Journal of Functional Morphology and Kinesiology

Background: A pre-competition warm-up is considered a key strategy for optimising physical preparedness and potentially reducing injury risks in football. Programmes such as FIFA 11+ have demonstrated efficacy in this regard. Its effectiveness depends on alignment with match demands. This study compares the relative external load demands of warm-ups and matches in semi-professional football players, focusing on positional differences. Objective: The goal of this study was to evaluate whether warm-ups adequately prepare players for match demands and to explore positional variations. Methods: This is a retrospective study that analysed 19 semi-professional male players during the 2023/2024 season. External load demands (m/min) were measured using a GPS, covering the total distance (TD), speed zones (DZ1–DZ5), accelerations (ACCs), and decelerations (DECs). Paired t-tests and effect size calculations compared team-wide and position-specific demands. Results: Match demands significantly exceeded warm-up demands across all distance-related variables, except for DZ1 (67.06 vs. 66.40 m/min for warm-ups and games, respectively). The greatest differences were observed in TD (80.73 vs. 107.12 m/min; −26.39%) and DZ2–DZ3 (−17.42 and −4.89%, respectively). A positional analysis revealed that concerning DZ1, midfielders covered more distance during competitions (67.62 vs. 65.04 m/min; −2.58%), while full-backs covered more during the pre-competition warm-up (69.01 vs. 66.86 m/min; 2.14%). Additionally, midfielders, wingers, and forwards experienced higher match demands in DECs (1.04; 1.12, and 1.18 nº/min; range = 0.23–3.13%), whereas central defenders showed higher values during the pre-competition warm-up (1.14 nº/min; 0.13%). No significant differences were found for ACCs across any position; however, central defenders showed higher nº ACCs during warm-up (1.04 vs. 0.97 nº/min). Conclusions: These findings enable clubs and coaches to redesign their warm-up protocols to align as closely as possible with the demands of matches, particularly in high-speed zones, to enhance readiness, thereby increasing the effectiveness of warm-ups in football competitions. Additionally, this approach allows for the individualisation of warm-up routines based on the player’s specific position. Full article

Background: This study aimed to investigate associations between walking speed (WS) and mortality among cardiac patients with type 2 diabetes. Methods: Of the 3328 patients included in the ITER registry between 1998 and 2023, 490 patients diagnosed with type 2 diabetes (mean age 67 ± 9 years) were categorized into tertiles based on WS measured at baseline. Walking speed was measured using the 1 km treadmill walking test (1km-TWT). Cox proportional hazard models were used to examine associations between WS and all-cause and cardiovascular disease mortality, adjusting for demographic and clinical confounders. Results: The results showed a significative inverse association between WS and mortality. A total of 205 patients died over a median follow-up of 11 years. Patients with a higher baseline WS reported a lower mortality risk compared to slow walkers. A similar magnitude was confirmed by the sensitivity analysis excluding people who died in the first three years. Conclusions: The 1km-TWT is an effective predictor of mortality among cardiac patients with type 2 diabetes and a valuable educational tool for exercise-based interventions in secondary prevention. These findings highlight the efficacy of exercise-based programs to improve physical function and reduce mortality risk, underscoring the importance of promoting exercise as part of long-term cardiovascular disease management. Full article

Objectives: This study aimed to compare the acute responses of the muscular activity of primary movers during bench press execution under asymmetric loads (25%, 50%, and 75%). Methods: The study included 30 resistance-trained males (n = 25, age = 22.73 ± 3.44 years, height= 1.77 ± 0.06 m, body mass= 76.77 ± 9.28 kg) and females (n = 5, age = 22.5 ± 1.19 years, height = 1.63 ± 0.04 m, body mass = 56.78 ± 2.90 kg). We assessed the two portions of the dominant pectoralis major, triceps brachii, anterior deltoid, and both external oblique peak activities (sEMG) during concentric and eccentric phases. We performed a repeated-measures design to establish the differences between muscle activity, barbell center of mass acceleration, and OMNI-Perceived Exertion Scale for Resistance Exercise (OMNI-RES) in a bench press under seven different conditions. Results: The linear mixed model showed a significant fixed effect for exercise condition for muscles (p < 0.001) in the concentric and eccentric phases. We found significantly higher clavicularis (d = 0.54; d = 1.15) and sternalis (d = 0.38; d = 0.86) pectoralis major activation of the dominant side under high (50% and 75%), non-dominant-side, de-loaded conditions in the eccentric phase (p < 0.001), with large effects. Contralateral core muscles (external oblique) of the dominant and non-dominant sides were significantly (p < 0.001) highly activated under all asymmetric conditions in the concentric phase (from d = 0.89 to d = 2.30). Conclusions: The asymmetric load bench press provoked a higher pectoralis major activation on the loaded side when de-loading the other side. The contralateral external oblique doubles the muscle activity in the most asymmetric conditions. Full article

