Search Results (377)

Female soccer is rapidly becoming a widely practiced sport at different levels: this opens up a new demand for systems meant to protect athletes from head impacts or to monitor their effects. The market is offering some solutions in similar sports, but the specificity and high relevance of soccer encourage the development of a dedicated solution. From market analysis, technology scouting, and ethnographic research a set of functional and technical requirements have been defined and proposed. The designed instrumented head band is equipped with one Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU) in the occipital area and four contact pressure sensors on the sides. The concept design is low-cost and open-architecture, prioritizing accessibility over complexity. The modularity also ensures that each component (sensing, battery, communication) can be replaced or upgraded independently, enabling iterative refinement and integration into future sports safety systems. In addition to safety monitoring for injury prevention or detection of the traumatic impact, the system is relevant for supporting performance monitoring, rehabilitation or post-injury recovery and other important applications. System engineering has started and the next step is building the prototypes for testing and validation. Full article

Background: Walking cadence is commonly adjusted in sport and rehabilitation, yet its effects on spatiotemporal gait parameters and regional plantar pressure distribution under controlled speed conditions remain incompletely characterized. Therefore, this study aimed to determine whether imposed cadence increases at a constant walking speed would (i) systematically reduce temporal gait parameters while preserving inter-limb symmetry and (ii) be associated with region-specific increases in forefoot plantar loading, representing the primary novel contribution of this work. Methods: Fifty-two adults walked at three imposed cadences (110, 120, 130 steps·min⁻¹) while maintaining a fixed treadmill speed of 1.39 m·s⁻¹ via auditory biofeedback. Spatiotemporal parameters were recorded with an OptoGait system, and plantar pressure distribution was measured using in-shoe pressure insoles. Normally distributed variables were analyzed using repeated-measures ANOVA, whereas plantar pressure metrics were assessed using the Friedman test, followed by Wilcoxon signed-rank post-hoc comparisons with false discovery rate (FDR) correction. Associations between temporal parameters and plantar loading metrics (peak pressure, pressure–time integral) were examined using Spearman’s rank correlation with FDR correction (α = 0.05). Results: Increasing cadence produced progressive reductions in gait cycle duration (~8–10%), contact time (~7–8%), and step time (all p < 0.01), while inter-limb symmetry indices remained below 2% across conditions. Peak plantar pressure increased significantly in several forefoot regions with increasing cadence (all p_FDR < 0.05), whereas changes in the first ray were less consistent across conditions. Regional forefoot pressure–time integral also increased modestly with higher cadence (p_FDR < 0.01). Spearman’s correlations revealed moderate negative associations between temporal gait parameters and global plantar loading metrics (ρ = −0.38 to −0.46, all p_FDR < 0.05). Conclusions: At a constant walking speed, increasing cadence systematically shortens temporal gait components and is associated with small but consistent region-specific increases in forefoot plantar loading. These findings highlight cadence as a key temporal constraint shaping plantar loading patterns during steady-state walking and support the existence of concurrent temporal–mechanical adaptations. Full article

The combination of nanogenerator technology and traditional textile materials has given rise to textile-based triboelectric nanogenerators (T-TENGs) structured from fibers, yarns, and fabrics. Due to their lightweight, flexibility, washability, and cost-effectiveness, T-TENGs offer a promising platform for powering and sensing in next-generation wearable electronics, with particularly significant potential in smart healthcare and sports monitoring. However, the inherent electrical and structural limitations of textile materials often restrict their power output, signal stability, and sensing range, making it challenging to achieve both high electrical performance and high sensing sensitivity. This review focuses on the application of T-TENGs in smart healthcare and sports. It systematically presents recent developments in textile material selection, sensing structure, fabric design, working mechanisms, accuracy optimization, and practical application scenarios. Furthermore, it provides a critical analysis of the recurring structural and material limitations that constrain performance and offers constructive pathways to address them. Key challenges such as the low charge density of textile interfaces may be mitigated by selecting low-hygroscopicity materials, applying hydrophobic treatments, and optimizing textile structures to enhance contact efficiency and environmental stability. Issues of signal instability under dynamic deformation call for advanced structural designs that accommodate strain without compromising electrical pathways, coupled with robust signal processing algorithms. By providing a comparative analysis across materials and structures, this review aims to inform future designs and accelerate the translation of high-performance T-TENGs from laboratory research to real-world implementation. Full article

