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Sports, Volume 13, Issue 9

2025 September - 50 articles

Cover Story: Physical activity modulates the skin microbiome of contact sports athletes due to the intense environmental and interpersonal exposures. As a result, their skin homeostasis, immune regulation and protection against pathogens are often disrupted. Sexual dimorphism and sport-specific differences in the skin microbiome communities were analysed in young wrestlers, kickboxers and non-athletes. A higher relative abundance of nosocomial and respiratory infection-related bacteria in men, while higher abundances of skin inflammation- and infection-related genera were found in women. The relative abundance of skin infection-related bacteria was much higher in athletes than in the control group. Regular consultations with specialists are recommended for contact sports athletes to prevent skin infections from microbial transmission. View this paper
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Articles (50)

  • Article
  • Open Access
4,710 Views
11 Pages

The ACTN-3 c.1729C>T (rs1815739) Polymorphism Is Associated with Match-Play Maximal Running Speed in Elite Football Players: A Preliminary Report

  • Myosotis Massidda,
  • Laura Flore,
  • Giovanna Maria Ghiani,
  • Kinga Losinska and ,
  • Mauro Baldus,
  • Jacopo Secci,
  • Giuseppe Allegra,
  • Marco Scorcu,
  • Naoki Kikuchi and
  • Filippo Tocco
  • + 7 authors+ 2 authors

16 September 2025

The TT genotype of the ACTN-3 polymorphism (rs1815739) has been previously associated with lower sprinting and jumping performance, higher frequency and severity of muscle injuries and eccentric muscle damage in professional football players. This st...

  • Article
  • Open Access
2 Citations
1,934 Views
13 Pages

Examining the Exercise Dose–Response Using Cardiac Autonomic Activity in Female University Ice Hockey Players

  • Maggie L. Peterson,
  • Patrick E. Monforton,
  • Anthony R. Bain,
  • Kevin J. Milne and
  • Andrew S. Perrotta

16 September 2025

Female university ice hockey players experience elevated and sustained cardiovascular stress during training and competition. There remains limited research on the “exercise dose–response” in female ice hockey players. The purpose o...

  • Systematic Review
  • Open Access
3 Citations
2,868 Views
19 Pages

Post-Acute COVID-19 Syndrome (PACS) and Exercise Interventions: A Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials

  • Valentina Presta,
  • Alessandro Guarnieri,
  • Fabiana Laurenti,
  • Salvatore Mazzei and ,
  • Orsola di Martino,
  • Marco Vitale and
  • Giancarlo Condello
  • + 2 authors+ 0 author

15 September 2025

The aim of this systematic review (PROSPERO registration number CRD42024517069) was to investigate the effectiveness of exercise interventions in Post-Acute COVID-19 Syndrome (PACS). We searched on several databases and followed the PRISMA guidelines...

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Fostering Sport for a Healthy Life)
  • Case Report
  • Open Access
3 Citations
3,784 Views
12 Pages

Physical Fitness in World-Class Shot Put Para Athletes During Six Months of Training: A Longitudinal Case Report

  • Exal Garcia-Carrillo,
  • Nikolaos Zaras,
  • Lawrence W. Judge,
  • Angeliki-Nikoletta Stasinaki and ,
  • Esteban Aedo-Muñoz,
  • Antonio Castillo-Paredes,
  • Jairo Azócar-Gallardo,
  • Rodrigo Yáñez-Sepúlveda and
  • Rodrigo Ramirez-Campillo
  • + 4 authors+ 0 author

15 September 2025

The purpose of this longitudinal case report was to assess physical fitness changes in world-class shot put para athletes during six months of training. One male (age: 34.8 years; mass: 96.9 kg; height: 1.79 m; sport class: F42), and one female (age:...