Background: Lateral ankle sprains can result in adverse outcomes, including reinjuries or chronic ankle instability. The peroneal musculature plays a key role in stabilizing the ankle and preventing sudden ankle inversions that may lead to sprains. Objective: The purpose of the study is to investigate (1) inter-limb differences in peroneal myoelectrical activity in athletes with a history of ankle sprain during the past six months and (2) to investigate peroneal myoelectrical activity differences between athletes with and without a history of ankle sprain. Methods: Sixty-seven athletes (53% females, 46.3% males) were included in this observational cross-sectional study. Self-reported data regarding history of ankle sprain were collected. The peroneal myoelectrical activity was obtained during (1) isometric ankle eversion, (2) dynamic ankle eversions, (3) single leg squat, (4) unilateral and (5) bilateral drop jump test, (6) sprint, and (7) change of direction. Results: No significant differences in peroneal myoelectrical activity were observed between individuals with (n = 46) and without (n = 21) a history of ankle sprain in the past six months (p > 0.05). Additionally, no significant inter-limb differences were found within the previous ankle sprain group (p > 0.05). Conclusions: This study found no significant inter-limb differences in peroneal muscle activity among athletes with a history of ankle sprain during the past six months. Moreover, no differences were observed between athletes with and without a history of ankle sprain. This study has certain limitations, including the lack of data regarding the timing and severity of the ankle sprain, as well as the duration and specific characteristics of the rehabilitation process. Full article

Background: We examined the effects of linear position transducer placement during Smith machine (SM) and free weight (FW) full squats on the mean velocity and the load–velocity relationship in trained women. In addition, we examined the relationship between the load–velocity characteristics and jump performance, to determine which testing approach is more appropriate for both the testing and transfer of training effects. Methods: Eleven trained women were assessed for 1-RM in FW and SM full back squats. Linear position transducers (LPTs) were attached to the barbell (BAR) and to the belt (BELT) during FW and SM full back squats. The mean velocity was measured across progressively increasing loads (30–100%). The load–velocity relationships were modeled using linear regression, and the velocity values, as well as the load–velocity parameters, were compared across all conditions (SM BAR, SM BELT, FW BAR, and FW BELT). Squat jump, countermovement jump, and drop jump performance were also assessed using an optical measurement system. Results: In SM compared to FW, 1-RM was higher (92.9 ± 16.2 kg vs. 85.1 ± 14.5 kg, p < 0.05, d = 0.53). A strong agreement was observed between the FW BAR and FW BELT (Lin’s concordance correlation coefficient CCC = 0.96–0.99), as well as between the SM BAR and FW BAR (CCC = 0.95–0.97) at low-to-moderate intensities (30–70% 1-RM), suggesting that these conditions can be used interchangeably. However, the SM BELT systematically showed lower mean velocity values at 30–80% 1-RM and exhibited low agreement across all other conditions. In contrast, the FW BELT mean velocity was lower than that of the FW BAR and SM BAR only at higher intensities (>80% 1-RM). V0 and mean velocities at low-to-moderate loads (30–70% 1-RM) showed strong correlations with all jump types, with relationships gradually weakening as the load increased (r = 0.63–0.93, p < 0.05). The highest correlations were observed in the SM BAR and FW BELT conditions. Lastly, the relative strength demonstrated a consistent relationship with squat jump and drop jump performance exclusively in the FW condition (r = 0.71 and 0.72, p < 0.05). Conclusions: The FW BAR and FW BELT showed strong agreement at submaximal loads and may be used interchangeably, while the SM BELT showed a lower mean velocity and low agreement with other conditions. The load–velocity relationship parameters and mean velocity at low-to-moderate loads correlated strongly with the jump performance. Coaches and practitioners can use bar-mounted and belt-mounted LPTs interchangeably during FW squats for velocity-based training at submaximal intensities when working with trained women. Additionally, tracking the mean velocity at low-to-moderate loads provides valuable insights into lower-body explosive performance, supporting more precise and individualized training prescriptions and performance monitoring. Full article

