0.01), and functional status (p<0.01) showed statistically significant effects in terms of time and group × time interaction, but no significant difference was observed among the groups (p>0.05). We observed statistically and clinically significant improvement in all of the functional physical performance tests, pain, and functional status for Group 2. There was a statistically and clinically significant improvement only in the functional physical performance tests for Group 1. In Group 3, no clinical or statistical significance was achieved in any outcome measurements. Treatment program consisting of WBV+PTM+HBE can yield clinically and statistically favorable results by improving all of the pain, functional status and physical performance parameters of the patients with knee OA, while WBV+HBE can be clinically and statistically effective only in the physical performance parameters of the patients.

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

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

Percentile Values of Specific Physical Performances in Tunisian Basketball Players Aged 9 to 21: Considering Maturity Status

Background: Success in basketball is influenced by various factors, including biological maturation. Peak height velocity (PHV) is a key indicator of maturation, playing an important role in assessing the performance of basketball players. This study aimed to analyze the effects of maturational status, chronological age, and gender on anthropometric characteristics and physical performance parameters in Tunisian basketball players and to establish local percentile reference values for physical performance. Methods: A total of 470 basketball players (240 males and 230 females) were categorized into three maturity status groups: pre-PHV (n = 111), circa-PHV (n = 170), and post-PHV (n = 189). Anthropometric and physical fitness parameters were assessed to provide percentile reference values. Results: Our findings revealed significantly higher anthropometric and physical performance values in the post-PHV athletes compared to those in the pre- and circa-PHV groups. Additionally, male athletes outperformed females in most measured variables. Basketball-specific skills appeared to be more dependent on chronological age than on pubertal status. Conclusions: Percentile values were established for both boys and girls, offering valuable references for trainers to quantify and individualize training programs. These findings may assist practitioners in identifying potentially talented basketball players based on their maturation status.

Comparison of rectus femoris muscle shear wave elastography and thickness on evaluation of frailty.

Comparison of rectus femoris muscle shear wave elastography and thickness on evaluation of frailty.

Effect of a Sensorimotor Training Program for Aerial Maneuvers in Junior Surfers

The purpose of this study was to examine the impact of a sensorimotor training program on maximum ankle dorsiflexion (ankle DF), coordination, dynamic balance and postural control, and lower-limb muscle power, in competitive junior surfers, and its relation to parameters of sensorimotor control required to perform aerial maneuvers. Twelve junior competitive surfers followed a 7-week sensorimotor training program, being assessed pre- and post-program with the knee-to-wall test (KW), Y-Balance test—lower quarter (YBT-LQ), and the countermovement jump test (CMJ). Post-training assessment revealed positive effects on the KW (ankle DF) distance, which increased approximately 2 cm (p &lt; 0.001) for both ankles, and all scores for the YTB-LQ (coordination, dynamic balance, and postural control) variables increased, being significant (p &lt; 0.005) for some reach distances (YBT-LQ—Anterior Left, YBT-LQ—Postero-medial Left, and YTB-LQ Anterior Right). YBT-LQ Anterior Reach Asymmetry also improved by decreasing 1.62 cm (p &lt; 0.001) and the CMJ height (lower limb muscle power) increased 2.89 cm (p &lt; 0.001). The training program proved to effectively enhance parameters of physical performance for this sample, including ankle DF, coordination, dynamic balance, postural control, and lower limb muscle power. This tailored-made task approach can help to optimize surfing performance capabilities and contribute to reducing the risk of injuries while performing aerials.

The impact of the new coronavirus infection on the endocrine system and physical performance of athletes

Objective: To study the effect of the new coronavirus infection (COVID‑19) on the endocrine system and physical performance parameters of athletes.Materials and methods: The results of an in‑depth medical examination (IME) of 7,509 elite athletes, members of the Moscow national teams, were analyzed for the period 2020 and 2021. The analysis took into account data on sports and infectious anamnesis, results of clinical and laboratory examination of athletes, and spiroergometry data.Results: Among the 7.509 examined athletes, 2.937 (39 %) had a coronavirus infection 3–12 months before the examination, 4.572 people (61 %) did not have a history of COVID. No significant difference was found in the number of athletes who had recovered depending on the sport group, according to the Peliccia classification. A significantly higher prevalence of endocrine diseases and deviations in hormonal parameters was revealed in the group of athletes who had recovered from COVID‑19 (890 people — 30%), in contrast to 15 % (710 people) of uninfected athletes. Statistical analysis among athletes who had recovered from COVID‑19, divided into a group with hypothyroidism and a group without hypothyroidism, showed a significant difference in the results of spiroergometry. Athletes with hypothyroidism showed significantly higher heart rates at rest, at peak exercise, and at the fifth minute of recovery, as well as lower peak oxygen consumption and a decrease in heart rate at the anaerobic threshold.Conclusion: The results of the study showed a significantly higher prevalence of endocrine diseases in the group of athletes who had recovered from COVID‑19, in contrast to uninfected athletes. Athletes with hypothyroidism who have had COVID‑19, according to spiroergometry data, demonstrated a slowdown in recovery processes and a decrease in physical performance, a decrease in aerobic and anaerobic reserves, which indicates a more significant negative impact of coronavirus infection on the physical performance of athletes with hypothyroidism and requires closer attention to this group of athletes to restore their health and competitive potential.