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Rethinking Athlete Pathways: Innovations and Insights in Long-Term Athletic Development)
  • Article
  • Open Access
6 Citations
3,264 Views
9 Pages

Neuromuscular and Performance Responses to Resisted Sprint Loads in Elite Female Sprinters

  • Mieszko Bartosz-Jeffries,
  • Irineu Loturco,
  • Adam Zając,
  • Adam Maszczyk and ,
  • Tomás T. Freitas,
  • Pedro E. Alcaraz,
  • Lucas A. Pereira and
  • Artur Gołaś
  • + 3 authors+ 0 author

15 September 2025

This study examined the effects of motorized resisted sprint training (RST) on neuromuscular activation and sprint performance in elite female sprinters. Ten highly trained athletes (age: 23 ± 2.8 years; body mass: 58.3 ± 4.7 kg) perfor...

  • Systematic Review
  • Open Access
2 Citations
2,346 Views
16 Pages

Therapeutic Exercise for Hospitalized Sarcopenic Patients: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

  • Olivier Chan-Fook,
  • Javier Martin-Núñez,
  • Julia Raya-Benítez,
  • Alba Navas-Otero and ,
  • Irene Cabrera-Martos,
  • Marie Carmen Valenza and
  • Alejandro Heredia-Ciuró
  • + 2 authors+ 0 author

12 September 2025

Sarcopenia is a progressive and generalized skeletal muscle disorder associated with an impairment of functional status, increasing dependency and mortality. The high prevalence among hospitalized patients has increased interest in active interventio...

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Enhancing Health Through Physical Activity and Sports Science: Innovations in Applied Research)
  • Review
  • Open Access
1,813 Views
12 Pages

12 September 2025

Squash is a commonly played racquet sport in which players are at risk of concussion injuries. This review aims to identify and assess the squash concussion guidelines in top squash countries. Design: Scoping review. Method: This review follows the f...

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sport-Related Concussion and Head Impact in Athletes)
  • Article
  • Open Access
2 Citations
1,849 Views
13 Pages

Correlation of Body Parameters and Age with Foot Arch Index and Stabilometric Variables in Physically Active Young Males and Females

  • Marco Alessandria,
  • Irene Pivetta,
  • Goran Kuvacic,
  • Nicola Luigi Bragazzi and ,
  • Sonia Angilletta and
  • Andrea De Giorgio
  • + 1 author+ 0 author

12 September 2025

Postural stability is influenced by several anthropometric factors as well as age. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between body height, body mass, BMI, and arch index with stabilometric parameters in physically active young...

  • Article
  • Open Access
1 Citations
2,394 Views
15 Pages

11 September 2025

With the growing availability of strength training information through online platforms and social media, there is an increasing need to ensure that individuals possess sufficient knowledge to train safely and effectively. Nonetheless, previous studi...

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Benefits of Physical Activity and Exercise to Human Health)
  • Article
  • Open Access
5 Citations
4,109 Views
13 Pages

Effects of Arch Support Pad Stiffness on Lower-Limb Biomechanics During Single-Leg Landing

  • Chu-Hao Li,
  • Qiu-Qiong Shi,
  • Kit-Lun Yick,
  • Ming-Yu Hu and
  • Shi-Wei Mo

11 September 2025

Arch structure is a crucial interface between the human body and the ground during landing tasks, but the biomechanical effects of arch support stiffness remain insufficiently explored. This study examines the effects of arch supports with different...

  • Article
  • Open Access
5 Citations
3,654 Views
19 Pages

Health-Related Quality of Life and Dietary Supplement Use in Physically Active People and Athletes: A Cross-Sectional Study

  • Walter Sapuppo,
  • Davide Giacconi,
  • Antonietta Monda,
  • Antonietta Messina and ,
  • Daniele Saccenti,
  • Claudia Maria Mineo,
  • Maria Casillo,
  • Salvatore Allocca,
  • Giovanni Michelini and
  • Marco La Marra
  • + 11 authors+ 6 authors

11 September 2025

The use of dietary supplements is widespread among athletes and physically active individuals, yet their impact on health-related quality of life (HRQoL) remains insufficiently understood. This study investigated the associations between supplement u...

