Search Results (195)

Background/Objectives: The role of body composition in sports performance has been widely studied, particularly in soccer. Understanding how anthropometric characteristics impact movement efficiency and neuromuscular performance is crucial for optimizing player performance. This study examined the relationship between body composition and locomotor performance in elite soccer players. Methods: Thirty-six male soccer players from the Mexican National Team participated in the study, where body composition was assessed using surface anthropometry. Players underwent tests to measure countermovement jump (CMJ) performance, sprinting speed, maximum acceleration, and distance covered during two games of the CONCACAF Nations League quarterfinals. Correlation matrices were created to identify the most significant associations, followed by generalized linear models (GLMs) to associate body composition variables with performance metrics. Results: Anthropometric profile tables were created by playing position. Higher body fat percentage (%BF) was associated with lower performance. Specifically, higher %BF was associated with slower sprint speed (B = −0.74 m/s, p < 0.001) and shorter distance covered (B = −4.86 m/min, p < 0.001). Conversely, greater muscularity, reflected by corrected girth values for the thigh and calf, was associated with improved CMJ performance. Thigh corrected girth was positively associated with concentric mean force (B = 48.85 N, p < 0.001), and calf corrected girth was positively associated with peak power (B = 240.50 W, p < 0.001). These findings underscore the importance of low body fat and high lean mass for efficient movement. Conclusions: The results highlight the critical role of body composition in enhancing soccer performance, particularly for explosive movements like jumps, sprints, and accelerations. This study suggests that monitoring and optimizing body composition should be a central focus of nutrition, training, and conditioning strategies, adapted to the specific positional demands of professional soccer. Full article

The aim was to investigate effects of various proportions (0 to 20%) of fermented rapeseed meal (FRSM) on performance, intestinal health, and antioxidant status in Sansui ducks (Sansui Sheldrake ducks). A total of 350 male ducklings, 15 d old, were allocated into five dietary treatments with seven replicate pens of 10 birds per pen. The starter diets had 0, 5, 10, 15, or 20% FRSM that contained 0, 1.08, 2.17, 3.25, or 4.34 µmol glucosinolates (GLS/g of complete feed, respectively, fed from d 15 to d 35. The average daily feed intake (ADFI) and feed conversion ratio (FCR) from d 15 to 35 increased linearly with the dietary FRSM inclusion, with the ducks fed 15 or 20% FRSM diets having higher (p < 0.05) ADFIs and FCRs than the ducks fed 0% FRSM. The dietary FRSM inclusion levels of up to 15% were accompanied by decreased catalase (CAT) and antioxidant capacity (AOC) activities in the livers and jejunum of the ducks at d 35. In addition, the 20% FRSM (4.34 µmol GLS/g diet) decreased the villus height, crypt depth, muscular thickness, and goblet cell counts in the jejunum and ileum. In conclusion, 15 or 20% dietary FRSM (3.25 or 4.34 µmol GLS/g diet) during the grower period in Sansui ducks decreased feed efficiency, disrupted hepatic antioxidant balance, and impaired intestinal morphology and structure. The FRSM inclusion of ≥15% (3.25 µmol glucosinolates/g) impaired feed efficiency and antioxidant activity, while the 20% FRSM (4.34 µmol glucosinolates/g) induced intestinal damage in the growing Sansui ducks. Full article

