Search Results (150)

Background/Objectives: This study aimed to quantify the kinetic demands of multiple hops in series, movement tasks that are commonly used in strength and conditioning and physiotherapeutic practice. Focus was placed on comparing the demands of a quintuple hop (QH) task to a triple hop (TH) task, with particular focus on quantifying the eccentric braking stretch-load demands. Methods: Forty-four male university athletes (age 20.1 ± 1.4 years; body mass 71.2 ± 8.6 kg; stature 171.9 ± 5.1 cm) completed the hopping tasks across 54× track-embedded force platforms, where braking and propulsion kinetics were measured. Results: Significant (p < 0.001) averaged increases in maximal vertical (~32%) and horizontal braking impulses (~56%) for both TH and QH tasks were noted across hops. The last two hops of the QH task were found to have greater averaged vertical (~58%) and horizontal (~180%) stretch-load demands than the two initial hops (p < 0.001). Conclusions: This is the first study where an extensive summary of kinetic measures for both TH and QH has been reported. The findings highlight the biomechanical, stretch-load aspects of these exercises, which can help practitioners better prescribe and program hops for injury prevention, rehabilitation, and performance enhancement. Full article

The present study aimed to characterize the vegetative growth and phenology of hop cultivars grown in successive seasons with artificial supplementation in a subtropical region. The experiment was conducted in Palotina, Paraná, Brazil (24° S) during the summer 2023–2024, winter 2024, and fall 2024–2025 growing seasons. LED lamps were used to extend the daily photoperiod to 17 h during the vegetative phase. The following hop cultivars were assessed: (a) Alpharoma; (b) Cascade; (c) Chinook; (d) Comet; (e) Dr. Rudi; (f) Hallertau Magnum; (g) Hallertau Mittelfruher; (h) Nugget; (i) Saaz; (j) Smooth; (k) Sorachi Ace; (l) Southern Cross; (m) Triple Pearl; (n) Yakima Gold; (o) Zeus. The assessed variables included plant height (Ht), hop growth rate (HGR), classification of four growth stages, number of lateral shoots, plant fresh mass, and phenology. Ht and HGR were analyzed by means of Gompertz and Gaussian regression models, respectively. The number of lateral shoots per plant and fresh mass were subjected to analysis of variance (ANOVA), and means were grouped using the Scott-Knott test (p < 0.01). Seasonal temperature fluctuations, associated with advancing age and plant establishment throughout successive cycles, acted as important modulating factors in vegetative growth and phenology. In the summer season (2023–2024), Cascade and Hallertau Magnum were characterized as early cultivars. In the winter season (2024), Chinook, Nugget, Saaz, and Zeus were classified as early cultivars, while in the fall season (2024–2025), Dr. Rudi, Sorachi Ace, and Zeus were also considered early hops. The vegetative growth Stage I was found to be critical for earliness classification. The phenological cycle variability was amplified during seasons with higher temperatures. The ‘Sorachi Ace’, ‘Triple Pearl’, and ‘Zeus’ hops were the only ones capable of completing the phenological cycle in all three harvest seasons, with ‘Sorachi Ace’ standing out due to its uniform, stable growth pattern regardless of the season. It is concluded that successive hop cultivation is technically viable for specific hop cultivars grown under subtropical conditions with supplemental lighting. Full article

The accelerated deployment of hydrogen technologies is widely discussed as a pathway to mitigate climate change and reduce environmental pollution associated with fossil fuel use. In this context, intermediate-temperature proton-exchange membranes that operate in the 120–200 °C window, similar to the one characterizing liquid-acid PAFC systems (much larger in their power range), are sought as a bridge between low-temperature PFSA-based PEMFCs and low-temperature PCFs, thus combining reduced sensitivity to external humidification with solid-electrolyte handling. This Part I review surveys phosphate- and silicate-based glassy proton conductors as single-anion baseline matrices and organizes the literature around a mechanistic screening framework that links processing fingerprints—particularly sol–gel hydrolysis/condensation conditions, aging, drying, and thermal treatment—to pore architecture, hydration state, and the dominant proton-transport regime. Across both families, conductivity is governed by coupled variables: network chemistry (acidic site density and connectivity), water activity (RH), and microstructure-controlled percolation and retention. Reported σ values can arise from fundamentally different regimes, ranging from hopping-dominated transport supported by dense hydrogen-bond networks and proton-bearing groups to carrier-assisted, water-mediated transport in connected porosity, with distinct humidity dependence and stability implications. Accordingly, the review treats σ(T,RH) and activation energy together with hydration/porosity indicators as primary screening metrics, and it records missing durability and device-level information—chemical stability (hydrolysis and leaching/acid migration), mechanical robustness and cycling response, and current/power density where available—as explicit knowledge gaps. While substantial progress has been achieved within single-anion phosphate and silicate glasses, particularly through engineered acidity and microstructural control, most systems remain limited by hydration drift under gradients, thermal/humidity cycling stability, and electrode/electrolyte interfacial constraints when evaluated against intermediate-temperature membrane requirements. These conclusions establish a quantitative baseline and comparison rules for Part II, which will assess mixed-network, composite, and hybrid strategies designed to decouple conductivity from water-retention and durability trade-offs. Full article