  • Review
  • Open Access
1 Citations
11,067 Views
26 Pages

Considering the Effects of Cannabinoids and Exercise on the Brain: A Narrative Review

  • Amir Yahya Rajaei,
  • J. Patrick Neary,
  • Elizabeth S. Thompson,
  • Jyotpal Singh and
  • Cameron S. Mang

11 September 2025

Recently, there has been rising interest in the use of cannabis and its derivatives as therapeutic tools to support brain health, particularly in athletes. Cannabis-based substances interact with the endogenous cannabinoid (i.e., endocannabinoid) sys...

  • Review
  • Open Access
2,800 Views
11 Pages

Urinary Incontinence in Young Gymnastics Athletes: A Scoping Review

  • Alice Higounenc,
  • Alice Carvalhais,
  • Ágata Vieira and
  • Sofia Lopes

10 September 2025

Background/Objectives: Urinary incontinence (UI) is increasingly reported among young nulliparous women, especially those engaged in high-impact sports. This may increase the risk of developing stress urinary incontinence (SUI) later in life. This sc...

  • Article
  • Open Access
1,378 Views
14 Pages

10 September 2025

Access to high-performance sports is crucial for the holistic development and well-being of athletes with intellectual impairment (II). However, ensuring fair and equitable participation requires effective eligibility systems. This study investigates...

  • Systematic Review
  • Open Access
5 Citations
18,378 Views
18 Pages

The Effect of Consuming Caffeine Before Late Afternoon/Evening Training or Competition on Sleep: A Systematic Review with Meta-Analysis

  • Adem Kocak,
  • Ekavi Georgousopoulou,
  • Catherine R. Knight-Agarwal,
  • Raymond Matthews and
  • Michelle Minehan

10 September 2025

Many athletes consume caffeine before late afternoon/evening training sessions or competition, yet the impact on subsequent sleep remains unclear. This systematic review with meta-analysis examined the effects of late afternoon/evening caffeine consu...

  • Article
  • Open Access
2,537 Views
15 Pages

Physiological Predictors of Peak Velocity in the VAM-EVAL Incremental Test and the Role of Kinematic Variables in Running Economy in Triathletes

  • Jordi Montraveta,
  • Ignacio Fernández-Jarillo,
  • Xavier Iglesias,
  • Andri Feldmann and
  • Diego Chaverri

10 September 2025

This study examined the influence of physiological parameters on peak velocity (Vpeak) and of kinematic variables on running economy (RE) during an outdoor incremental VAM-EVAL test completed by eleven national-level triathletes. Maximal oxygen uptak...

  • Systematic Review
  • Open Access
8 Citations
6,379 Views
12 Pages

Impact of Exercise Therapy in ERAS Prehabilitation for Major Surgery: A Systematic Review

  • Anna Antonia Valenzano,
  • Paride Vasco,
  • Gabriella D’Orsi,
  • Tommaso Cassano and ,
  • Raffaella Marzovillo,
  • Antonio Di Stasi and
  • Giuseppe Cibelli
  • + 2 authors+ 0 author

10 September 2025

(1) This systematic review evaluates the role of structured exercise within the Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) protocol, a multidisciplinary approach designed to reduce surgical stress and enhance recovery. Prehabilitation, primarily through...

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Enhancing Health Through Physical Activity and Sports Science: Innovations in Applied Research)
  • Article
  • Open Access
2 Citations
1,905 Views
15 Pages

Impact of Psychosocial Intervention on Performance Determinants in Competitive Swimmers: Roles of Coach, Family, Environment, and Athlete Characteristics

  • Alejandro López-Hernández,
  • Juan Ángel Simón-Piqueras,
  • David Zamorano-García,
  • David B. Pyne and
  • José María González Ravé

9 September 2025

(1) Background: This study analyzed the effects of intervention programs conducted between 2021 and 2025 as part of the “Aula UCLM-FNCLM” initiative—a partnership between a regional swimming federation and the university—on ps...