Background/Objectives: The projected rise in limb amputations highlights the need for advancements in prosthetic technology. Current transtibial prosthetic designs primarily focus on sagittal plane kinematics but often neglect both the ankle kinematics and kinetics in the coronal plane, and the metatarsophalangeal joint, which play critical roles in gait stability and efficiency. This study aims to evaluate the combined effects of compliance in the coronal plane and a flexible toe joint on prosthetic gait using non-amputated participants as a model. Methods: We conducted gait trials on ten non-amputated individuals in the presence and absence of compliance in the coronal plane and toe compliance, using a previously developed three-degree-of-freedom (DOF) prosthetic foot with a prosthetic simulator. We recorded and analyzed sagittal and coronal kinematic data, ground reaction forces, and electromyographic signals from muscles involved in the control of gait. Results: The addition of compliance in the coronal plane and toe compliance had significant kinematic and muscular effects. Notably, this compliance combination reduced peak pelvis obliquity by 27%, preserved the swing stance/ratio, and decreased gluteus medius’ activation by 34% on the non-prosthetic side, compared to the laterally rigid version of the prosthesis without toe compliance. Conclusions: The results underscore the importance of integrating compliance in the coronal plane and toe compliance in prosthetic feet designs as they show potential in improving gait metrics related to mediolateral movements and balance, while also decreasing muscle activation. Still, these findings remain to be validated in people with transtibial amputations. Full article

Background: Hypertrophy, myogenic differentiation, and mass gain of porcine skeletal muscle are key factors in meat production efficiency, regulated by miRNAs through post-transcriptional mechanisms. This study aims to identify miRNA-mRNA pairs linked to growth and muscle development in Jiangquan Black pigs with differing average daily gains (ADGs), providing a foundation for molecular breeding in this breed. Methods: This study divided eight pigs into two groups and analyzed the skeletal muscle characteristics of Jiangquan Black pigs with different average daily weight gains using HE staining. RNA-Seq was conducted to identify differentially expressed miRNAs and mRNAs, Gene Ontology (GO) enrichment analysis and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analysis were performed, and an integrated miRNA-mRNA regulatory network was subsequently constructed. Results: RNA sequencing analysis identified 255 differentially expressed genes (DEmRNAs, |FC| > 1.5) and 27 differentially expressed miRNAs (DE miRNAs, |FC| > 2). Bioinformatics analysis revealed 330 significantly negatively correlated miRNA-mRNA regulatory pairs, with key pathways, including the MAPK, mTOR, insulin, FoxO, Wnt, and TGF-β signaling pathways, being implicated in muscular development. Quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) validation confirmed the reliability of the sequencing data. Conclusions: Different ADGs among half-sibling Jiangquan Black pigs with the same diet may be due to the DE miRNAs and DEmRNAs related to skeletal muscle growth and development. These findings reveal the potential regulatory mechanisms of DE miRNAs and DEmRNAs in porcine skeletal muscle growth, providing valuable insights for the next steps in molecular breeding strategies for Jiangquan Black pigs. Full article

Introduction: Combat sport athletes are exposed to repetitive head impacts yet also develop distinct performance-related brain adaptations. Electroencephalography (EEG) provides millisecond-level insight into both processes; however, findings are dispersed across decades of heterogeneous studies. This mechanistic review consolidates and interprets EEG evidence to elucidate how participation in combat sports shapes brain function and to identify research gaps that impede clinical translation. Methods: A structured search was conducted in March 2025 across PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, Cochrane Library, ResearchGate, Google Scholar, and related databases for English-language clinical studies published between January 1980 and March 2025. Eligible studies recorded raw resting or task-related EEG in athletes engaged in boxing, wrestling, judo, karate, taekwondo, kickboxing, or mixed martial arts. Titles, abstracts, and full texts were independently screened by two reviewers. Twenty-three studies, encompassing approximately 650 combat sport athletes and 430 controls, met the inclusion criteria and were included in the qualitative synthesis. Results: Early visual EEG and perfusion studies linked prolonged competitive exposure in professional boxers to focal hypoperfusion and low-frequency slowing. More recent quantitative studies refined these findings: across boxing, wrestling, and kickboxing cohorts, chronic participation was associated with reduced alpha and theta power, excess slow-wave activity, and disrupted small-world network topology—alterations that often preceded cognitive or structural impairments. In contrast, elite athletes in karate, fencing, and kickboxing consistently demonstrated neural efficiency patterns, including elevated resting alpha power, reduced task-related event-related desynchronization (ERD), and streamlined cortico-muscular coupling during cognitive and motor tasks. Acute bouts elicited transient increases in frontal–occipital delta and high beta power proportional to head impact count and cortisol elevation, while brief judo chokes triggered short-lived slow-wave bursts without lasting dysfunction. Methodological heterogeneity—including variations in channel count (1 to 64), reference schemes, and frequency band definitions—limited cross-study comparability. Conclusions: EEG effectively captures both the adverse effects of repetitive head trauma and the cortical adaptations associated with high-level combat sport training, underscoring its potential as a rapid, portable tool for brain monitoring. Standardizing acquisition protocols, integrating EEG into longitudinal multimodal studies, and establishing sex- and age-specific normative data are essential for translating these insights into practical applications in concussion management, performance monitoring, and regulatory policy. Full article