Background: Facial skin aging is a multifactorial process characterized by wrinkles, pigmentary alterations, reduced elasticity, and dermal structural changes, in which oxidative stress and low-grade inflammation play key roles. Polyphenols have gained interest in cosmetic science due to their antioxidant and skin-protective properties. Objective: We evaluated the antioxidant activity, clinical–instrumental performance, and tolerability of a topical cream containing 4% w/w Aliophen^®, a polyphenol-rich malt–hop extract, after 56 days of twice-daily application. Methods: Antioxidant activity was assessed in HaCaT keratinocytes exposed to tert-butyl hydroperoxide (tBHP, 500 μM), with intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) measured by DCFH-DA assay after Aliophen^® treatment (4–16 mg/mL). A prospective, single-center, open-label study included 20 women aged 45–65 years with facial aging signs. Instrumental assessments included wrinkle depth (PrimosCR SF), pigmentation (ITA°), skin biomechanics (Cutometer^® R0, R2), and dermal echogenicity (50 MHz ultrasound) at baseline, Day 28, and Day 56. A small subgroup with mild-to-moderate atopic skin (N = 5) was descriptively monitored using SCORAD. Results: Aliophen^® significantly reduced ROS in a dose-dependent manner. Wrinkle depth decreased at Day 28 (−8.1%; p = 0.003) and Day 56 (−15.9%; p < 0.001). ITA° increased (+11.5% and +18.2%; p ≤ 0.003). Skin biomechanics improved (R0 −5.3%; R2 +5.5%; p ≤ 0.004). Dermal echogenicity increased at Day 56 (+1.38; p = 0.002). SCORAD showed descriptive improvement. No serious adverse events occurred. Conclusions: A topical cream containing 4% Aliophen^® improved instrumental markers of facial aging with good tolerability, supporting further randomized, vehicle-controlled studies. Full article

Objective: This randomized controlled trial aimed to investigate how volume-matched unilateral and bilateral jump training affects physical performance in prepubertal and pubertal male youth soccer players and to examine whether maturational status influences these training adaptations. Methods: Sixty-five male soccer players (age 10.5 ± 2.9 years; height 136.7 ± 17.8 cm; body mass 32.8 ± 8.6 kg; maturity offset −1.6 ± 1.0 years) completed an 8-week training program (two sessions/week). Participants were randomly assigned to a bilateral jump group (n = 22), unilateral jump group (n = 22), or control group (n = 21). Performance was evaluated in a single testing session, which included horizontal jump tests (bilateral standing long jump and single-leg hop distance), linear sprint tests over 10 m (acceleration) and 30 m (maximal sprint performance) using timed trials, and change-of-direction (COD) ability assessed via a standardized timed COD test. Results: Significant main effects of time, maturation, and time × group interactions were observed for all outcomes (p ≤ 0.013). A maturation × group interaction was found for bilateral jump performance (p = 0.045), a group effect for 10 m sprint time (p = 0.015), and a time × maturation × group interaction for COD performance (p < 0.001). Both training groups had improved jump performance (jump distance) and 10 m sprint time across maturity levels, while no changes were observed in the control group. For 30 m sprint time, improvements were observed in both training groups in prepubertal players, whereas only the unilateral group showed improvements in pubertal players. COD performance (completion time) improved in the unilateral group at both maturity levels and in the bilateral group at the pubertal level. Conclusions: Structured jump training enhances horizontal jump distance, sprint performance, and COD ability in youth soccer players. Adaptations appear to be influenced by training modality and maturation, although these effects may vary depending on the specific performance task. Full article