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Effects of Physical Education, Exercise, and Sports Interventions on Children and Adolescent Cognition and Academic Achievement)
  • Article
  • Open Access
1 Citations
1,555 Views
13 Pages

Ischemic Preconditioning Attenuates the Decline in Repeated Anaerobic Performance Under Simulated Altitude: A Randomized Crossover Study

  • Miłosz Drozd,
  • Jakub Chycki,
  • Adam Maszczyk,
  • Hiago L. R. Souza and ,
  • Adam Zajac and
  • Moacir Marocolo
  • + 1 author+ 0 author

8 September 2025

Background: This study examined the effects of repeated ischemic preconditioning (IPC) combined with normobaric hypoxia on anaerobic performance and physiological stress markers. Methods: Fourteen physically active males (22.3 ± 3.1 years) com...

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Enhancing Health Through Physical Activity and Sports Science: Innovations in Applied Research)
  • Article
  • Open Access
1 Citations
2,694 Views
15 Pages

Match vs. Training Physical Requirements and Their Association with Field-Based Physical Tests in International CP Football

  • Juan Francisco Maggiolo,
  • Alejandro Caña-Pino,
  • Manuel Moya-Ramón and
  • Iván Peña-González

8 September 2025

Objetives: This study aimed to (1) describe and compare the external physical requirements of international cerebral palsy (CP) football players during training sessions and official matches at the 2024 IFCPF World Cup, and (2) analyze the relationsh...

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Football Science: Integrating Technology, Performance, and Well-Being)
  • Article
  • Open Access
1,626 Views
16 Pages

8 September 2025

Physical fitness, especially strength, is key for football performance and injury prevention, but its role in match running remains unclear. This study examined correlations between knee flexor and extensor isokinetic torque (60°/s, 180°/s, 3...

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Cutting-Edge Research on Physical Fitness Profile in Soccer Players)
  • Article
  • Open Access
5 Citations
4,754 Views
13 Pages

8 September 2025

Archery performance is substantially influenced by postural stability. Although archery is commonly practiced outdoors, most studies have focused on short-distance indoor environments. Accordingly, this study examined the correlation between postural...

  • Review
  • Open Access
4 Citations
6,432 Views
64 Pages

8 September 2025

Despite a robust body of evidence supporting both the need for and the effectiveness of physical fitness interventions in children aged 5–11, global fitness levels in this age group continue to decline. This systematic scoping review interrogat...

  • Article
  • Open Access
1,605 Views
8 Pages

5 September 2025

A history of anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) during the Australian Football (AF) talent pathway may impact draft prospects and increase the risk of a second injury during a professional career. This study investigated whether a histo...

  • Article
  • Open Access
6 Citations
14,498 Views
15 Pages

Jump Rope Training Improves Muscular Strength and Cardiovascular Fitness in University Students: A Controlled Educational Intervention

  • Sabău Anca Maria,
  • Ordean Mircea Nicolae,
  • Mancini Nicola,
  • Alexandra Szara Szekely and ,
  • Simon Sorin,
  • Ianc Dorina,
  • Carlos Hervás-Gómez,
  • Popovici Cornelia,
  • Grosu Emilia Florina and
  • Grosu Vlad Teodor
  • + 5 authors+ 0 author

5 September 2025

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of jump rope training on cardiovascular capacity, assessed with the Ruffier test, and muscular strength, measured using isometric dynamometry (BioFET Mustec, Almere, The Netherlands), within a university physi...

