Search Results (641)

Anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR) results in prolonged muscle weakness, impaired neuromuscular control, and delayed return to sport. Cross-education (CE), unilateral training of the uninjured limb, has been proposed as an adjunct therapy to promote bilateral adaptations. This scoping review evaluated the functional and neuroplastic effects of CE rehabilitation post-ACLR. Following PRISMA-ScR and JBI guidelines, PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and PEDro were searched up to February 2025. A bibliometric analysis was also conducted to report keyword co-occurrence and identify trends in this line of research. Of 333 screened references, 14 studies (price index: 43% and low-to-moderate risk of bias) involving 721 participants (aged 17–45 years) met inclusion criteria. CE protocols (6–12 weeks; 2–5 sessions/week) incorporating isometric, concentric, and eccentric exercises demonstrated strength gains (10–31%) and strength preservation, alongside improved limb symmetry (5–14%) and dynamic balance (7–18%). There is growing interest in neuroplasticity and corticospinal excitability, although neuroplastic changes were assessed heterogeneously across studies. Findings support CE as a feasible and low-cost strategy to complement early-stage ACLR rehabilitation, especially when direct loading of the affected limb is limited. Standardized protocols for clinical intervention and neurophysiological assessment are needed. Full article

Background: The differential effects of post-exercise rehydration beverages on inflammatory processes and organ protection remain incompletely characterized. This study investigated how beverages with distinct compositions influence urinary biomarkers following endurance exercise. Methods: In a randomized crossover design, eight trained male runners performed 6000 m pace running followed by consumption of 500 mL of either: water (Drink 1), hypotonic sports drink (Drink 2, 200 mOsm/L), oral rehydration solution (Drink 3, 270 mOsm/L), or modified hypotonic formulation (Drink 4, 200 mOsm/L). After 60 min, participants completed a 1000 m time trial. Urine samples were collected at baseline, post-6000 m, and post-1000 m for analysis of biochemical parameters and inflammatory cytokines. Results: No significant differences in 1000 m performance were observed between trials. Drink 3 significantly reduced creatinine and uric acid excretion compared to other beverages (p < 0.05), suggesting decreased waste product elimination. Creatinine-corrected intestinal fatty acid-binding protein values were lower with Drinks 2 and 3, indicating potential intestinal protection. Notably, Drink 4 showed modest but significant enhancement of IL-4 excretion (p < 0.05, ηp² = 0.347), demonstrating beverage-specific modulation of anti-inflammatory cytokines with moderate effect sizes. Conclusions: Different beverage formulations exert distinct effects on waste product elimination, intestinal organ damage markers, and inflammatory cytokine profiles. These findings suggest that beverage selection should be tailored to specific recovery priorities and training contexts. Full article

Objectives: Shoulder injury prevalence appears to be the highest among all injuries in CrossFit (CF) athletes. Nevertheless, there is no evidence deriving from prospective studies to explain this phenomenon. The purpose of this study was to document shoulder injury incidence in CF participants over a 12-month period and prospectively investigate the risk factors associated with their demographic, epidemiological, and functional characteristics. Methods: The sample comprised 109 CF athletes in various levels. Participants’ data were collected during the baseline assessment, using a specially designed questionnaire, as well as active range of motion, muscle strength, muscle endurance, and sport-specific tests. Non-parametric statistical tests and inferential statistics were employed, and in addition, linear and regression models were created. Logistic regression models incorporating the study’s continuous predictors to classify injury occurrence in CF athletes were developed and evaluated using the Area Under the ROC Curve (AUC) as the performance metric. Results: A shoulder injury incidence rate of 0.79 per 1000 training hours was recorded. Olympic weightlifting (45%) and gymnastics (35%) exercises were associated with shoulder injury occurrence. The most frequent injury concerned rotator cuff tendons (45%), including lesions and tendinopathies, exhibiting various severity levels. None of the examined variables individually showed a statistically significant correlation with shoulder injuries. Conclusions: This is the first study that has investigated prospectively shoulder injuries in CrossFit, creating a realistic profile of these athletes. Despite the broad spectrum of collected data, the traditional statistical approach failed to identify shoulder injury predictors. This indicates the necessity to explore this topic using more sophisticated techniques, such as advanced machine learning approaches. Full article

