Search Results (425)

Background: Soccer is a physically demanding sport characterized by frequent high-intensity efforts, which are particularly relevant in women’s competitions. Improving high-speed running and aerobic capacity has been linked to better on-field performance. Strength training has shown promise in enhancing these physical attributes, but its application in young female soccer players remains underexplored. This study aimed to investigate the effects of a 10-week in-season strength training program on physical performance and match running demands in young female soccer players. Methods: Thirty-two U18 Danish female professional soccer players from two comparable teams voluntarily participated in the study. Teams were allocated to either an experimental group, performing twice-weekly strength training (EG, n = 16) or a control group (CG, n = 16). Vertical jump performance and Yo-Yo IR2 performance as an estimation for maximal oxygen uptake (VO₂max) were assessed both pre and post intervention. Additionally, players’ match external demands (i.e., total distance, distance covered at speeds above 23 km·h⁻¹, and maximum velocity achieved) were monitored using Global Positioning System devices during four matches before and after the intervention. Results: Significant within-group differences were observed across all variables for the EG (p = 0.001; ES = 1.08 to 1.45, large), without differences in the CG (p > 0.01). Between-group analysis indicated significant differences favoring the EG in all variables (F = 27.40 to 47.17; p = 0.001). Conclusions: The application of a 10-week strength training program led to improvements in physical and match running performance among young female soccer players, underscoring the importance of incorporating strength training programs into female soccer periodization to enhance performance. Full article

This study investigated the effects of a single-night sleep extension protocol on physical performance and cognitive function in physically active university students across different times of day. Using a within-subjects, counterbalanced crossover design, 24 physically active university students (17 males, 7 females; age: 22.7 ± 1.6 years) completed performance assessments under normal-sleep and sleep-extension conditions. Participants’ sleep was monitored via wrist actigraphy, and a comprehensive assessment battery comprising vertical jumps, Y-Balance tests, medicine-ball throws, 5 m shuttle-run tests, reaction-time tests, and digit-cancellation tests was administered at baseline (8 PM), morning (8 AM), and afternoon (4 PM). Sleep extension increased total sleep time by approximately 55 min (531.3 ± 56.8 min vs. 476.5 ± 64.2 min; p < 0.001, d = 0.91). Significant improvements were observed in 5 m shuttle-run performance at 8 AM (best distance: 102.8 ± 11.9 m vs. 93.3 ± 8.5 m, p < 0.001, d = 0.93; fatigue index: 13.1 ± 8.3% vs. 21.2 ± 9.5%, p < 0.001, d = 0.90), squat-jump heights (28.2 ± 8.0 cm vs. 26.3 ± 7.2 cm, p = 0.005, d = 0.25), simple reaction time (252.8 ± 55.3 ms vs. 296.4 ± 75.2 ms, p < 0.001, d = 0.66), and digit-cancellation performance (67.6 ± 12.6 vs. 63.0 ± 10.0 targets, p = 0.006, d = 0.40). Sleep extension significantly enhances both physical and cognitive performance in physically active individuals, with effects more pronounced during morning hours, partially attenuating typical circadian performance decline and establishing sleep extension as an effective, non-pharmacological strategy for optimizing performance capabilities. Full article

In Korea, the Public Health Center Mobile Healthcare Project was implemented in 2016. This project utilizes Information and Communication Technology (ICT) and big data to establish a health-related service foundation and a healthcare service operation system. Equipment and methods: This study recruited 1261 adolescents (660 males (13.40 ± 1.14 years, 156.12 ± 10.59 cm) and 601 females (13.51 ± 1.23 years, 154.45 ± 7.48 cm)) from 22 public health centers nationwide. Smart bands were provided, and the ‘Future Health’ application (APP) was installed on personal smartphones to assess body composition, physical fitness, and physical activity. Results: A paired sample t-test revealed height, 20 m shuttle run, grip strength, and long jump scores significantly differed after 24 weeks in males. Females exhibited significant height, 20 m shuttle run, grip strength, sit-ups, and long jump differences. Moderate physical activity (MPA, p < 0.001), vigorous physical activity (VPA, p < 0.001), and moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA, p < 0.001) were significantly different after 24 weeks in adolescents. These results establish that an ICT-based health promotion service can provide adolescent students with individual information from a centralized organization to monitor health behaviors and receive feedback regardless of location in South Korea. Full article