Aim: Traumatic dental injuries (TDI) in children are a common but often underestimated emergency. Parental knowledge and timely response are crucial for successful treatment. This study aimed to evaluate parental knowledge, experiences, and awareness regarding dental trauma management and the use of protective mouthguards. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted using a self-administered questionnaire among 333 parents in dental clinics in Split and Zagreb, Croatia. The questionnaire assessed sociodemographic data, parental knowledge of TDIs, and prior experience with dental trauma. Statistical analysis included chi-square test (p < 0.05). Results: The overall level of parental knowledge regarding traumatic dental injuries was generally low (7.6 out of 15 points). Almost all parents correctly identified the age when children have primary or permanent teeth. However, less than half knew that an avulsed primary tooth should not be replanted, while about three-quarters recognized that professional help should be sought within 30 min after trauma. Overall, 43.5% of parents reported that their child had experienced dental trauma, most often affecting primary teeth (60.7%), particularly the maxillary central incisor (76.6%). Mothers demonstrated significantly higher knowledge than fathers (p = 0.025), and prior experience or information about dental trauma significantly improved awareness (p < 0.001). Although 54.3% of respondents were unaware of the purpose of dental shields, 82.3% considered them necessary during contact sports, yet only 12.9% reported that their child actually uses them. Conclusions: Within the limitations of this clinic-based study, the findings indicate gaps in parental knowledge regarding the appropriate management of dental trauma. Strengthening parents’ understanding of emergency response and preventive measures may support timelier and appropriate care and contribute to improved outcomes for children experiencing traumatic dental injuries. Full article

Kabaddi is a contact sport that demands high physical fitness and specific technical skills. Although multiple training programs have been designed to improve performance, no systematic review had previously synthesized their effects on physical, physiological, and performance-related outcomes. This systematic review of randomized controlled trials aimed to evaluate the impact of different training interventions on physical fitness, physiological parameters, and sport performance in kabaddi players. A systematic review was performed in the Web of Science, PubMed, and Scopus databases up to May 2025. Randomized controlled trials analyzing training interventions in kabaddi players were included. Ten studies with a total of 458 participants were included. Interventions lasted between 6 and 12 weeks and comprised modalities such as strength training, plyometrics, combined training, circuit training, SAQ (speed, agility, and quickness), and Tabata. Nine studies reported significant within-group improvements in variables such as strength, speed, agility, and flexibility. In studies with between-group comparisons, training interventions could be more effective than control conditions. One study also reported improvements in physiological and hematological parameters. Overall, training interventions in kabaddi players may improve physical fitness, sport-specific performance, and certain physiological and hematological parameters. However, the evidence should be interpreted with caution given the predominantly fair methodological quality of the included trials. PROSPERO (CRD420251272758). Full article

Background: The integration of markerless motion capture systems such as OpenCap with force platforms expands the possibilities of biomechanical analysis in low-cost environments; however, it requires robust temporal synchronization procedures in the absence of shared hardware triggers. Objective: To develop and validate an automatic synchronization algorithm based on heel kinematic events to align OpenCap data with force platform signals during lower-limb functional exercises. Methods: Thirty normal-weight adult women (18–45 years) were evaluated while performing between 11 and 14 functional tasks (60° and 90° squats, lunges, sliding variations, and step exercises), yielding 330 motion records. Kinematics were estimated using OpenCap (four iPhone 12 cameras at 60 Hz), and kinetics were recorded using BTS P6000 force platforms synchronized with an OptiTrack system (Gold Standard). The algorithm detected heel contact from the filtered vertical coordinate and aligned this event with the initial rise in vertical ground reaction force. Validation against the Gold Standard was performed in 20 squat repetitions (10 at 60° and 10 at 90°) using Pearson correlation, RMSE, and MAE of the time-normalized and amplitude-normalized (0–1) vertical ground reaction force (vGRF). Results: The algorithm successfully synchronized 92.5% of the 330 records; the remaining cases showed kinematic noise or additional steps that prevented robust event detection. During validation, correlations were r = 0.85 (60°) and r = 0.81 (90°), with Root Mean Square Error (RMSE) < 0.17 and Mean Absolute Error (MAE) < 0.14, values representing less than 0.1% of the peak force. Conclusions: The heel-contact-based algorithm allows accurate synchronization of OpenCap and force platform signals during lower-limb functional exercises, achieving performance comparable to hardware-synchronized systems. This approach facilitates the integration of markerless motion capture in clinical, sports, and occupational settings where advanced dynamic analysis is required with limited infrastructure. Full article