Objectives: The ability to efficiently regulate body temperature is crucial during endurance activities such as trail running, especially during competitive events in hot conditions. Over the past decade, passive hyperthermia exposure has grown significantly in popularity as a means of improving acclimatization and performance in hot environments. The present study aims to compare the physiological changes that occur in a group of professional athletes due to passive sauna exposure (80–90 °C) and their own response to maximal aerobic performance. Methods: Twelve professional trail runners (eight men and four women) were tested in three conditions: (i) baseline; (ii) before; and (iii) after (a) passive dry sauna exposure and (b) a maximal endurance test. In both cases, physiological parameters such as heart rate, tympanic temperature, arterial and muscle oxygen saturation, and blood concentrations of glucose, total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein (HDL) and hemoglobin were measured. Results: Sauna exposure produced similar trends in cardiovascular and metabolic responses to those occurring during exercise, but at a much lower physiological level. Glucose and HDL levels were both significantly elevated (or tended to be so) after sauna and exercise (p < 0.03 and p < 0.01, respectively). Athletes who mobilized the sum of substrates (glucose and HDL) performed the exercise test faster (r = −0.76; p < 0.004). The response of arterial oxygen saturation (decreased) was similar during sauna and exercise, but opposite at the muscular level (increased during sauna and decreased during exercise). Additionally, inter-individual variability in responses was noted for most of the other parameters, suggesting the existence of ‘responders’ and ‘non-responders’ to thermal stimuli. Conclusions: The physiological responses of trained endurance athletes are moderately impacted by passive sauna use. However, individual changes could be correlated with endurance performance and optimizing individualization. Heat stimuli promote different physiological responses in terms of cardiac function, oxygen kinetics and substrate mobilization, albeit to a lesser extent than exercise. Greater substrate mobilization during maximal endurance exercise was found to be correlated with better performance. Further studies are needed to explore the concepts of metabolic flexibility, as described here, and how heat exposure may improve systemic health and performance. Full article

Accurate estimation of gait characteristics, including step length, step velocity, and travel distance, is critical for assessing mobility in toddlers, children, and teens with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) and typically developing (TD) peers. This study introduces a novel method leveraging Fast Fourier Transform (FFT)-derived step frequency from a single waist-worn consumer-grade accelerometer to predict gait parameters efficiently. The proposed FFT-based step frequency detection approach, combined with regression-derived stride length estimation, enables precise measurement of temporospatial gait features across various walking and running speeds. Our model, developed from a diverse cohort of children aged 3–16, demonstrated high accuracy in step length estimation ($R^2=0.92$, $RMSE=0.06$ m) using only step frequency and height as inputs. Comparative analysis with ground-truth observations and AI-driven Walk4Me models validated the FFT-based method, showing strong agreement across step count, step frequency, step length, step velocity, and travel distance metrics. The results highlight the feasibility of using widely available mobile devices for gait assessment in real-world settings, offering a scalable solution for monitoring disease progression and mobility changes in individuals with DMD. Future work will focus on refining model performance and expanding applicability to additional movement disorders. Full article