Background: Recess provides a valuable opportunity for physical activity for students at school. However, there is no clear evidence regarding the effects of running a mile daily on schoolchildren’s physical fitness. The objective of this study was to identify and evaluate the effects of running a mile daily during recess in a school setting over a 12-week period. Methods: The study included 68 students (39 boys and 29 girls) aged 13 to 16 years (14.45 ± 1.08) from secondary education (Spain). Participants were randomly assigned to one of three groups. Intervention Group 1 (IG1): one-mile run once per week (22 students). Intervention Group 2 (IG2): one-mile runs three times per week (21 students). Intervention Group 3 (IG3): one-mile runs five times per week (25 students). Physical fitness was assessed using the following tests: Broad jump (lower limb strength); Sit and Reach (lower limb flexibility); 4 × 10 m shuttle runs (speed, agility, and coordination); 10 × 5 m shuttle runs (displacement speed); 20 m shuttle run (Course Navette) (cardiorespiratory endurance). Results: Broad jump: No overall post-intervention differences were observed (p > 0.05), but there were pre-existing gender differences [boys outperform girls in IG2 and IG3 (p < 0.05)] that widened after the program, even appearing in IG1 (p = 0.031). Sit and Reach: No overall changes occurred (p > 0.05), but gender differences emerged in IG3 after the intervention [girls outperformed boys (p < 0.050)], and IG3 boys showed a decrease in flexibility after the program (p = 0.041). The 4 × 10 m shuttle runs: Initial differences between IG1 vs. IG3 disappeared after the intervention, with an overall increase in test time (p > 0.005). Pre-existing gender differences decreased, except in IG2 (boys remained faster; p < 0.001). The 10 × 5 m shuttle runs: Significant improvements were observed in all post-intervention groups (p = 0.003), with the greatest gains in IG3 boys (p < 0.001) and IG1 girls (p = 0.003). The 20 m shuttle run: Significant improvements occurred in IG1 and IG3 (p < 0.005), particularly in IG3 boys (p = 0.002) and IG1 girls (p = 0.019). Conclusions: Although effects varied by fitness component, intervention frequency, and gender, daily mile running was shown to be a viable strategy for improving aspects of fitness in adolescents, particularly endurance and speed, even at lower frequencies. Full article

Background/Objectives: Despite extensive research on caffeine’s (CAF’s) ergogenic effects, evidence regarding its impact on anaerobic performance in female athletes remains limited and inconclusive. The aim of this study was to investigate the acute effects of 6 mg/kg⁻¹ caffeine on anaerobic performance, functional strength, agility, and ball speed in female soccer players. Methods: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled crossover design was employed. Thirteen moderately trained female soccer players (age: 21.08 ± 1.11 years; height: 161.69 ± 6.30 cm; weight: 59.69 ± 10.52 kg; body mass index (BMI): 22.77 ± 3.50 kg/m²; training age: 7.77 ± 1.16 years; habitual caffeine intake: 319 ± 160 mg/day) completed two experimental trials (caffeine vs. placebo (PLA)), separated by at least 48 h. Testing sessions included performance assessments in vertical jump (VJ), running-based anaerobic sprint test (RAST), bilateral leg strength (LS), handgrip strength (HS), single hop for distance (SH), medial rotation (90°) hop for distance (MRH), change of direction (COD), and ball speed. Rating of perceived exertion (RPE) was also recorded. Results: CAF ingestion significantly improved minimum (p = 0.011; d = 0.35) and average power (p = 0.007; d = 0.29) during RAST. A significant increase was also observed in SHR (single leg hop for distance right) performance (p = 0.045; d = 0.44). No significant differences were found in VJ, COD, ball speed, LS, HS, SHL, MRHR, or MRHL (p > 0.05). RPE showed a moderate effect size (d = 0.65) favoring the CAF condition, though not statistically significant (p = 0.110). Conclusions: In conclusion, acute CAF intake at a dose of 6 mg/kg⁻¹ may enhance anaerobic capacity and lower-limb functional strength in female soccer players, with no significant effects on jump height, agility, or upper-body strength. Full article