Background: Spasticity, a hallmark of quadriplegic cerebral palsy (CP), severely impacts mobility and quality of life. While exercise is known to enhance fitness and motor function in individuals with CP, its specific efficacy in reducing upper extremity spasticity remains insufficiently studied. This research investigated the effects of weight-resistance exercise (RE), hand cycle bike exercise (BE), and aquatic exercise (AE) on upper extremity spasticity in an adult with quadriplegic CP. Method: The participant was a 35-year-old individual with quadriplegic spastic CP, presenting severe spasticity in the right upper extremity and lower limbs, and milder left arm involvement. Dependent on a power wheelchair, they were cognitively intact, college-educated, and had participated in a community exercise program for five years. Over nine weeks, the participant completed 18 sessions—6 per modality of RE, BE, and AE—with each session held twice weekly for 50 min. Spasticity was assessed using the Modified Ashworth Scale (MAS) before and after sessions, with comprehensive pre- and post-intervention evaluations. Result: Total MAS scores decreased significantly from 2.76 to 2.33 (p < 0.05). AE yielded the largest reduction (2.81 to 2.10), followed by BE (2.75 to 2.36) and RE (2.72 to 2.54). ANOVA confirmed AE’s superior efficacy (F(2,15) = 27.20, p < 0.001, ηp² = 0.78), with a 0.33 reduction overall. Conclusions: AE was most effective, likely due to buoyancy, followed by BE, with RE showing the least impact. These findings highlight aquatic interventions as promising for spasticity management in CP, necessitating further longitudinal, multi-participant research. Full article

Purpose: This case study examines the anthropometric characteristics and body composition changes of a 41-year-old Cuban Greco-Roman 130 kg wrestler, a five-time Olympic gold medalist (2008–2024). To optimize his preparation for the Paris 2024 Olympic Games, another athlete participated in the qualifying process, allowing him to train without competition gear. Methods: The study monitored changes in body composition using anthropometry and bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) at three key time points in 2024: January, June, and July. The final assessment occurred 25 days before the Olympic event, coinciding with the final phase of his preparation. Results: The analysis revealed a significant reduction in total body mass, from 150 kg in January to 138.5 kg in July, with fat mass decreasing from 37.06 kg (24.11%) to 29.7 kg (21.5%). Muscle mass decreased slightly (77.41 kg to 72.3 kg), while bone mass remained stable. The somatotype classification was endomorphic–mesomorphic at all assessments, with slight shifts in its components (4.6–10.4–0.1 in January to 4.4–10.3–0.1 in July), reflecting an improved muscle–fat ratio. Notably, hydration levels and cellular integrity remained stable, as indicated by BIVA analysis. Conclusions: This study provides insight into the anthropometric characteristics and body composition of an elite Greco-Roman wrestler, as well as the changes observed during his preparation for his final Olympic participation. These data serve as a valuable reference for wrestlers and sports professionals, highlighting the physical profile of one of the most emblematic figures in Olympic history. Full article

Objective: This study analyzed the relationship between self-perceived physical fitness and anthropometric and biochemical variables in young athletes from extracurricular sports programs in northeastern Spain. Methods: A cross-sectional design was used with a sample of 673 young athletes. Data collection included self-reported physical fitness and objective anthropometric and biochemical measurements. The analysis explored associations between perceived fitness dimensions and physical/biochemical variables, with attention to sex differences. Results: Fat mass showed significant inverse associations with all perceived fitness dimensions: general fitness (OR = 0.62, 95% CI [0.41, 0.94]), cardiorespiratory fitness (OR = 0.56, 95% CI [0.37, 0.83]), muscular strength (OR = 0.61, 95% CI [0.41, 0.91]), speed/agility (OR = 0.59, 95% CI [0.39, 0.88]), and flexibility (OR = 0.57, 95% CI [0.39, 0.84]). Higher fat mass was consistently linked to lower perceived fitness. HDL levels were positively associated with general (OR = 1.40, 95% CI [1.13, 1.74]) and cardiorespiratory fitness (OR = 1.32, 95% CI [1.07, 1.62]), while LDL levels showed no significant effect (p > 0.05). Sex differences emerged for general fitness (OR = 0.52, 95% CI [0.33, 0.82]) and flexibility (OR = 0.51, 95% CI [0.33, 0.78]), favoring boys, but no differences were found for cardiorespiratory fitness, muscular strength, or speed/agility (p > 0.05). This suggests that shared athletic environments may reduce typical sex-based disparities. Conclusions: Our findings emphasize the importance of considering both anthropometric and biochemical variables when evaluating perceived fitness in youth athletes. Regular athletic engagement may buffer sex-based differences in fitness perception. Full article