This article reviews recent advances in microwave and radar techniques for non-contact measurement of human vital signs in dynamic conditions. The focus is on solutions that work when the subject is moving or performing everyday activities, rather than lying motionless in clinical settings. This review covers innovative biodegradable and flexible antenna designs for wearable devices operating in multiple frequency bands and supporting efficient 5G/IoT connectivity. Particular attention is paid to ultra-wideband (UWB) radar, Doppler sensors, and microwave reflectometry combined with advanced signal-processing and deep learning algorithms for robust estimation of respiration, heart rate, and other cardiopulmonary parameters in the presence of body motion. Applications in telemedicine, home monitoring, sports, and search and rescue are discussed, including localization of people trapped under rubble by detecting their vital sign signatures at a distance. This paper also highlights key challenges such as inter-subject anatomical variability, motion artifacts, hardware miniaturization, and energy efficiency, which still limit widespread deployment. Finally, related developments in microwave imaging and early detection of pathological tissue changes are briefly outlined, highlighting the shared components and processing methods. In general, microwave techniques show strong potential for unobtrusive, continuous, and environmentally sustainable monitoring of human physiological activity, supporting future healthcare and safety systems. Full article

Background: Ground contact (GC) detection is essential for sprint performance analysis. Inertial measurement units (IMUs) enable field-based assessment, but their reliability during sprint acceleration remains limited when using heuristic and recently used machine learning algorithms. This study introduces a deep learning one-dimensional convolutional neural network (1D-CNN) to improve GC event and GC times detection in sprint acceleration. Methods: Twelve sprint-trained athletes performed 60 m sprints while bilateral shank-mounted IMUs (1125 Hz) and synchronized high-speed video (250 Hz) captured the first 15 m. Video-derived GC events served as reference labels for model training, validation, and testing, using resultant acceleration and angular velocity as model inputs. Results: The optimized model (18 inception blocks, window = 100, stride = 15) achieved mean Hausdorff distances ≤ 6 ms and 100% precision and recall for both validation and test datasets (Rand Index ≥ 0.977). Agreement with video references was excellent (bias < 1 ms, limits of agreement ± 15 ms, r > 0.90, p < 0.001). Conclusions: The 1D-CNN surpassed heuristic and prior machine learning approaches in the sprint acceleration phase, offering robust, near-perfect GC detection. These findings highlight the promise of deep learning-based time-series models for reliable, real-world biomechanical monitoring in sprint acceleration tasks. Full article