Markerless motion capture (MMC) offers a non-invasive method for monitoring external load in sports where wearable devices are restricted; however, its validity in 3x3 basketball contexts remains unverified. The viability and measurement precision of a multi-camera RTMPose-based MMC system for single-player tasks in 3x3 basketball performance monitoring were evaluated in this study. Recorded on a standard half-court, eight cameras (60 fps) captured ten collegiate athletes executing basketball-specific activities including linear sprints, curved runs, T-tests, and vertical jumps. The 3D coordinates of hip and ankle keypoints were reconstructed from multiple synchronized camera views using Direct Linear Transformation (DLT), from which horizontal displacement and average speed were derived. These values were validated using tape-measure distance and time–motion analysis. The MMC system demonstrated high accuracy, with coefficients of variation (CVs) below 5%, mean bias under 3.5%, and standard error of estimate (SEE) below 3% across most tasks. Speed estimates revealed great consistency with time–motion analysis (ICC = 0.97–1.00; standardized change in mean [SCM] varied from trivial to small). The Bland–Altman graphs verified no proportional error and little bias. These results confirm the MMC system as a consistent, non-invasive method for gathering movement data in outdoor basketball environments. Future studies should assess the system’s performance during live competitive play with several athletes and occlusions and compare it to a laboratory-grade motion capture system. Full article

Tests assessing physical qualities are regularly used in youth rugby league teams for various functions. However, the utility of such tests is under-explored in this population. In this way, tests are commonly examined in terms of how well they can differentiate performances between groups that are expected to differ and how they relate to outcomes in actual competitive contexts. Therefore, the purpose of this exploratory study was to investigate the discriminative validity and relationships to match performance metrics of frequently used tests to assess physical qualities in male, adolescent rugby league players. Anthropometric (standing height and body mass) and fitness-related (20 m linear sprint, 505-Agility Test, L-run Test, medicine ball throw, countermovement jump, one-repetition maximum back squat, bench press, and prone row tests, and Multistage Fitness Test) physical qualities were measured using common tests in 42 players (16.1 ± 1.3 years). Test outcomes were compared between players in different age and positional groups for discriminative validity analyses. Relationships between test outcomes and match performance metrics gathered via global positioning system and video analysis were also determined. Compared to younger players (14–15 years), older players (16–18 years) had significantly better fitness-related physical qualities (p < 0.05, d = −1.78–1.66), but similar anthropometric qualities (p > 0.05, d = −0.45–0.20). Significant, moderate correlations (p < 0.05, r = 0.56–0.70) were found between (1) one-repetition maximum (1-RM) back squat and relative (per min) high-speed running distance and maximum velocity in matches; (2) 20-m sprint time and relative total distance; (3) 505-Agility Test time and relative line breaks; and (4) height and relative unsuccessful tackles. Consequently, commonly used fitness-related tests demonstrate discriminative validity in detecting differences between age groups, with standing height and the 1-RM back squat showing promising utility given their associations with key match metrics in adolescent rugby league players. Full article

Background and Objectives: Children with cerebral palsy (CP) improve walking abilities through partial body weight-supported treadmill training (PBWSTT) and loaded treadmill training (LTT), but there is no consensus on the most effective method. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of PBWSTT and LTT on spatiotemporal gait parameters in children with CP. Materials and Methods: A randomized clinical trial involved 25 children aged 12+ with spastic diplegic CP from various outpatient clinics in Taif and Makkah between January 2024 and January 2025. Participants were randomly assigned to PBWSTT (30% body weight support, n = 12) or LTT (60% lower limb weight loading, n = 13) with 45 min sessions three times per week for eight weeks, including conventional therapy. Results: The spatiotemporal gait parameters (such as gait speed, cadence, stride length, swing phase, and swing width) significantly improved within the PBWSTT and LTT groups, but no significant difference was found between the groups. The gross motor function measure, dimension E (for walking, running, and jumping), showed significantly higher improvement in the PBWSTT group compared to the LTT group (p = 0.047). Conclusions: This study indicates that PBWSTT and LTT can improve gait parameters in children with CP, with PBWSTT promoting postural control and LTT improving mobility. These findings suggest that the proposed rehabilitation strategies can significantly improve the functional outcomes of pediatric cerebral palsy patients. Full article

Background: The development of motor competencies in childhood can enhance the trajectory of physical activity throughout life. However, few studies have examined the effects of physical activity programs on motor competencies in schoolchildren with special educational needs. Aim: Our aim was to analyze the effects of a video-guided active break program on motor competencies in schoolchildren aged 6 to 10 years with special educational needs. Methods: A prespecified subanalysis of a multicenter randomized controlled trial was conducted with a sample of 161 schoolchildren (7.8 ± 1.1 years, 32% girls) with special educational needs from five public schools in Chile. Participants were assigned to a control group (CG, n = 85) with no active breaks or an experimental group (EG, n = 76) with active breaks. A 12-week video-guided active break program was implemented in the classroom twice daily, five days per week. The intervention was delivered via a web-based platform. Basic motor competencies were assessed using the MOBAK 1–2 and MOBAK 3–4 tests. Results: A significant time × group interaction was found for object control, F(1154) = 11.365, p < 0.001, η²_p = 0.011; jumping, F(1154) = 11.047, p = 0.001, η²_p = 0.067; and running, F(1154) = 4.881, p = 0.029, η²_p = 0.031. These results indicate that the experimental group showed significantly greater improvements in object control, jumping, and running abilities compared to the control group. Conclusions: The active break program significantly improved motor skills in schoolchildren with special educational needs. The program proved to be both feasible and effective in enhancing students’ motor competencies. School-based guided active break programs may play a role in promoting motor competencies among schoolchildren with special educational needs. Clinical Trial ID NCT06423404 Full article