Beer is an alcoholic beverage made primarily from malted cereals, water, hops, and yeast. Although barley is the most common cereal in brewing, corn malts are also used to produce beer in different countries. However, research on their production, physicochemical properties, and aging evolution is limited. In the present study, the evolution of various physicochemical features during the aging of six lager- and ale-fermented corn beers was investigated. Results after 18 months of aging showed decreases in most of the measured properties: total phenolics between 16 and 20%, antioxidant capacity between 17 and 23% by DPPH assay and 23–41% by ABTS assay, free anthocyanins between 38 and 55%, bitterness units between 32 and 42%, and SRM color and color intensity only dropped in lager beers, while in ale beers these properties increased. Finally, tonality increased in lager beers and one ale beer. This study enabled a more in-depth analysis of corn beer, focusing on the evolution of physicochemical properties during aging that are relevant to beer quality. Full article

Background: Restricted ankle dorsiflexion is common in basketball athletes and has been associated with altered lower-limb mechanics and reduced athletic performance. Although ankle joint mobilization is widely used to improve mobility, its effects on athletic performance remain unclear. The aim of this study was to examine whether adding posterior ankle joint mobilization to a structured exercise-based program incorporating eccentric strengthening and stretching improves ankle mobility and athletic performance in basketball athletes with restricted dorsiflexion. Primary outcomes were dorsiflexion range of motion (DF-ROM) and the Weight-Bearing Lunge Test (WBLT); secondary outcomes included jump performance, hop tests, Reactive Strength Index, Fatigue Index, and maximal isometric strength. Methods: In this randomized controlled trial, 38 basketball athletes (mean age 21.26 ± 2.52 years) with unilateral restricted ankle dorsiflexion were randomly allocated to an exercise-only group (n = 19) or to an exercise plus talocrural mobilization group (n = 19). The intervention lasted 5 weeks, with assessments performed at baseline, post-intervention, and at a 3-month follow-up. Results: Both groups improved ankle dorsiflexion; however, greater gains were observed in the intervention group for both dorsiflexion range of motion (DF-ROM; interaction p < 0.001; mean difference [MD] = 3.52° post-intervention and MD = 5.17° at follow-up) and the Weight-Bearing Lunge Test (WBLT; interaction p < 0.001; MD = 1.39 cm and MD = 1.34 cm, respectively). The intervention group showed superior improvements in countermovement jump and Triple Hop Test performance (both p < 0.001), as well as a small but statistically significant advantage in the Single Hop Test (p = 0.015). No between-group differences were found for the 6 m timed hop test, Reactive Strength Index, Fatigue Index, or maximal isometric strength (p > 0.05). Conclusions: Adding ankle joint mobilization to an eccentric strengthening and stretching program produced greater improvements in dorsiflexion and jump performance than exercise alone, without affecting speed, reactive ability, or maximal strength. Ankle mobilization may be a useful adjunct for improving functional mobility and selected performance outcomes in basketball athletes. Full article

Background: The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of an 8-week core training program on the lower-extremity, upper-extremity, and core strength of judokas. Methods: This study is based on a pre-test/post-test experimental design involving repeated measures and a control group. The study was conducted with the voluntary participation of 20 judo athletes (10 females and 10 males) aged between 18 and 22 years (mean age: 18.60 years; height: 163 cm; body weight: 59.40 kg; BMI: 22.30 kg/m²). Participants were divided into two groups: a control group that continued routine judo training and an experimental group that performed core training in addition to routine judo training. Participants performed Medial Push-Ups (MPUs) to assess upper-extremity muscle strength; sit-ups and Plank Tests (PTs) to assess core strength; five different Single-Leg Hop Tests (SLHTs) to assess lower-extremity muscle strength; and the Y Balance Test (YBT) to assess balance. These tests were conducted before and after the 8-week core training program. Results: PT performance improved significantly in both groups, with a significant group × time interaction (p < 0.001, η²p = 0.623), indicating greater improvement in the core training group compared to the control group. No significant interaction was observed for MPU and Sit-up tests; however, a significant main effect of time was detected for MPU (p = 0.032, η²p = 0.231), suggesting general improvements in both groups. For SLHT parameters, no significant group × time interactions were detected (p > 0.050); improvements were observed over time across groups. In balance performance, a significant group × time interaction was found only in the NDS postero-medial (PM) direction (p = 0.020, η²p = 0.267), whereas the other parameters demonstrated time-related improvements without between-group differences. Conclusions: Core stability training resulted in greater improvements in PT performance and influenced balance performance in the NDS PM direction. Improvements observed in other performance parameters appeared to be time-related rather than intervention-specific. Overall, core stability training may contribute to core endurance and certain aspects of lower-extremity function in judokas. Full article