Background/Objectives: The number of systematic reviews evaluating the incidence of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries in sports is increasing. To synthesize pooled incidence and prevalence rates of sport-related ACL injuries based on published systematic reviews with meta-analyses. Methods: An overview of systematic reviews with meta-analysis was conducted. The CINAHL, Embase, PubMed, and SPORTDiscus databases were searched from inception to 17 October 2023. AMSTAR 2 was used to assess the methodological quality of reviews. The degree of overlap between reviews was calculated when possible. Results: Seven systematic reviews including 51 meta-analyses of interest were included. The prevalence of ACL injuries was not meta-analyzed. Meta-analyses mainly showed that ACL injuries may have a high incidence in American football, basketball, European football/soccer, and volleyball, among other sports. In addition, ACL injuries may have a higher incidence in females than males in some sports. For example, the pooled incidence rates of ACL injuries in basketball ranged from 0.091 (95%CI, 0.074–0.111) to 0.110 (95%CI, 0.094–0.128) among female athletes, whereas this incidence ranged from 0.024 (95%CI, 0.016–0.034) to 0.027 (95%CI, 0.019–0.035) among male athletes. Conclusions: Sport-related ACL injuries may have a high incidence in sports such as American football, basketball, European football/soccer, or volleyball and show differences between sexes. Therefore, a sex-specific prevention of these injuries may be needed. Full article

Background: The cervical spine plays an important role in several daily activities of children and adolescents, and thus, its evaluation using reliable protocols is of crucial importance. This study examined the test–retest reliability of cervical strength protocols using indices of absolute (standard error of measurement—SEM and 95% limits of agreement—LOA) and relative reliability (intraclass correlation coefficient—ICC). Methods: Twenty prepubertal (9.10 ± 0.61 years old) and twenty pubertal boys (13.6 ± 0.6 years old) participated in two assessment sessions separated by 48 h. During both sessions, maximal isometric strength (forward flexion, extension, and right–left lateral flexion) was assessed using a handheld dynamometer, and then, the cervical flexion-to-extension ratio (cervical_F/E ratio) was calculated. Results: According to our data analysis, good absolute and relative reliability was denoted for prepubertal boys in all cervical movements (ICC = 0.81–0.90; SEM% = 5.82–8.62); conversely, pubertal boys denoted high relative and absolute reliability in all directions of movements (ICC = 0.90–0.96; SEM% = 3.8–5.5). The cervical_F/E ratio showed moderate reliability in prepubertal (ICC = 0.71; SEM% = 9.11) and pubertal boys (ICC = 0.78; SEM% = 7). Conclusions: In conclusion, the isometric strength of cervical muscles, using a handheld dynamometer, showed acceptable reliability in prepubertal and pubertal boys; however, prepubertal boys demonstrated slightly lower reliability. Additionally, the assessment of the cervical _F/E ratio should be interpreted with caution. However, it would be important to carry out future studies to strengthen the findings of the present study. Full article

Objectives: This study aimed to compare the worst-case scenario (WCS; i.e., 1-min) demands, in terms of distance covered and the number of times exceeding 85% of WCS demands, across soccer playing positions and match periods. Methods: A total of 67,518 records from 380 soccer matches during the 2023/24 season of the First Spanish Division were collected. Match events were tracked using the optical tracking system ChyronHego^® (TRACAB Gen5, NY, USA) and synchronized with Mediacoach software (LaLiga, Madrid, Spain). Total distance (TD), very high-speed running (VHSR), and sprint distance were considered, and all analyses were performed using linear mixed models (LMM). Results: Center-backs (CBs) exhibited significant differences (p < 0.001) in TD compared to all other positions. Regarding actions exceeding 85% of the 1-min WCS for TD, full-backs (FBs) showed significant differences compared to CBs (p < 0.001), midfielders (MDs; p < 0.001), and attacking midfielders (AMs; p < 0.001). In terms of VHSR, significant differences were observed between MDs and wingers (Ws; p < 0.05). In relation to match periods, during 15–30, CBs demonstrated significant differences compared to all other positions for actions exceeding 85% of the 1-min WCS in TD. Conclusions: These findings suggest that training protocols could be adjusted to account for specific positional demands, particularly focusing on high-speed running and sprint actions. Full article