The knee is one of the most frequently injured joints, involving various structures. To prevent reinjury after rehabilitation, braces are commonly used. However, most studies on knee supports focus on subjects with anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries and do not account for muscle fatigue, which typically occurs during prolonged intense training and can significantly increase the risk of injury. Hence, this study investigates the acute effects of wearing a knee brace on biomechanics in subjects with a history of various unilateral knee injuries or pain under muscle fatigue. In total, 50 subjects completed an intense fatigue protocol and then performed counter-movement jumps and running tests on a force plate while tracking kinematics with a marker-based 3D motion analysis system. Additionally, subjects filled out a visual analog scale (VAS) to assess knee pain and stability. Tests were conducted on the injured leg with and without a knee brace (Sports Knee Support, Bauerfeind AG, Zeulenroda-Triebes, Germany) and on the healthy leg. Results indicated that wearing the knee brace stabilized knee movement in the frontal plane, with a significant reduction in maximal medio-lateral knee acceleration and knee abduction moment during running and jumping. The brace also normalized loading on the injured leg. We observed higher maximal knee flexion moments, which were associated with increased vertical ground reaction forces, segment velocities, and knee flexion angles. Subjects reported less pain and greater stability while wearing the knee brace. Therefore, we confirm that wearing a knee brace on the injured leg improves joint biomechanics by enhancing stability and kinematics and reducing pain during running and jumping, even with muscle fatigue. Consequently, wearing a knee brace after a knee joint injury may reduce the risk of reinjury. Full article

Despite significant progress in fall detection systems, many of the proposed algorithms remain difficult to implement in real-world applications. A common limitation is the lack of location awareness, especially in outdoor scenarios where accurately determining the fall location is crucial for a timely emergency response. Moreover, the complexity of many existing algorithms poses a challenge for deployment on edge devices, such as wearable systems, which are constrained by limited computational resources and battery life. As a result, these solutions are often impractical for long-term, continuous use in practical settings. To address the aforementioned issues, we developed a portable, wearable device that integrates a microcontroller (MCU), an inertial sensor, and a chip module featuring Global Positioning System (GPS) and Narrowband Internet of Things (NB-IoT) technologies. A low-complexity algorithm based on a finite-state machine was employed to detect fall events, enabling the module to meet the requirements for long-term outdoor use. The proposed algorithm is capable of filtering out eight types of daily activities—running, walking, sitting, ascending stairs, descending stairs, stepping, jumping, and rapid sitting—while detecting four types of falls: forward, backward, left, and right. In case a fall event is detected, the device immediately transmits a fall alert and GPS coordinates to a designated server via NB-IoT. The server then forwards the alert to a specified communication application. Experimental tests demonstrated the system’s effectiveness in outdoor environments. A total of 6750 samples were collected from fifteen test participants, including 6000 daily activity samples and 750 fall events. The system achieved an average sensitivity of 97.9%, an average specificity of 99.9%, and an overall accuracy of 99.7%. The implementation of this system provides enhanced safety assurance for elderly individuals during outdoor activities. Full article

Objectives: Different types of exercises that aim in the development of balance, motor function, and gait are necessary for patients with motor disorders. Equine-assisted therapy could play an important role in the rehabilitation of these participants. Methods: The purpose of this study was to examine the effects that equine-assisted therapy can exert on balance, motor function, spasticity, posture and gait, as well as quality of life on individuals with motor disorders. Clinical trials, published up to 20 April 2022, comparing equine-assisted therapy with conventional rehabilitation were systematically searched. Two independent reviewers performed data extraction and assessed the quality of studies using the Downs and Black quality assessment tool. Results: Out of 27 studies that satisfied the inclusion criteria for systematic review, 15 included appropriate data for further comparative meta-analysis. Statistically significant differences were found in Dimension E (walking, running, jumping) of Gross Motor Function Measure in children with CP (0.009) and in Time Up and Go in Elderly and post-stroke participants (p = 0.006). Specifically, children with CP improved in walking, running, and jumping, as well as improved mobility in the elderly. The systematic review showed that the intervention had positive results, as well as in other domains, even though these were not statistically significant. Conclusions: Equine-assisted therapy is beneficial for individuals with impairments in balance, gross motor function, gait, spasticity, and coordination. Full article