Background/Objectives: Cooling strategies are critical for optimizing athlete recovery and performance in team sports, yet practical, accessible solutions remain underexplored. This study evaluated the efficacy of a cool vest during a 15 min recovery period following 45 min of simulated soccer match play on core and skin temperature regulation. Methods: Forty-seven physically active males completed an exercise protocol replicating the physiological demands of a soccer half-match. Participants were randomized into an experimental group using a cool vest during recovery (IG, n = 24) or a control group (CG, n = 23) without cooling intervention. Results: Compared to CG, IG exhibited small but significant reductions in skin temperature (31.46 ± 0.67 °C vs. 32.40 ± 1.04 °C; ES = −0.24, 95% CI: −0.40 to −0.08; p = 0.003) and tympanic temperature (35.99 ± 0.45 °C vs. 36.54 ± 0.66 °C; ES = −0.43, 95% CI: −0.67 to −0.18; p < 0.001) 10 min post-exercise. These differences intensified to small and moderate effects at 15 min post-exercise for skin (31.07 ± 0.67 °C vs. 32.51 ± 0.91 °C; ES = −0.37, 95% CI: −0.53 to −0.21; p < 0.001) and tympanic temperatures (35.70 ± 0.42 °C vs. 36.65 ± 0.58 °C; ES = −0.71, 95% CI: −0.96 to −0.46; p < 0.001), respectively, with IG maintaining consistently lower values. No temperature changes were observed in CG. Conclusions: These findings demonstrate that a 15 min cool vest application during halftime effectively reduces core and skin temperatures, compared to passive recovery. This supports its utility as a practical, low-cost strategy for thermoregulatory management in soccer, warranting further investigation into its long-term performance benefits. Full article

The purpose of this non-randomized study was to determine the effect of strength training and aerobic interval training on the anaerobic and aerobic power and endurance of young men (assessed by determination of the second ventilatory threshold (VT2)) in non-trained men. Participants (n = 45) were recruited into three groups of 15 each. The first group performed strength training (ST), the second performed aerobic interval training (AIT), and the third group was the control group (CON). In each group, somatic measurements and tests of aerobic (graded test with VT2 determination) and anaerobic capacity (Wingate test) were performed twice (before and after the exercise intervention in the training groups). In the graded test, the level of maximal load (Pmax), maximal oxygen uptake (VO₂max) and intensity and oxygen uptake at VT2 were determined. In the Wingate test, peak power (PP) and mean power (MP) were determined. The exercise intervention in the ST and AIT groups lasted 6 weeks, with three workouts per week. Training in the ST and AIT groups resulted in significant increase in absolute Pmax (p < 0.001, ES = 0.52 and p < 0.05, ES = 0.36), VO₂max (p < 0.001, ES = 0.50 and p = 0.02, ES = 0.55) in the participants. Only AIT was significantly effective in improving oxygen uptake at VT2 (p < 0.04, ES = 0.64), and ST in improving PP. Strength training can be an effective training method in training aerobic and anaerobic capacity (significantly increases Pmax, VO₂max, and PP), while it does not significantly affect work intensity at VT2. Our results suggest that, particularly in anaerobic–aerobic sports, strength training may be a training method that can simultaneously improve both anaerobic power and maximal oxygen uptake. It can also complement endurance training. Full article

Background: The perceived importance of physical practice and its contribution to students’ academic success have evolved considerably throughout the history of the modern educational system. Aim: The purpose of this study was to understand the relationship between physical fitness (measured as VO₂max) and cognitive abilities (attention and concentration) and academic performance in different subjects: sciences, letters, language, arts, and physical education. Method: Fifty Spanish male students who participated in extracurricular sports activities (mean age (SD): 11.59 ± 1.30; range: 9–15 years) were included in the analysis. The 6 min walk test was used to assess physical fitness (6MWT), while for selective attention and concentration, the students completed the D2 test, which is usually considered to analyse the visual ability to select the most relevant stimulus of an exercise and ignore precisely the most irrelevant stimuli. Results: Correlation the individual contribution analyses revealed no significant associations between VO₂max and academic performance in sciences (r = 0.04, p = 0.77), humanities (r = 0.00, p = 0.98), language (r = 0.03, p = 0.83), or arts (r = 0.04, p = 0.76). Similarly, no relationship was found between VO₂max and overall academic performance (r = 0.10, p = 0.46), or cognitive abilities. However, a small positive correlation was observed between VO₂max and physical education scores. Conclusions: Physical fitness showed no significant association with cognitive abilities or academic performance in most subjects, although a small positive correlation with physical education scores was observed. These findings emphasise the importance of promoting physical activity for its health and physical benefits. However, future research should explore broader cognitive outcomes and include more diverse and representative samples. Full article