Aim: This study aimed to assess self-reported oral and orofacial health, hygiene habits, and oral health knowledge among Croatian athletes, and to determine factors influencing that knowledge. Differences between contact and non-contact sports, as well as the occurrence of dental trauma and temporomandibular joint (TMJ) symptoms, were also examined. Methods: A cross-sectional, questionnaire-based study was conducted among 1007 athletes (56% male, 44% female) aged 18–42 years, recruited through national sports federations and university sports clubs. The instrument comprised 85 items divided into five domains: sociodemographic data, oral hygiene habits, self-assessed oral health, TMJ symptoms, and oral health knowledge. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics, Chi-square and Fisher’s exact tests, and generalised linear modelling (p < 0.05). Results: Athletes demonstrated moderate oral health knowledge (mean score 11.3 ± 4.4/18). While 92.2% recognised that poor oral hygiene leads to caries and periodontitis, only 52.4% correctly identified the ideal time to replant an avulsed tooth. Female participants, older age groups, and those with higher education had significantly better knowledge (p ≤ 0.05). Recreational athletes scored higher than amateurs (p = 0.002), and those with prior dental trauma experience also showed greater awareness (p = 0.028). No significant difference was found between contact and non-contact sports (p = 0.287). Despite good brushing habits (86.9% brushed twice daily), only 25.4% regularly used dental floss or interdental brushes. A small proportion of athletes reported symptoms related to temporomandibular joint function, most commonly joint clicking (18.2%), tooth wear (13.4%), and nocturnal bruxism (14.3%). There were no significant differences between contact and non-contact sports, except for muscle stiffness near the temples (p = 0.024) and daytime or stress-related teeth grinding (p = 0.013 and p = 0.018). Conclusions: Croatian athletes demonstrated moderate oral health knowledge and satisfactory hygiene habits, but preventive practices remain inadequate. Education level, gender, and previous dental trauma were key determinants of knowledge. Systematic preventive programmes and targeted education are necessary to improve oral health awareness in sports populations. Full article

Objectives: Strong cervical musculature is recognized as a protective factor against sports-related concussions. Evidence suggests that jaw clenching may activate cervical muscles, potentially reducing head acceleration during impact. Methods: This observational cohort study examined the immediate effects of a customized interocclusal orthotic (CIO) on cervical muscle performance. Forty-two healthy adults (≥18 years) underwent strength and endurance testing with and without a CIO using a digital pressure gauge and six directional isometric contractions. Descriptive statistics and two-way repeated-measures MANOVA models were applied to evaluate condition effects. Results: CIO use produced significant improvements in cervical muscle strength and endurance across all directions compared to non-use. Forward flexion strength increased by 12.96% (p < 0.001, ηp² = 0.185), backward extension by 10.34% (p = 0.017, ηp² = 0.091), right rotation by 19.03% (p < 0.001, ηp² = 0.333) and left rotation by 19.86% (p < 0.001, ηp² = 0.353). Endurance gains demonstrated large effect sizes, with flexor endurance improving by 44.57% (p < 0.001, ηp² = 0.447). Conclusions: Optimized jaw alignment using a customized orthotic can elicit immediate, clinically meaningful enhancements in cervical strength and endurance, suggesting a promising adjunct for concussion risk mitigation in contact sports. Full article

This article presents the results of research on UV-curable epoxy coatings developed with selected plant modifiers such as garlic (Allium sativum), turmeric (Curcuma longa), common nettle (Urtica dioica), and privet (Ligustrum vulgare). This study aimed to evaluate the influence of these natural components on the functional properties of UV-cured coatings and to assess their potential as bio-based modifiers. The coatings were formulated using Epidian^® 5 epoxy resin, a safe and non-toxic material approved for food-contact applications, and cured with a commercial cationic photoinitiator. Their mechanical, surface, optical, and antibacterial properties were investigated. The results showed that all plant-based additives modified both the mechanical and esthetic characteristics of the coatings; however, garlic demonstrated outstanding antibacterial activity, achieving nearly complete inhibition of Staphylococcus aureus growth with a reduction rate of 99.998%. These findings highlight that natural modifiers, especially garlic, can serve as highly effective functional components, while future work should focus on implementing these coatings for surfaces exposed to bacteria, such as public utility items and shop, hospital, sports, and rehabilitation equipment. Full article

This study investigates the effects of a structured motor intervention program on the development of lower limb strength in junior athletes practicing Greco-Roman wrestling. Recognizing the crucial role of explosive strength in performing technical and decisive actions during combat, the research introduces a progressive, applied training protocol tailored to the neuromotor development of children aged 10 to 12 years (control group: M = 11.14, SD = 1.10; experimental group: M = 11.07, SD = 0.83). Conducted over 17 months, the study involved two groups of 14 registered wrestlers each from School Sports Club No. 5 in Bucharest. The experimental group participated in a complementary motor training program emphasizing plyometric drills, bodyweight strength exercises, and wrestling-specific movements, while the control group continued with the standard training routine. The intervention’s impact was evaluated using the OptoJump Next system, a biomechanical analysis tool measuring key indicators of explosive strength—jump height, ground contact time, flight time, and reactive strength index (RSI)—through the single-leg counter-movement jump (CMJ) test. Comparative analysis of pre- and post-intervention results showed significant improvements in neuromotor performance among athletes in the experimental group, confirming the effectiveness of the proposed methodology. This research thus provides a reproducible, evidence-based intervention model with direct applicability in optimizing the training of young Greco-Roman wrestlers. Full article