Background/Objectives: Children continually learn and develop new motor skills towards mastery, resulting in varying movement patterns at different stages of motor competence. Understanding this progression and confidently recognising development delay requires synthesising the children’s biomechanics literature. Firstly though, we must understand the past research and the approaches used. This review aims to identify and map the approaches and sources of the current literature in biomechanically quantifying the gross motor movement of typically developing children. Methods: A systematic scoping review was conducted in accordance with the Joanna Briggs Institute methodology. A database search of MEDLINE (Ovid), Scopus (Elsevier), ProQuest, CINAHL (EBSCO), and Web of Science identified English, peer-reviewed research biomechanically quantifying the movement of healthy children aged 3–12 years. Results include a bibliometric analysis and narrative summary. Results: Overall, 171 papers were included, representing a range of fields including footwear, injury, development, exercise, and activity. Country of origin and funding sources were equally variable. Walking was the predominantly assessed gross motor movement in children, followed by jumping and running. Equipment and facilities often resulted in more artificial settings, and important factors such as footwear used, testing environment, and condition familiarity were rarely reported. Conclusions: The literature results from diverse disciplines, institutions, and funding sources, but inconsistent reporting of conditions hinders synthesis. Future research is recommended to transparently report participant characteristics, environment, and testing conditions and to implement more ecologically valid protocols. Recommendations from this review will improve the quality of future research on children’s movement. Full article

(1) Background: Dynamic knee valgus (DKV) is a common biomechanical risk factor for knee injuries, particularly in sports involving high-intensity movements, such as basketball. While neuromuscular control and structural alignment contribute to DKV, recent evidence indicates that lower limb muscle power (LLMP) and cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) may significantly influence DKV. This study aims to examine the relationship among LLMP, CRF, and DKV in adolescent basketball athletes. (2) Methods: A total of 104 adolescent basketball athletes (63.5% boys), 12 to 17 years old (13.87 ± 1.46 years) participated in this study. Anthropometric and demographic characteristics such as sex, age, height, weight, and body mass index (BMI) were recorded. The Counter Movement Jump (CMJ) was used for the evaluation and prediction of the LLMP, the 20 m shuttle run test (20mSRT) was used for the evaluation and prediction of CRF, and the single-leg drop jump (SLDJ) was used for the evaluation of DKV via a two-dimensional (2D) kinematic analysis. Statistical analysis included Pearson and Spearman correlations, as well as multiple linear regression, to determine the relationship among LLMP, CRF, and DKV. (3) Results: A statistical analysis revealed strong correlations among LLMP, CRF, and DKV. Pearson’s correlation coefficients demonstrated significant associations between the VO₂max and frontal plane projection angle (FPPA) (r = 0.78, p < 0.001), as well as between LLMP and FPPA (r = 0.82, p < 0.001). Multiple linear regression analysis showed that VO₂max and LLMP together accounted for 85% of the variance in FPPA (R² = 0.85, p < 0.001). (4) Conclusions: The findings highlight that both aerobic capacity and lower limb muscle power significantly contribute to knee valgus control among adolescent basketball players. Implementing training programs focused on improving lower limb muscle power and cardiorespiratory fitness may enhance knee stability and reduce the risk of lower limb injuries. Given the strong predictive value of VO₂max and LLMP for knee control, targeted training programs focusing on neuromuscular conditioning and aerobic capacity may be effective for injury prevention. Full article

Transition zones are located at points on a track where there has been a change in the main composition of the railway infrastructure; as such, there are many sections that undergo a sudden change in the stiffness of the structures built. When trains are running, a longitudinal shockwave is created by the wheels, hitting these building objects with a greater stiffness and deforming the surroundings of these zones. The greatest amount of attention should be paid to the transition points from the fixed track to the classic track with a track bed, including objects of the railway substructure, such as bridges and portals of tunnels. As part of the research on the main corridor lines, long-term inspection and monitoring studies were carried out using a trolley with a continuous measurement system; height changes in the deflections of rails are evidence of their behaviour. The measurements took place on a fixed track and a track with ballast. The changes in the height jumps between the fixed railway track and the track with a gravel bed are significant. These height deflections allow designers to develop new, more durable construction designs. Full article