Objectives: The study aims to compare three distinct protocols—Moore, Mirwald, and the new BAUSport^TM SonicBone system—for predicting somatic maturation in youth athletes. Methods: The participants were female members of the Croatian national volleyball youth team (U-17) (n = 16). The study involved comprehensive measurements, including height, weight, sitting height, leg length, wrist diameter, hand joint diameter, hand grip strength, and ultrasound measurements for skeletal age assessment. Results: Correlation analysis showed moderate to strong correlations between the Moore and Mirwald skeletal age estimates, but both showed weaker correlations with the BAUSport^TM skeletal age. Repeated-measures ANOVA showed no significant difference between the Moore and Mirwald methods (p > 0.05); significant differences between both the Moore and Mirwald methods and the BAUSport^TM method (p < 0.05). Regression analysis revealed that height, weight, sitting height, leg length, wrist diameter, and hand joint diameter explained 69% of BAUSport^TM, with wrist diameter being the only significant predictor. While the Moore and Mirwald methods remain useful tools for estimating the timing of an athlete’s growth spurt, BAUSport^TM represents a potential advancement in skeletal age assessment. Further research is needed to validate BAUSport^TM across diverse populations and optimize its calibration to accommodate anatomical variations. Conclusions: The findings suggest that with further refinement, BAUSport^TM could become a new standard for monitoring skeletal development in youth athletes. Additionally, studies should explore comparative analyses with other emerging technologies, such as genetic markers, hormonal assessments, and MRI, for further understanding of biological maturation in talent identification. Full article

Background: Parkinson’s Disease (PD) is the second most prevalent neurodegenerative disease worldwide. Motor and non-motor symptoms of PD cause functional disabilities. Aquatic-based therapeutic exercise (AT) is a potential approach that may improve the management of PD, given its hydrostatic and hydrodynamic properties. We aimed to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of AT compared to traditional land-based therapeutic exercise (LT) in patients with PD. Methods: Based on the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) guidelines, we systematically reviewed studies indexed in PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, PEDro, CINAHL, and Cochrane. Registered in PROSPERO (CRD42024528310), this review involved original studies published from 2014 to December 2024, with a randomized controlled trial (RCT) design, in which the intervention group performed AT, and the control group performed LT. The outcomes evaluated were balance, gait, quality of life, strength, mental health, pain, flexibility, and sleep quality. Results: Of the 413 records identified, 135 duplicates were removed, and 265 did not meet the selection criteria. Thirteen RCTs comprising 511 patients (age range: 50–80 years) were eligible. Most studies reported beneficial effects of AT, with no serious adverse events. Compared to LT, AT led to significant improvements (p < 0.05) in quality of life, mental health, pain, flexibility, and sleep quality. No evidence was provided of the beneficial effects of AT compared to LT on balance, gait, and strength; however, significant improvements were observed in the AT group from baseline (p < 0.05). Conclusions: AT appears to be a safe and effective intervention for improving the quality of life, mental health, pain, flexibility, and sleep quality in PD patients. While balance, gait, and strength may also benefit, the evidence comparing AT to LT remains inconclusive due to variability in study protocols. Full article

Background: Proper nutrition is crucial for optimizing performance and recovery in elite young football players. This study aimed to assess sports nutrition knowledge, adherence to the Mediterranean diet (MD), and carbohydrate intake across different training phases, evaluating their relations with match performance. Methods: Thirty-three male HNK Hajduk academy players (15–19 years) completed a nutrition questionnaire and a seven-day food diary, while performance metrics were analyzed using GPS tracking. Results: The results showed that sports nutrition knowledge was generally low (43.0 ± 17.0%), with significant misconceptions about carbohydrate fueling strategies. Players significantly overestimated their MD adherence, with a self-reported KIDMED index (6.06 ± 2.41) notably higher than the corrected score derived from food diaries (4.21 ± 2.53, p < 0.001). Carbohydrate intake was suboptimal on match-related days (3.64 g/kg on match day, 4.45 g/kg on the day before), failing to meet the recommended minimum of 6 g/kg per day. Regression analysis predicted that energy (β = 0.83; p = 0.02) and carbohydrate intake (β = 0.69; p = 0.03) on match day significantly predicted distance covered per minute, with a positive relationship observed for both outcomes, highlighting its impact on endurance. However, no significant relationship was found between carbohydrate intake and maximum sprint speed. Conclusions: These findings underscore the need for structured nutrition education within football academies to enhance players’ dietary habits and performance outcomes. Future research should focus on longitudinal interventions to assess how improved nutrition knowledge influences dietary adherence and athletic performance over time. Although knowledge of sports nutrition is fundamental, practical training and education to improve dietary competencies are crucial for athletes to effectively apply this knowledge in daily training and match preparations. Full article