The strength and conditioning literature examining neuromuscular physiology, bioenergetics, neuroendocrine factors, nutrition and metabolic factors, and the use of ergogenic aids, as well as physical and physiological responses and adaptations, have clearly identified the benefits of participating in regular resistance training programs for athletic populations, especially as it relates to improving muscular strength. Beyond evidence-based research, models for resistance training program implementation are of considerable value for optimizing athletic performance. In fact, several have been provided that address general to specific characteristics of athleticism (i.e., strength endurance, muscular strength, and muscular power) through resistance training over the decades. For instance, a published model known as the strength–endurance continuum that enhances dynamic correspondence (i.e., training specificity) in athletic populations by developing structural, metabolic, and neural capacities across a high-load, low-repetition and low-load, high-repetition range. Further models have been developed to enhance performance approaches (i.e., optimum performance training model) and outcomes (i.e., performance pyramid), even within specific populations, such as youth (i.e., youth physical development model). The ten, five, three, or 10-5-3 (TFT) model for strength and conditioning professionals synthesizes currently available information and provides a framework for the effective implementation of resistance training approaches to suit the needs of athletes at each stage of development. The model includes three key components to consider when designing strength and conditioning programs, denoted by the acronym TFT (ten, five, three). Over recent years, the model has gained much support from teams, coaches, and athletes, mainly due to the ability to streamline common knowledge within the field into an efficient and effective resistance training system. Furthermore, this model is distinctly unique from others as it prioritizes the development of strength–endurance, muscular strength, and muscular power concurrently. This paper explains the model itself and begins to provide recommendations for those interested in implementing TFT-based approaches, including a summary of points as a brief take-home guide to implementing TFT interventions. It is the author’s hope that this paper encourages other performance professionals to share their models to appreciate human ingenuity and advance our understanding of individualized approaches and systems towards the physical development of the modern-day athlete. Full article

Abnormalities in X chromosomes, either numerical or structural, cause X-linked disorders, such as Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD). Recent molecular and cytogenetic techniques can help identify DMD gene mutations. The accurate diagnosis of Duchenne is crucial, directly impacting patient treatment management, genetics, and the establishment of effective prevention strategies. This review provides an overview of X chromosomal disorders affecting Duchenne and discusses how mutations in Dystrophin domains can impact detection accuracy. Firstly, the efficiency and use of cytogenetic and molecular techniques for the genetic diagnosis of Duchenne disease have, thus, become increasingly important. Secondly, artificial intelligence (AI) will be instrumental in developing future therapies by enabling the aggregation and synthesis of extensive and heterogeneous datasets, thereby elucidating underlying molecular mechanisms. However, despite advances in diagnostic technology, understanding the role of Dystrophin in Duchenne disease remains a challenge. Therefore, this review aims to synthesize this complex information to significantly advance the understanding of DMD and how it could affect patient care. Full article

Background: Exoskeleton robots are emerging as a transformative technology in healthcare, rehabilitation, and industrial settings, providing significant benefits such as improving gait restoration and preventing injuries. These robots enhance mobility for individuals with neuromuscular disorders by providing muscular assistance and reducing physical strain, while also supporting workers in physically demanding tasks. They improve gait efficiency, muscle activation, and overall physical function, contributing to both rehabilitation and occupational health. Objective: This study aims to investigate the impact of exoskeleton use on muscle activation patterns, fatigue levels, and gait parameters in healthy individuals. Methods: Thirty-six participants engaged in a randomized sequence gait experiment on a treadmill for 30 min, both with and without an exoskeleton, with electromyography (EMG) and OptoGait measurements collected during the sessions. A one-week washout period was implemented before participants switched conditions. Results: In the Maximum voluntary contraction (MVC) analysis, significant differences were observed in the Rectus femoris (RF) and gastrocnemius(GM) when wearing the exoskeleton robot compared to not wearing it. At 10 min, 20 min, and 30 min, the differences were statistically significant (p < 0.05) for all muscles. In the muscle fatigue analysis, significant differences were observed in RF, GM, vastus medialis (VM), and hamstring(HS) at 10 min, 20 min, and 30 min (p < 0.05). In the step length and stride length analysis, significant differences were observed at 10 min and 30 min, but no differences were found at 20 min (p < 0.05). Conclusions: This study demonstrates that the use of the exoskeleton robot significantly impacts muscle activation, muscle fatigue, and gait parameters. The results emphasize the potential benefits of exoskeletons in enhancing mobility and reducing muscle strain, providing important insights for rehabilitation and occupational applications Full article