  • Article
  • Open Access
5 Citations
9,984 Views
10 Pages

Comparative Effectiveness of Conservative Therapies for Plantar Fasciitis: A Retrospective Observational Study

  • Ana María Rayo-Pérez,
  • José María Juárez-Jiménez,
  • Mercedes Ortiz-Romero,
  • Luis María Gordillo-Fernández and
  • Raquel García-De-La-Peña

5 September 2025

Background: Plantar fascitis is a common cause of heel pain in adults. Although various conservative treatments have been studied, comparative real-world effectiveness remains underreported. Objective: To retrospectively evaluate and compare the clin...

  • Article
  • Open Access
3,069 Views
13 Pages

The Impact of an 8-Week Running Technique Program on Linear and Change-of-Direction Speed in Youth Football—A Pilot Study

  • Diogo Camacho,
  • Diogo Monteiro,
  • Rui Matos,
  • Nuno Amaro and ,
  • Raúl Antunes and
  • Miguel Jacinto
  • + 1 author+ 0 author

4 September 2025

In football, linear speed and change-of-direction speed are fundamental skills for performance in the sport. The present study aims to evaluate the effect of an 8-week running technique program on the variables described in young footballers. Thirty-...

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Football Science: Integrating Technology, Performance, and Well-Being)
  • Article
  • Open Access
8,123 Views
10 Pages

Effects of Pneumatic Compression and Manual Massage on Recovery and Performance in Elite Brazilian Under-20 Soccer Players: A Crossover Trial

  • Tiago Costa Esteves,
  • Júlio Cesar de Oliveira Muniz Cunha,
  • Júlio Guilherme Silva,
  • María Rúa-Alonso and ,
  • Luciano Teixeira dos Santos,
  • Laercio Brehner Gemaque do Couto,
  • José Vilaça-Alves,
  • Estêvão Rios Monteiro and
  • Igor Ramathur Telles de Jesus
  • + 4 authors+ 0 author

3 September 2025

Introduction: Acute neuromuscular fatigue impairs athletic performance and increases the risk of musculoskeletal injury. Recovery strategies such as manual massage (MM) and intermittent pneumatic compression (IPC) have been proposed to mitigate these...

  • Article
  • Open Access
2,020 Views
19 Pages

Mood States, Injury Status, and Countermovement Jump Performance in Brazilian High-Level Sports

  • Izabel Cristina Provenza de Miranda Rohlfs,
  • Franco Noce,
  • Carolina F. Wilke,
  • Tim J. Gabbett and ,
  • Victoria R. Terry,
  • Alexandre Montenegro,
  • Carlos Alexandre Assis,
  • Paula Moreira Magalhães,
  • Pasteur O. de Miranda and
  • Peter C. Terry
  • + 5 authors+ 0 author

3 September 2025

This study investigated relationships between mood profiles, sports injuries, and countermovement jump with arm swing (CMJ) performance in a cohort study of 417 Brazilian athletes using a multi-methods approach during the period from January to Novem...

(This article belongs to the Topic Interdisciplinary Approaches to Sports in the 21st Century)
  • Systematic Review
  • Open Access
4 Citations
3,036 Views
25 Pages

Outcomes Addressed by Whole-Body Electromyostimulation Trials in Sportspeople and Athletes—An Evidence Map Summarizing and Categorizing Current Findings

  • Svenja Reinhardt,
  • Joshua Berger,
  • Matthias Kohl,
  • Simon von Stengel and ,
  • Michael Uder and
  • Wolfgang Kemmler
  • + 1 author+ 0 author

2 September 2025

Whole-body electromyostimulation (WB-EMS) is a time-efficient, joint-friendly, and highly customizable training technology that particularly attracts sportspeople and athletes looking to enhance performance, accelerate regeneration, and prevent injur...

  • Article
  • Open Access
3 Citations
3,299 Views
15 Pages

Contributions of Physical Activity and Positive Psychological Functioning to Flow and Well-Being

  • Nuno Rodrigues,
  • Luís Sérgio Vieira,
  • Cátia Sofia Martins,
  • Catarina Moreira and
  • Saúl Neves de Jesus

2 September 2025

Studies highlight the importance of physical activity (PA) in relation to positive psychological functioning (PPF) among adults. Physical inactivity is strongly associated with lower levels of PPF, supporting the idea that lifestyle choices can be id...