Inter-Satellite Link (ISL) technology in GNSS constellations improves Monitoring and Control (M&C), data dissemination, and accuracy of ODTS products. ISL-enabled networks can distribute data via Single (SH) or Multiple Hop (MH) routing logics: this work analyzes the performance and robustness of a MH RTR (Real-Time Ring) network both in nominal conditions and in the presence of ISL payloads failures (e.g., due to aging). The KPIs are assessed under no ground intervention upon failure detection and with ground-initiated mitigation actions like contact replanning and satellite isolation. Performance is measured by data dissemination time from generation to target satellites. Recommendations for improving network strategies and future work are discussed. Full article

Background and Objectives: Lower-extremity injuries are common among female athletes; however, their multifactorial predictors remain insufficiently understood. Given the interplay between physiological and psychological readiness in athletic performance, identifying the factors that influence lower limb performance is crucial for effective injury prevention. This study aimed to evaluate the predictive effects of physiological (VO₂peak, anaerobic power, agility, and isokinetic strength) and psychological (resilience and self-efficacy) variables on functional performance related to risk of injury. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study included 60 athletes with a mean age of 24.5 ± 6.90 years and mean body mass index of 23.12 ± 3.6 kg/m² (range: 16–30 kg/m²). The testing protocol included anthropometric measurements, the Lower Extremity Functional Test (LEFT), Wingate anaerobic cycling test, assessments of aerobic capacity, isokinetic muscle strength, and jumping performance (Single-Leg Hop [SLH] and Standing Long Jump [SLJ] tests). Psychological assessments included the General Self-Efficacy Scale (GSES) and a resilience questionnaire. A hierarchical regression analysis was performed. Results: The participants trained 5 ± 2 days per week and had 42 ± 39 months of sports experience. The mean VO_2peak was 40.82 ± 5.8 mL·kg⁻¹·min⁻¹, relative anaerobic peak power was 7.53 ± 1.92 W/kg, and fatigue index was 60.63 ± 15.41%. The mean isokinetic knee extension and flexion torque were 184.55 ± 44.60 N·m and 95.08 ± 21.44 N·m, respectively, with a flexion-to-extension ratio of 53.5%. The mean LEFT completion time was 160 ± 22 s. The participants demonstrated moderate resilience (BRS = 21 ± 4) and good self-efficacy (GSES = 33 ± 7.5). Among the psychological variables, GSES exhibited a modest negative correlation with LEFT (r = −0.28, p = 0.02). No significant associations were found between LEFT and psychological resilience. Longer LEFT completion times were associated with lower VO_2peak, mean power, and jump distance (p < 0.01). In the final model (R² = 0.58, p = 0.02), SLH (β = −0.54), VO_2peak (β = −10.32), and GSES (β = −0.70) were the strongest independent predictors of LEFT performance. Conclusions: SLH distance, VO_2peak, and general self-efficacy are key predictors of functional performance on the LEFT among female athletes. These factors may serve as practical indicators for identifying athletes who could benefit from targeted injury prevention programs. Full article