Facioscapulohumeral dystrophy (FSHD), the second most common inherited muscular dystrophy in adulthood, is characterized by progressive muscle loss, accompanied by an increase in fat mass. Beyond these alterations in body composition, which contribute to the risk of sarcopenic obesity, FSHD is associated with systemic inflammation and oxidative stress. These interconnected mechanisms may worsen muscle atrophy, leading to a decline in physical efficiency and quality of life. While the therapeutic benefits of physical therapy and exercise have been investigated, the impact of dietary interventions remains underexplored. Given the established role of nutrition in managing various chronic diseases, there is growing interest in understanding how it might influence the clinical management of FSHD. By addressing current gaps in the literature, this review aims to investigate the potential role of dietary patterns and specific nutrients in modulating muscle metabolism within the context of FSHD. Some studies have indicated various compounds (flavonoids, curcumin, L-carnitine, coenzyme Q10, and omega-3), vitamins (C and E), and minerals (zinc and selenium) with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties as promising treatment strategies for FSHD. Instead, few data regarding the effects of proteins and creatine supplementation are available. Furthermore, the potential benefits of essentials amino acids, β-hydroxy-β-methylbutyrate, and vitamin D in contrasting muscle atrophy and enhancing muscle function remain unexplored. Despite these preliminary findings, the existing body of evidence is limited. Identifying novel therapeutic strategies to complement existing treatments could provide a more comprehensive management framework, aimed at improving the long-term health outcomes and quality of life of FSHD patients. Full article

Background: Running, a fundamental motor skill, evolves with experience, significantly influencing coordination and thoracic mobility. Our study aims to investigate whether prolonged engagement in running could result in distinct variations in thoracolumbar mobility and kinematic efficiency among individuals with varying levels of running experience. Methods: This study examined thoracic mobility among sedentary individuals and runners who have been running for the last six months and the last two years. Measurements included latissimus dorsi (LD) muscle tone, elasticity, stiffness, trunk flexibility and range of motion (ROM), lumbar extensor shortness, thoracolumbar fascia (TLF) length, and the modified Schober test. Results: LD tone was lower in six-month runners, while sedentary individuals had the greatest LD elasticity and stiffness. The modified Schober test results indicated that the six-month runners scored the highest. Two-year runners had significantly greater dominant-side lateral flexion than sedentary individuals and six-month runners. TLF length was highest in running for two-year runners. Two-year runners exhibited the greatest dominant-side lateral flexion, while six-month runners showed more flexion and two-year runners more extension. Conclusions: Prolonged running experience may enhance thoracolumbar mobility and muscle tone. Furthermore, the observed stiffness and reduced elasticity in sedentary individuals highlight the detrimental effects of inactivity on spinal and muscular health. Full article

Background: Temporomandibular disorders (TMDs) encompass a group of conditions characterized by anatomical, histological, and/or functional abnormalities that affect the muscular and/or articular components of the temporomandibular joint. Prolotherapy is an injectable treatment modality for chronic musculoskeletal pain that involves dextrose solution administration in the joint. Aims: To summarize, the aims involve considering the existing quality of clinical evidence on the efficacy of prolotherapy versus placebo and other active comparators, such as autologous blood products or botulinum toxin, in improving the outcomes of TMDs. Methods: A literature search in MEDLINE, Scopus, and Cochrane databases was performed, following the PRISMA statement guidelines, to identify randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of patients with TMDs receiving prolotherapy. The maximal incisor opening (MIO), visual analogue score (VAS) for pain, and frequency of dislocations were analyzed as the outcomes. The weighted mean difference was used to pool outcomes. The risk of bias was recorded for the included studies. Results: Six studies comparing prolotherapy to placebo were identified. Prolotherapy is uniformly more efficient in reducing the VAS for pain when compared to the placebo (mean difference = 1.20, 95%CI: 0.56–1.84, p < 0.001). Perceived jaw mobility was improved among prolotherapy patients, (mean difference = 0.47, 95%CI: 0.05–0.90, p = 0.003) when compared to the placebo. A beneficial effect for prolotherapy with regard to MIO (mean difference = 0.84, 95%CI: −2.12–3.80, p = 0.58) was not confirmed. Prolotherapy appears to be more efficient than autologous blood products in reducing VAS for pain (mean difference = 0.49, 95%CI: 0.11–0.87, p = 0.01). Prolotherapy was found to be more effective in reducing pain, MIO, and clicking when compared to an occlusal splint in a single study. Conclusions: Prolotherapy is also a promising modality for TMDs, despite the limited number of randomized clinical trials. Existing evidence supports its use to reduce TMD-related pain, even against other modalities. Further research is needed to better describe the benefit of prolotherapy for other outcomes. Full article