While the interest and participation in general endurance training and recreational sports competitions have continuously increased in recent decades, the number of recreational master-level endurance athletes has additionally multiplied. Athletes, active men and women older than 40 years of age, who participate in competitive athletics are usually referred to by the term master athletes (MAs). Previous research revealed the significant benefits of regular moderate physical activity, i.e., its positive influence on cardiovascular risk factors and cardiovascular health; however, recent data have raised concerns that long-term endurance exercise participation is associated with cardiac remodeling and potential adverse cardiovascular outcomes. Previous research also indicated potential structural, functional, and electrical remodeling in MAs due to prolonged and repeated exposure to high-intensity endurance exercise—a condition known as athlete’s heart. In this review, we focus on the association between extreme levels of endurance exercise and potential cardiovascular controversies, such as arrhythmogenesis due to new-onset atrial fibrillation, accelerated coronary artery atherosclerosis, and exercise-induced cardiac remodeling. Additionally, the exercise-dependent modulation of immunological response, such as proteomic response and cytokine alterations, is discussed. Furthermore, we discuss the impact of nutritional supplements in MAs and their potential benefits and harmful interactions. We aim to provide sports medicine practitioners with knowledge of these contemporary longevity controversies in sports cardiology and to highlight the importance of shared decision making in situations of clinical uncertainty. Full article

Engaging in sports, particularly at a competitive level, requires sustained muscle contractions before the onset of physical fatigue. Fatigue is highly prevalent in neuromuscular diseases, especially those affecting neuromuscular transmission (e.g., myasthenia gravis) or muscle membrane excitability (e.g., myotonia, certain metabolic myopathies). A decremental response in repetitive nerve stimulation (RNS) represents the neurophysiological analogue of exercise-induced muscle weakness. Patients with such responses exhibit abnormal suppression of muscle activity during repetitive or prolonged effort. Consequently, it is often assumed they should avoid strenuous physical activity. To assess the safety of sports participation in individuals with fatigability-related neuromuscular disorders, we examined the literature and report a new case of a patient with myotonia congenita who engaged in competitive sports without adverse events. The review identified only a few cases involving patients with myasthenia gravis or muscular dystrophies who also participated in competitive sports safely and with favorable outcomes. No adverse events were reported. While these findings suggest that sports participation may be feasible for selected patients, they cannot be generalized. Large-scale studies involving athletes with neuromuscular conditions are needed to evaluate the safety and long-term impact of exercise in these populations. Full article

This study aimed to investigate the effects of resistance training (RT) experience on bone mineral density (BMD) and stress fractures (SFs) in female collegiate athletes. Overall, 492 female athletes from 16 competitive sports were included. Sports were categorized into four groups based on exercise load. Data on sports participation, RT experience, and SF history were obtained using a questionnaire. Total body and lumbar spine BMD were measured using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. Athletes with RT experience in both senior high school (ages 15–18) and university (ages 18–22), as well as those with experience from junior high school (ages 12–15) through university, had significantly higher BMD than those with no RT experience or RT experience only in senior high school (p < 0.05). Logistic regression analysis revealed that athletes with RT experience had significantly lower odds ratios for SFs compared to those with no RT experience. In the adjusted model that included sport type and university year, athletes with RT experience in junior high school, senior high school, and university had a significantly lower OR for SFs compared with no RT experience (OR = 0.06, 95% CI: 0.01–0.59, p = 0.016). No significant BMD differences were found between athletes with and without SFs (p > 0.05). The study findings suggest that initiating RT in junior high school may be associated with a reduced incidence of SFs during university. Full article