  • Article
  • Open Access
5 Citations
7,942 Views
14 Pages

Early Rate of Force Development and Maximal Strength at Different Positions of the Athletic Shoulder Test in Baseball Players

  • Ben Ashworth,
  • Mikulas Hank,
  • Omid Khaiyat,
  • Ginny Coyles and ,
  • Ferdia Fallon Verbruggen,
  • Erika Zemkova,
  • Frantisek Zahalka and
  • Tomas Maly
  • + 3 authors+ 0 author

1 September 2025

Background/Objectives: Peak force (PF) reflects maximal strength, while early rate of force development (RFD; 0–100 ms) indicates explosive neuromuscular output. The Athletic Shoulder (ASH) test is gaining popularity in overhead athlete profili...

  • Systematic Review
  • Open Access
4,662 Views
15 Pages

1 September 2025

Ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) injuries are a major concern in baseball because of repetitive valgus stress from overhead throwing, often leading to surgical intervention. In recent years, UCL reconstruction has become increasingly frequent. Althoug...

  • Article
  • Open Access
19 Citations
8,135 Views
26 Pages

1 September 2025

Understanding neuromuscular adaptations resulting from specific training modalities is crucial for optimizing athletic performance and injury prevention. This in silico proof-of-concept study aimed to computationally model and predict neuromuscular a...

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Neuromuscular Performance: Insights for Athletes and Beyond)
  • Article
  • Open Access
3 Citations
2,821 Views
17 Pages

A Field-Based Screening Protocol for Hamstring Injury Risk in Football Players: Evaluating Its Functionality Using Exploratory Factor Analysis

  • Nikolaos I. Liveris,
  • Charis Tsarbou,
  • George Papageorgiou,
  • Elias Tsepis and ,
  • Konstantinos Fousekis and
  • Sofia A. Xergia
  • + 1 author+ 0 author

1 September 2025

This paper propose a practical field-based screening protocol for evaluating the risk of hamstring injury. This is done by discerning the most important factors that better explain the underlying structure among various measurements. Following a cros...

  • Article
  • Open Access
3 Citations
2,210 Views
12 Pages

The Effect of a High-Frequency Exercise Program During the Transition Period in Young Football Players

  • Yiannis Michailidis,
  • Andreas Stafylidis,
  • Athanasios Mandroukas,
  • Eleni Semaltianou and ,
  • Georgios Karamousalidis,
  • Georgios Antoniou,
  • Vasileios Leftheroudis,
  • Vasilios Mittas and
  • Thomas I. Metaxas
  • + 4 authors+ 0 author

1 September 2025

The transition period in football can negatively affect players’ fitness indicators. However, if appropriate training programs are implemented during this period, these effects can be reversed. The purpose of this study was to investigate the e...

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Cutting-Edge Research on Physical Fitness Profile in Soccer Players: 2nd Edition)
  • Article
  • Open Access
5 Citations
1,793 Views
9 Pages

Game vs. Practice Differences in External Load in U16 and U18 Women’s Basketball Players

  • Damjana V. Cabarkapa,
  • Dimitrije Cabarkapa,
  • Dora Nagy,
  • Laszlo Balogh and ,
  • Tamas Laczko and
  • Laszlo Ratgeber
  • + 1 author+ 0 author

1 September 2025

The purpose of the present study was twofold: (i) to examine within-group differences in external load metrics during practice and official competition, and (ii) to examine between-group differences in external load metrics across the U16 and U18 lev...