Background and Objectives: Recent research has highlighted the importance of examining risk factors and their complex interrelationships in the development of lower limb injuries. This study aimed to investigate the direct, indirect, and mediating effects of endogenous neuromuscular and psychological risk factors on the incidence of non-contact lower limb injuries in football players. Materials and Methods: A sample of ninety-seven male football players underwent a structured preseason, on-field assessment. Demographic characteristics, injury history, and athlete burnout were collected through standardized questionnaires. Preseason evaluations included assessments of lower limb flexibility; isometric strength assessment of hamstring, hip abductors, and quadriceps using a handheld dynamometer; hamstring and core endurance; and the single-leg triple hop for distance test. All non-contact lower limb injuries were prospectively recorded throughout the competitive season. Partial Least Squares Structural Equation Modeling (PLS-SEM) method was applied to examine both direct and indirect associations between preseason risk factors and injury incidence. Results: Lower limb strength asymmetries (path coefficient (PC) 0.293, p = 0.004) and previous injuries (PC 0.233, p = 0.015) exhibited the strongest direct effects on the occurrence of new non-contact lower limb injuries. In addition, age acted as a moderating factor, amplifying the effect of lower limb strength asymmetries on injury risk. Moreover, previous injuries demonstrated both direct and indirect effects on neuromuscular characteristics and perceived burnout. Core and hamstring endurance tended to influence new injuries indirectly through strength asymmetries and were significantly affected by hamstring strength (PC 0.248, p = 0.015) and prior injuries (PC −0.207, p = 0.029). Conclusions: Injury prevention strategies should prioritize the improvement of core and hamstring endurance and the reduction in lower limb Strength Asymmetries, particularly among older football players. Furthermore, individualized preventive interventions for athletes with a previous history of injury are strongly recommended. Full article

Background/Objective: Kinesiology tape (KT) is commonly used in sports medicine and rehabilitation, but its impact on muscle strength over time remains unclear. Female futsal athletes experience high quadriceps demands and are at risk of anterior cruciate ligament injury; however, this population remains understudied. The purpose of this study was to investigate the longitudinal effect of repeated kinesiology taping applications on quadriceps muscle strength and lower limb function in female futsal players. Method: A longitudinal pilot randomized controlled trial was conducted during the Saudi Universities Sports Federation Futsal Championship. Twelve female athletes (aged 19–25 years) were randomly allocated to a KT (n = 6) or control group (n = 6). The KT protocol followed the standardized quadriceps facilitation guidelines and was applied repeatedly over 30 days. We measured isometric strength (hand-held dynamometer), eccentric/concentric torque and power (Biodex System), and functional performance (single-leg hop). Nonparametric tests (Wilcoxon signed-rank and Mann–Whitney U) and mixed ANOVA were used for analysis. Result: Post-intervention, the KT group demonstrated significant improvements in isometric strength (p = 0.03, r = 0.90), eccentric/concentric strength (p = 0.03, r = 0.90), and lower limb function (p = 0.03, r = 0.90). The between-group comparisons showed significant advantages for the KT group in isometric (p = 0.01, r = 0.83) and eccentric/concentric strength (p < 0.05, r = 0.67–0.74), but not in lower limb function (p = 0.20, r = 0.37). Conclusions: Repeated kinesiology taping over a 30-day period led to statistically greater longitudinal improvements in quadriceps muscle strength but did not affect functional performance. Kinesiology taping represents a non-invasive, low-cost treatment option for quadriceps strength measures in sports characterized by higher demands on the quadriceps, especially for female athletes with contributing injury risks. Further trials with more participants and a longer follow-up should be conducted. Full article

In dynamic, high-interference industrial and logistics environments, multi-AGV cooperative tasks are often affected by communication delays and data loss, leading to information staleness and reduced control accuracy. Traditional handshake frequency hopping communication strategies introduce additional overhead in high-load environments, and channel selection strategies struggle to adapt to dynamic changes. To address challenges related to communication delay, task coordination, and real-time information exchange, we propose a control and communication co-optimization method based on a nonlinear Age of Information (AoI) penalty and an adaptive handshake frequency hopping mechanism. The method constructs a coupled control-communication model, designs an adaptive handshake period and multi-channel frequency hopping strategy to reduce channel conflicts, and introduces a nonlinear AoI penalty function that prioritizes the update of critical timely information, improving communication success rates and path control accuracy. Furthermore, by integrating the differential dynamics model, state estimation under communication delay and control error modeling, we propose a cooperative optimization algorithm for perception control and communication based on nonlinear AoI optimization (PPO-CCBNA). The algorithm achieves efficient solution based on approximate policy optimization (PPO). Simulation results demonstrate that PPO-CCBNA significantly outperforms benchmark algorithms in communication success rates, control stability, and energy efficiency, validating its effectiveness and feasibility in complex multi-AGV cooperative tasks. Full article