Background: The widespread use of smartphones and the internet has transformed communication, but excessive use has raised concerns about smartphone and internet addiction, which can lead to psychological, physical, and social issues. The objective of this literature review is to explore the relationship between smartphone and internet addiction and physical activity, particularly focusing on whether physical exercise, especially sports, can serve as a protective factor against addiction. The review aims to examine how physical activity can reduce the negative impacts of addiction and improve overall mental health. Methods: This review synthesizes empirical research on smartphone and internet addiction and its connection to physical activity. It examines studies exploring how addiction leads to physical inactivity and how participation in physical activities, especially sports, can counteract this effect. The review also evaluates research on psychological mechanisms, such as self-esteem, self-control, and emotional resilience, that mediate the relationship between physical activity and addiction. Additionally, it discusses how sociodemographic and contextual factors influence this relationship. Conclusions: The findings consistently show an inverse relationship between smartphone and internet use and physical activity, with physical activity acting as a protective factor against addiction. Sports and other physical activities have been linked to reduced addictive behaviors, enhanced psychological well-being, and improved emotional resilience. Promoting physical activity, particularly sports, along with psychological interventions, appears to be an effective strategy for preventing and treating smartphone and internet addiction. Future research should focus on developing tailored interventions and studying diverse populations to optimize addiction prevention. Full article

Suicide in children is a major global health crisis, with profound impacts on families, friends, and society. Understanding ways to ameliorate the rate of suicide attempt (SA) is critical given that it is a key factor in predicting future suicide risk. SA is the deliberate act of causing physical injury to oneself with the intent of death. The incidence of SA may be influenced by physical activity (PA). PA includes bodily movement via skeletal muscles that results in energy expenditure and physical fitness. While there is evidence to suggest that PA improves dysregulation of the parasympathetic nervous system which underpins the physiology of suicidal behaviour, evaluating the impact of PA on SA in children is required. Objectives: This systematic review aims to determine the relationship between PA and SA in children to inform alternative preventative and interventional strategies. Methods: This systematic review was registered with PROSPERO: CRD42023389415. Eight electronic databases were systematically searched. References were transferred to Covidence software for title and abstract screening and full text review were performed based on eligibility criteria: (1) children aged 6–18 years old; (2) participated in PA (individual, group exercise, or team sports); and (3) examined SA as a dependent variable. The JBI Checklist was used to measure the quality and level of bias of included studies. Results: Of the 2322 studies identified, 21 were included in the final analysis of the review. Twenty studies were cross-sectional in design, and one implemented a prospective study design. Thirteen studies (61.9%) yielded statistically significant results, indicating that increased PA, particularly team sport, may be associated with reduced odds of SA. There was some evidence to suggest that certain intensities and frequencies of PA may be beneficial to some and detrimental to other subgroups. Conclusions: The results suggest that PA may reduce the risk of suicide attempts. Although PA may be associated with reduced SA in children, future research is required, which (1) uses standardised outcome variables; (2) adopts longitudinal and experimental study designs; (3) explores qualitative research to determine distinctive factors that influence participation in PA not captured by quantitative research; and (4) examines different target populations such as children with a broad range of mental health issues. Full article

Background/Objectives: Beetroot juice is a popular nutritional resource in sports due to its ergogenic effects, promoting vasodilation, hypotension, improved energy efficiency, and reduced oxygen cost. However, its role in modulating the autonomic nervous system during strength training remains understudied. This study assessed the effects of acute nitrate-rich beetroot juice supplementation on cardiovascular and hemodynamic responses to flywheel resistance exercise. Methods: Fifteen male participants (age 22 ± 3.64 years) from the Federal University of Viçosa completed a crossover, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Each participant consumed either 400 mg of standardized nitrate or a placebo before performing 4 sets of 8–12 repetitions at 100% of their maximum concentric strength using a leg extension exercise, with 90 s recovery intervals. Heart rate, blood pressure, oxygen saturation, and subjective perception of effort were measured after each set. Data were analyzed using SPSS 23, employing the Shapiro–Wilk normality test, t-test for related samples, and MANOVA with time and supplement factors. Results: NO₃⁻ supplementation led to a smaller increase in systolic blood pressure (SBP) during exercise compared to the placebo and reduced diastolic blood pressure (DBP) in the last set, reflecting decreased peripheral vascular resistance. However, no significant effects were observed for heart rate, rate–pressure product, oxygen saturation, time under tension, or subjective perception of effort. Conclusions: These findings suggest that NO₃⁻ supplementation can offer cardiovascular benefits by attenuating blood pressure increases during strength training, highlighting its potential as a low-risk ergogenic aid for healthy young men. Full article