(This article belongs to the Collection Human Physiology in Exercise, Health and Sports Performance)
  • Article
  • Open Access
4 Citations
5,312 Views
17 Pages

Mechanical Running Power and Energy Expenditure in Uphill and Downhill Running

  • Fabrizio Gravina-Cognetti,
  • Diego Chaverri,
  • Antoni Planas,
  • Jordi Montraveta and ,
  • Marta Carrasco-Marginet,
  • Silvia Puigarnau,
  • Javier Espasa-Labrador and
  • Xavier Iglesias
  • + 3 authors+ 0 author

1 September 2025

Trail running involves constant changes in terrain and slope, complicating the accurate assessment of energy expenditure during performance. This study aimed to examine the relationship between running power output (RPO), oxygen consumption (VO2), ca...

(This article belongs to the Topic Endurance and Ultra-Endurance: Implications of Training, Recovery, Nutrition, and Technology on Performance and Health)
  • Systematic Review
  • Open Access
5 Citations
13,986 Views
31 Pages

Does High-Intensity Interval Training Increase Muscle Strength, Muscle Mass, and Muscle Endurance? A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

  • Lucas Wiens,
  • Justin M. Losciale,
  • Matthew D. Fliss,
  • Max J. Abercrombie and ,
  • Darius Darabi,
  • Jedd Li,
  • Rowan Barclay and
  • Cameron J. Mitchell
  • + 3 authors+ 0 author

1 September 2025

High-intensity/sprint interval training (HIIT/SIT) improves aerobic and anaerobic performance, but it is unknown if HIIT/SIT increases strength, muscle mass/size, and muscle endurance (ME). We aimed to determine if HIIT/SIT increases strength, muscle...

  • Article
  • Open Access
1 Citations
2,931 Views
10 Pages

1 September 2025

This study investigated countermovement jump (CMJ) strategies among NCAA Division 1 athletes and explored key variables associated with jump height. A total of 69 athletes (38 male, 31 female) from basketball and volleyball teams completed three or m...

  • Article
  • Open Access
4 Citations
2,862 Views
14 Pages

Effects of After-School Basketball Program on Physical Fitness and Cardiometabolic Health in Prepubertal Boys

  • Cristina Castro-Collado,
  • Jose Manuel Jurado-Castro,
  • Mercedes Gil-Campos,
  • Belén Pastor-Villaescusa and ,
  • Gracia María Quintana-Navarro and
  • Francisco Jesús Llorente-Cantarero
  • + 1 author+ 0 author

28 August 2025

Objectives: This study aimed to assess changes in anthropometric measures, cardiometabolic markers, and physical fitness following a structured basketball training program in healthy prepubertal boys. Methods: The intervention consisted of a 6-week p...

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sport-Specific Testing and Training Methods in Youth)
  • Article
  • Open Access
5,137 Views
19 Pages

27 August 2025

Background: Cryocompression, an emerging therapy combining cryotherapy and compression therapy, has limited evidence regarding its effects on recovery from exercise-induced muscle damage. Methods: This study aimed to compare the effects of cryotherap...

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Strength and Conditioning Society 2024: Sports Performance, Injury Prevention, Rehabilitation, and Health Improvement)
  • Article
  • Open Access
3 Citations
2,358 Views
19 Pages

27 August 2025

Playgrounds are global environments that are purpose made for children and can offer a variety of opportunities for children to be physically active and practice their fundamental movement skills (FMS), which can lead to future physical activity and...

  • Article
  • Open Access
2 Citations
3,305 Views
13 Pages

The Skin Microbiome Profile of Contact Sports Athletes—Focus on Sexual Dimorphism and Athlete–Non-Athlete Differences

  • Irina Kalabiska,
  • Dorina Annar,
  • Gergely Babszky,
  • Matyas Jokai and ,
  • Zoltan Borbas,
  • Gergely Hajdu,
  • Fanny Zselyke Ratz-Sulyok,
  • Csilla Jang-Kapuy,
  • Gergely Palinkas and
  • Annamaria Zsakai
  • + 6 authors+ 1 author

26 August 2025

Background: Athletes’ skin is exposed to increased microbial challenges due to rigorous physical activity, perspiration, constant “skin-to-skin” contact, frequent showering, use of hygiene products, and environmental factors present...