With continued advancement in flooring technology, modular sports flooring tiles have emerged as a potential alternative flooring solution for sports performance. However, there is limited empirical evidence regarding their effects on ground reaction forces in landing tasks (GRFs). Therefore, the aim of this study was to assess the effects of flooring surface on peak GRFs during bilateral drop landings. Eighteen physically active adults (10 males, 8 females) completed three bilateral drop landings from a 50 cm height across each of three flooring types: modular sport tiles, athletic track, and bare force plates, measuring contacts from both the left and right limb. GRFs were captured using two in-ground force platforms, normalised to body mass, and then analysed using a linear mixed-effects model with post-hoc comparisons where significant interactions were recorded. Peak anterior GRFs were significantly lower in the modular tiles compared with athletic sports track and bare metal surfaces (p < 0.001, η²_p ≥ 0.430). Additionally, anterior (p = 0.048, η²_p = 0.040), lateral (p < 0.001, η²_p = 0.280), and vertical (p = 0.001, η²_p = 0.100) GRFs were significantly greater in the right limb compared with the left limb within each flooring surface condition. Future research should investigate sport-specific movement patterns and long-term adaptations associated with training on modular surfaces to assess their potential role in enhancing performance and mitigating injuries. Full article

To investigate the characteristic pressure distribution patterns when gripping ski poles during skiing, this study addresses the challenges of measuring grip force on the complex curved surfaces of ski poles. A dataset of experimental samples was established, and grip force data were extracted using deep neural network (DNN) training. To reduce errors caused by dynamic force distribution and domain shifts due to varying hand postures, a hybrid method combining deep neural networks with the bio-inspired Gray Wolf Optimization (GWO) algorithm was proposed. This approach enables the fusion of hand-related feature data, facilitating the development of a high-precision grip force prediction model for skiing. A multi-point flexible array sensor was selected to detect force at key contact points. Through system calibration, grip force data were collected and used to construct a comprehensive database. A backpropagation (BP) neural network was then developed to process the sensor data at these characteristic points using deep learning techniques. The data fusion model was trained and further optimized through the GWO-BPNN (Gray Wolf Optimizer–backpropagation neural network) algorithm, which focuses on correcting and classifying force data based on dominant force-bearing units. Experimental results show that the optimized model achieves a relative error of less than 2% compared to calibration experiments, significantly improving the accuracy of flexible sensor applications. This model has been successfully applied to the development of intelligent skiing gloves, offering a scientific foundation for performance guidance and evaluation in skiing sports. Full article

Long-term effects of concussions, particularly in contact sport athletes, have been linked to changes in neuronal health. Lipid dysregulation has emerged as a potential contributor to neuronal injury and may serve as a measurable biomarker of brain pathology. This study investigated cognitive scores and serum lipid biomarkers in retired rugby players with a history of concussion to assess their association with concussion exposure. Serum levels of 24-hydroxycholesterol (24-HC), 25-HC, 27-HC, total triglycerides, and ceramide were compared between retired rugby players with a history of repeated concussions (n = 26) and non-contact sport controls (n = 19). ELISA-based quantification and statistical analyses identified significant group differences. Concussed athletes exhibited significantly lower serum 24-HC and significantly higher levels of 27-HC, triglycerides, and ceramide compared to controls, while no significant difference was observed for 25-HC. These findings indicate that repeated concussion is associated with reductions in cognitive performance and persistent alterations in serum lipid profiles. The observed lipid changes, particularly in 24-HC, 27-HC, ceramide, and triglycerides, may serve as measurable biomarkers of concussion-related biochemical alterations, providing a foundation for future studies aimed at monitoring neurological health in at-risk populations. Full article