Background/Objectives: Although regular physical exercise is protective for health, excessive engagement can contribute to the development of addiction. Further, the co-occurrence of exercise addiction (EA) and disordered eating (DE) is very frequent among athletes with several common risk factors. Our study focused on the associations between exercise addiction, eating attitudes, body appreciation, and perfectionism in a sample of physically active adults. Methods: Using a sample of Hungarian adults who were regular exercisers (n = 205, aged 18–70 years, mean age = 30.59 years; 77.1% females), cluster analysis was applied to identify participants’ profile according to their level of EA, DE attitudes, body appreciation, and dimensions of perfectionism. Results: Healthy exercisers had the second lowest level of EA and highest level of body appreciation, and they were not prone to DE (31.22%). Another cluster had a relatively low risk of EA but were potentially prone to DE, with poor body appreciation and a medium level of socially prescribed and other-oriented perfectionism (29.8%). Third, a group of exercisers was characterized by the highest risk of both EA and DE, who also reported relatively high levels of personal standards and organization (25.36%). Finally, those with the second highest risk of EA with a high tendency for dieting and bulimia and poor body appreciation were prone to socially prescribed and other-related perfectionism (13.66%). Conclusions: Symptoms of exercise addiction are not necessarily pathological, but they can serve as signals for the overuse of sports and undue achievement orientation, particularly when being associated with disordered eating attitudes. Full article

Exploring the cognitive and affective image dimensions involved in the formation of attractive sports destinations is essential to understand how sports activities influence participants’ experiences. This study explores how municipal sports programs and small-scale events shape both the cognitive and affective image of a destination. The research was conducted among 456 adult participants engaged in public sports events and recreation programs in various municipalities across Attica, Greece. Participation was voluntary and based on an open public call. The questionnaire was adapted from (a) scale, which examines the influence of a sports event image on a destination image—it included 17 items measuring the cognitive image destination grouped into four factors: (1) environment, (2) experiences, (3) attractions, and (4) entertainment–infrastructure, as well as 5 items assessing one factor of affective image destination—and (b) a scale for the intention to participate in sports events and exercise programs. The findings provide insights into how community-level sports initiatives contribute to form a favorable destination image, not only through tangible elements like facilities and environment but also through emotional engagement and social connectivity. These results can inform the development of more targeted and impactful local sports programs that enhance participant’s satisfaction and foster long-term community involvement. Full article

Background/Objectives: Vibration foam rolling (VFR) has emerged as a popular intervention in sports and rehabilitation settings to enhance recovery and flexibility. This systematic review aimed to evaluate the effects of VFR on pain, fatigue, and range of motion (ROM) in individuals experiencing exercise-induced muscle fatigue and to assess its clinical applicability. Methods: A systematic literature search was conducted across five databases: PubMed, Cochrane Library, Embase, Web of Science, and CINAHL. Studies were included if they involved participants with muscle fatigue, applied VFR as an intervention, and measured outcomes related to pain, fatigue, or ROM. Methodological quality was assessed using the Joanna Briggs Institute critical appraisal tools. Results: Eight studies published between 2019 and 2024 met the inclusion criteria. VFR showed beneficial effects in reducing delayed onset muscle soreness, improving pressure pain threshold, and lowering subjective fatigue. Several studies also reported increased ROM in specific joints, including the hip and knee. However, findings across studies were inconsistent, particularly in physiological markers such as muscle oxygen saturation and blood flow parameters, where statistically significant differences were not always observed. Conclusions: VFR may offer potential benefits for pain relief, fatigue recovery, and ROM improvement in fatigued individuals. Nonetheless, its effects remain difficult to isolate from those of mechanical pressure and friction associated with foam rolling. Future studies with standardized intervention protocols and long-term follow-up are needed to clarify the independent role of vibration in recovery outcomes. Full article