  • Article
  • Open Access
1 Citations
3,294 Views
13 Pages

Differences in Body Composition and Lower Limb Strength Between Novice and Amateur Marathon Runners: A Cross-Sectional Study

  • Tianxin Shi,
  • Qingzhao Shi,
  • Shuang Ren,
  • Xiaorui Huang and ,
  • Jun Ren,
  • Xin Gao and
  • Jingxian Zhu
  • + 2 authors+ 0 author

26 August 2025

This study compared the body composition and strength of the lower extremity parameters between novice runners (NRs) and amateur marathon runners (AMRs). A total of 50 NRs (33.84 ± 4.32 years) and 50 AMRs (33.36 ± 5.55 years) were analy...

  • Article
  • Open Access
5 Citations
2,630 Views
13 Pages

Impact of a Congested Match Schedule on Internal Load, Recovery, Well-Being, and Enjoyment in U16 Youth Water Polo Players

  • Andrea Perazzetti,
  • Arben Kaçurri,
  • Masar Gjaka,
  • Marco Pernigoni and ,
  • Corrado Lupo and
  • Antonio Tessitore
  • + 1 author+ 0 author

25 August 2025

This study aimed to monitor internal load, well-being, and recovery status in U16 male water polo players during a congested competitive period. Fourteen athletes from an Italian club played 12 matches (seven friendly, five official) over 7 days. The...

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Sport-Specific Testing and Training Methods in Youth)
  • Article
  • Open Access
1 Citations
2,979 Views
15 Pages

Appendicular Lean Mass Index Using Dual-Energy X-Ray Absorptiometry (DEXA) in Professional Football: A Pilot Study of a New Method for Improved Inter-Operator Reproducibility and Analysis of Pelvi-Trochanteric Muscles

  • Charles Evrard,
  • Julien Blaess,
  • Thibaut Goetsch,
  • Etienne Fellous and ,
  • Francois Pietra,
  • Alain Meyer,
  • Margherita Giannini and
  • Bernard Geny
  • + 3 authors+ 0 author

25 August 2025

Background: Body composition assessment is important in professional football as a measure of overall adaptation of the athlete to the training demand and calorie intake. However, it is operator-dependent, relying on subject positioning and the focus...

  • Article
  • Open Access
6 Citations
4,947 Views
18 Pages

Emotion Regulation and Mental Health in Young Elite Athletes

  • Fredrik Fröjdö Regborn,
  • Stefan Holmström,
  • Michael Svensson and
  • Magnus Sjögren

22 August 2025

Emotion regulation strategies, specifically expressive suppression (ES) and cognitive reappraisal (CR), are known to influence mental health outcomes in the general population and adult elite athletes. Young elite athletes, who face unique academic a...

  • Review
  • Open Access
2,968 Views
14 Pages

Reporting Quality of Meta-Analyses of Randomized Controlled Trials on Knee and Ankle Injury Prevention Programs in Football Players Using PRISMA 2020

  • Spyridon Plakias,
  • Anna Tsiakiri,
  • Konstantinos Vassis,
  • Chrysoula Doxani and ,
  • Georgios Bakalos and
  • Theodoros Mprotsis
  • + 1 author+ 0 author

22 August 2025

Background: Systematic reviews with meta-analyses play a critical role in synthesizing evidence on injury prevention programs in football. However, their utility depends on transparent and complete reporting, as promoted by the PRISMA 2020 guidelines...

  • Article
  • Open Access
4 Citations
13,317 Views
14 Pages

22 August 2025

Self-myofascial release tools like foam rollers and massage guns are being integrated into athlete warm-ups with increasing frequency, but evidence on their acute effects is limited. Sixteen healthy, trained athletes (23.2 ± 1.3 years; four fe...

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Sports - ISSN 2075-4663