This study compared the effects of core (CTG) or mobility training (MTG) on basketball-specific skills in youth players, focusing on dynamic balance. Both training modalities have a recognized role in enhancing performance, but few studies have examined their impact on this population. Thirty-one young (age 14.71 ± 2.27 years) males were assigned to an 8-week CTG or MTG. Overhead Squat, Y-Balance Test, Agility T-Test, Sit-and-Reach, Functional Hop Tests, and the Balance Error Scoring System were assessed before (pre) and after (post) the intervention for both dominant (D) and non-dominant (ND) limbs. Both groups improved the postero-lateral direction of the Y-Balance Test for the D (CTG, MD [95% CIs] = −8.108 [−15.620, −0.595], p = 0.035; MTG, MD [95% CIs] = −15.234 [−23.512, −6.956], p = 0.024) and ND (CTG, MD [95% CIs] = −9.110 [−16.150, −2.070], p = 0.013; MTG MD [95% CIs] = −13.899 [−21.657, −6.141], p = 0.001) limb and the medial reach for D (CTG, MD [95% CIs] = −17.279 [−26.364, −8.194], p = 0.001; MTG, MD [95% CIs] = −22.050 [−32.061, −12.039], p = 0.03) and ND (CTG, MD [95% CIs] = −9.309 [−17.093, −1.526], p = 0.021; MTG, MD [95% CIs] = −13.614 [−22.190, −5.037], p = 0.003), the Overhead Squat Test (CTG, MD [95% CIs] = −3.059 [−3.797, −2.321], p = 0.001; MTG, MD [95% CIs] = −3.643 [−4.456, −2.830], p = 0.001), and Agility T-Test (CTG, MD [95% CIs] = 0.572 [0.072, 1.073], p = 0.026; MTG, MD [95% CIs] = 0.696 [0.145, 1.248], p = 0.024) skills. Only CTG showed a significant improvement (MD [95% CIs] = −8.294 [−16.162, −0.426], p = 0.04) in single-leg hop performance for the ND limb. No significant improvements were observed in static balance or flexibility. No time × group effect was found. Both interventions improved key basketball-specific motor abilities and could be added to the basketball training session without adverse effect. Full article

Background/Objectives: This study aimed to compare clinical and functional outcomes of anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) using peroneus longus tendon (PLT) versus hamstring tendon (HT) autografts in matched cohorts. Materials and Methods: A retrospective matched cohort study with 1:1 nearest-neighbor matching without replacement on sex (exact), age (±3 years), and time to last follow-up (closest match) was performed on consecutive primary single-bundle ACLR cases. After exclusions and follow-up completion, 77 PLT patients were matched 1:1 with 82 HT patients based on age, sex, and follow-up. Outcomes included the International Knee Documentation Committee (IKDC) Subjective Knee Evaluation Form, Lysholm Knee Score, Tegner Activity Scale, Tampa Scale for Kinesiophobia, knee range of motion, manual strength testing, stability tests, limb circumferences, and the Single-Leg Hop test. Additionally, ankle-specific function in the PLT group was assessed using the AOFAS and FADI scores. Results: Graft diameter was larger with PLT (8.5 ± 0.6 mm) than with HT (8.1 ± 0.7 mm; p = 0.003). Both groups demonstrated significant improvement from the preoperative to the postoperative period on the IKDC, Lysholm, and Tegner scores (all p < 0.001). Between groups, postoperative IKDC and Lysholm scores were comparable (both p > 0.05), and Tegner scores did not differ significantly (p > 0.05). Knee flexion loss was less frequent (9.1% vs. 68.3%; p = 0.001), and knee flexion strength was higher (4.7 ± 0.5 vs. 4.0 ± 0.8; p = 0.001) in PLT. Stability tests, LSI, extension strength, and limb circumferences were similar (all p > 0.05). Saphenous nerve symptoms were less frequent with PLT (13.0% vs. 29.3%; p = 0.010). Ankle function in PLT was preserved (AOFAS 96.9 ± 7.9; FADI 97.4 ± 8.5) with mild eversion limitation in 3 patients (3.9%). Re-rupture rates were low and did not differ significantly between groups (p > 0.05). Infections occurred only after HT, yielding a between-group difference (p = 0.030). Conclusions: PLT autografts provide clinical and functional outcomes comparable to those of HT, with advantages including a larger graft diameter, better preservation of knee flexion function, fewer symptoms related to the saphenous nerve, and excellent ankle outcomes. PLT is a safe and effective alternative for primary ACLR. Full article