Background/Objectives: New devices such as surface electromyography (sEMG) have been proposed to support traditional gnathological examination and diagnostic protocols. The aim of this study is to investigate whether sEMG can be considered a diagnostic instrument to discriminate between healthy subjects and patients with temporomandibular disorders (TMDs) of an articular or muscular nature. Methods: A systematic review was conducted according to PRISMA guidelines using literature searches of MEDLINE (via PubMed), Scopus, and Web of Science. Inclusion criteria: recent clinical studies (≤10 years) in English or Italian, involving electromyography in TMD diagnosis, with a control group of healthy patients. Data considered to be homogenous were subjected to meta-analysis (95% confidence interval [CI]; α = 0.05). Hedge g was calculated because all variables were continuous. Articles meeting the inclusion criteria were checked for further consideration, and relevant data were collected into two tables. In total, 18 studies were included after full-text reading. Meta-analyses were carried out for the static impact index (IMP), percentage overlapping coefficient (POC), and torque coefficient, and dynamic Symmetrical Mastication Index (SMI). Results: Patients with TMD had lower values in all parameters except IMP. sEMG registered a reduction in masseter activity, lower chewing efficiency, and an increase in fatigue during contractions in TMD patients. Conclusions: sEMG is not reliable to distinguish healthy from TMD patients, but despite the limitations related to the high variability in the studies (type of electromyography, static or dynamic tests, and population characteristics), the sEMG results are reliable considering the POC and SMI parameters, encouraging more in-depth studies for a predictable clinical practice. Patients with TMD had lower values in the dynamic index SMI and in static indexes POC and torque coefficient, except IMP. EMG might performs better if employed in muscle forms. Full article

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) remain a significant global health challenge, with many current treatments addressing symptoms rather than the genetic roots of these conditions. The advent of CRISPR-Cas9 technology has revolutionized genome editing, offering a transformative approach to targeting disease-causing mutations directly. This article examines the potential of CRISPR-Cas9 in the treatment of various CVDs, including atherosclerosis, arrhythmias, cardiomyopathies, hypertension, and Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD). The technology’s ability to correct single-gene mutations with high precision and efficiency positions it as a groundbreaking tool in cardiovascular therapy. Recent developments have extended the capabilities of CRISPR-Cas9 to include mitochondrial genome editing, a critical advancement for addressing mitochondrial dysfunctions often linked to cardiovascular disorders. Despite its promise, significant challenges remain, including off-target effects, ethical concerns, and limitations in delivery methods, which hinder its translation into clinical practice. This article also explores the ethical and regulatory considerations surrounding gene editing technologies, emphasizing the implications of somatic versus germline modifications. Future research efforts should aim to enhance the accuracy of CRISPR-Cas9, improve delivery systems for targeted tissues, and ensure the safety and efficacy of treatments in the long term. Overcoming these obstacles could enable CRISPR-Cas9 to not only treat but also potentially cure genetically driven cardiovascular diseases, heralding a new era in precision medicine for cardiovascular health. Full article