Background: Maturation is a complex biological process affecting all tissues, organs, and systems, particularly during adolescence. The Peak Height Velocity (PHV) period, a hallmark of adolescent growth spurts, is associated with individual differentiations in the development of performance attributes amongst youth. Understanding the influence of sports participation on strength and power during the PHV period is essential for optimizing training outcomes and reducing injury risk. This scoping review synthesizes the literature on the strength and power development in athletes during the PHV period across various sports, highlighting the interaction between maturation, training, and performance outcomes. Methods: A systematic search of PubMed and Scopus, supplemented by manual searches, identified peer-reviewed studies from 2004 to 2025. The included longitudinal studies involved structured training and assessed strength-related performance during and around the PHV period. PRISMA-ScR guidelines were followed. Results: Twelve studies met the inclusion criteria. It is found that strength and power are significantly affected during the PHV period and participation in sports mitigates these effects. Training characteristics such as training frequency/volume and sport specificity were key factors. Early maturers often outperformed late maturers, though adolescent awkwardness temporarily reduced performance around PHV. Conclusions: Systematic participation in sports training can limit the phenomenon of adolescent awkwardness in the performance of strength and power. Hence, training programs should be tailored to maturity status, emphasizing skill development, strength training, and injury prevention. Future research should explore individualized training and the mechanisms underlying performance variability during the PHV period. Full article

Objective: To evaluate changes in the isokinetic concentric moment of the knee extensors and the moment–velocity curve during the application of no BFR compared to superimposed BFR. Methods: A total of 37 physically active adults [33.73 (10.96) years; 11 females] performed three sets of isokinetic concentric knee extensions, each including three angular velocities (300°/s, 210°/s, and 120°/s; BIODEX dynamometer). BFR at 40% (BFR40) and 80% (BFR80) of the maximal pressure occlusion (MPO) were applied randomly after an equal control protocol without BFR (BFR0). Results: No significant differences were found for any interaction between the BFR condition and angular velocity (p > 0.05); 109.78 ± 32.90 vs. 71.24 ± 11.18, 116.68 ± 27.29 vs. 74.40 ± 15.11, and 113.91 ± 28.43 vs. 72.95 ± 13.76 Nm at 300°/s; 137.60 ± 35.27 vs. 88.85 ± 15.23, 135.40 ± 33.04 vs. 86.32 ± 17.38, and 132.68 ± 31.99 vs. 85.39 ± 16.25 Nm at 210°/s; 177.62 ± 41.40 vs. 114.72 ± 20.10, 166.40 ± 45.39 vs. 198.14 ± 21.80, and 162.60 ± 40.10 vs. 109.09 ± 18.90 Nm at 120°/s, for BFR0, BFR40, and BFR80, respectively. There were significant differences in the interactions by gender. Conclusions: Superimposed application of BFR at 40% MPO and 80% MPO during an isokinetic knee extension did not cause any acute change in the ability to produce maximal moment or power. The use of BFR may not generate an ergogenic effect that is sufficient to cause acute changes in force production. Full article

Objectives: To evaluate how a 10-day multi-stressor field-training course—combining high physical and psycho-emotional demands, caloric restriction, and severe sleep deprivation—affects systemic oxidative/antioxidative status and biomarkers of nucleic-acid and skeletal-muscle damage in trained military cadets. Methods: Seventy-five healthy cadets (8 women, 67 men; 22–34 y) completed the course. Standardised operational rations (700–800 kcal day⁻¹) and two 20 min tactical naps per 24 h were enforced. Pre- and post-course venous blood was collected after an overnight fast. Plasma superoxide-dismutase activity (SOD), reduced and oxidised glutathione (GSH, GSSG), malondialdehyde (MDA), and hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) were quantified by colourimetric/fluorometric assays; 8-hydroxy-2-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) and myoglobin were measured by ELISA. The oxidative-stress index (OSI) was calculated as GSSG·GSH⁻¹. Within-subject differences were assessed with Wilcoxon signed-rank tests; associations between biomarker changes were explored by Spearman correlation. Results: After training, GSH (+175%, p < 0.001) and GSSG (+32%, p < 0.001) rose significantly, whereas SOD (−19%, p = 0.002), H₂O₂ (−20%, p = 0.015), MDA (−50%, p < 0.001), 8-OHdG (−23%, p < 0.001), and OSI (−47%, p < 0.001) declined. Myoglobin remained unchanged (p = 0.603). Reductions in MDA correlated inversely with increases in GSSG (rₛ = −0.25, p = 0.041), while H₂O₂ changes correlated positively with GSSG (rₛ = 0.25, p = 0.046), indicating a glutathione-driven adaptive response. Conclusions: Ten consecutive days of vigorous, calorie- and sleep-restricted field training elicited a favourable redox adaptation characterised by enhanced glutathione-mediated antioxidant capacity and lower circulating oxidant concentrations, without evidence of DNA or skeletal-muscle damage. The data suggest that, in physically prepared individuals, prolonged multi-stressor exposure can strengthen endogenous antioxidant defences rather than precipitate oxidative injury. Full article

Objectives: Resistance training can improve body composition and physical function during and after breast cancer treatment and improve quality of life. It is unclear whether these changes persist once a person is no longer actively enrolled in a structured exercise regimen. Thus, we analyzed participants from the EXERT-BC protocol, assessing an intense exercise regimen in women with breast cancer at one year. Methods: All the participants were asked to undergo reassessment at one year. Current exercise habits, injuries, changes in medical history, body composition, handgrip strength, functional mobility and balance, and patient-reported quality of life were assessed. Pairwise comparison was performed via the paired t test. Results: Out of 40 initial participants, 33 returned for reevaluation, with 6 lost to follow-up and 1 with unrelated hospitalization. The median age was 57.8 years, and stage at diagnosis was 1. Weekly exercise was reported by 16 participants (48.5%), with 14 of the 16 following structured resistance training. Between completion of the EXERT-BC and one year follow-up, five women (15.2%) experienced musculoskeletal injuries, which inhibited their ability to exercise. Three women (9%), who were no longer exercising experienced orthopedic injuries requiring medical intervention. The significant reduction in percent body fat, total body fat, excess fat, and increases in muscle mass, resting metabolic rate, and whole-body phase angle dissipated at 1 year. Activity levels and quality of life were no longer significantly improved. However, strength, mobility, and balance remained significantly improved versus pre-exercise measurements, whether a participant was still engaged in exercise or not. Conclusions: After a 3-month dose-escalated resistance training regimen, exercise compliance was poor at one year. The anthropomorphic benefits of the regimen regressed by one year; however, the improvements in strength, balance, and mobility persisted. Full article

Background/Objectives: Healthcare professions impose high physical and mental demands, potentially affecting health. Despite advocating for active lifestyles, many physiotherapists do not meet recommended physical activity levels (PALs). This study explores physical activity patterns and recreational engagement among practicing physiotherapists. Methods: A cross-sectional correlational design examined the relationship between physical activity and recreational participation among 60 physiotherapists (38 females, 22 males, mean age 38.62 ± 9.78 years). Data were collected using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire—Short Form (IPAQ-SF) and the Pittsburgh Enjoyable Activities Test (PEAT). The analysis focused on bivariate correlations between PAL, energy expenditure (MET), recreational habits (PEAT score), and sociodemographic and anthropometric variables. Results: The IPAQ-SF results indicated that 38.3% of participants had a low PAL, 40.0% a moderate level, and 21.7% a high level. Average energy expenditure was 1927.62 ± 1479.73 MET-minutes/week. PEAT data indicated moderate engagement in recreational activities (mean score: 22.63 ± 7.76), with participants predominantly involved in low-intensity, passive leisure. Significant positive correlations were observed between PEAT scores and both MET values (Kendall’s tau-b = 0.669, p ≤ 0.01) and PALs (Kendall’s tau-b = 0.804, p ≤ 0.01), indicating that higher engagement in recreational activities is associated with greater energy expenditure and overall physical activity levels. Conclusions: Despite the physical demands of their profession, many physiotherapists report low activity levels. The positive correlations between physical activity, energy expenditure, and recreational engagement highlight the need for structured exercise to support both personal health and professional integrity. Future research should include larger samples and objective assessments. Full article