Search Results (2,784)

Background: Dietary advice for Paralympic athletes (PAs) with a spinal cord injury (PAs-SCI) requires particular attention and has been widely studied. However, currently, no particular attention has been addressed to nutritional guidelines for athletes with an amputation (PAs-AMP). This study aimed at filling up this gap, at least partially, and compared veteran PAs-SCI with PAs-AMP. Methods: A sample of 25 male PAs (12 with SCI and 13 with AMP), recruited during two training camps, was submitted to the following questionnaires: allergy questionnaire for athletes (AQUA), Nordic Musculoskeletal Questionnaire (NMQ), Starvation Symptom Inventory (SSI), neurogenic bowel dysfunction (NBD), orthorexia (ORTO-15/ORTO-7), alcohol use disorders identification test (AUDIT), and Mediterranean diet adherence (MDS). The PAs were also submitted to the following measurements: dietary Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity (ORAC) and intakes, body composition, handgrip strength (HGS), basal energy expenditure (BEE), peak oxygen uptake (VO_2peak), peak power, peak heart rate (HR), post-exercise ketosis, and antioxidant response after a cardiopulmonary exercise test (CPET) to voluntary fatigue. Results: Compared to PAs-AMP, PAs-SCI had higher NBD and lower VO_2peak (p < 0.05), peak power, peak HR, peak lactate, phase angle (PhA) of the dominant leg (p < 0.05), and ORTO15 (p < 0.05). The latter was related to NBD (r = −0.453), MDS (r = −0.638), and ORAC (r = −0.529), whereas ORTO7 correlated with PhA of the dominant leg (r = 0.485). Significant differences between PAs-AMP and PAs-SCI were not found in the antioxidant response, glucose, and ketone levels after CPET, nor in dietary intake, AUDIT, AQUA, NMQ, SSI, BEE, HGS, and FM%. Conclusions: The present study showed that PAs-SCI and PAs-AMP display similar characteristics in relation to lifestyle, energy intake, basal energy expenditure, and metabolic response to CPET. Based on both the similarities with PAs-SCI and the consequences of the limb deficiency impairment, PAs-AMP and PAs-SCI require personalized nutritional advice. Full article

Objective: Considering the absence of research testing the entire sequence of passion, behavioral regulation, and subjective well-being (SWB), this study aimed to analyze the hypothetical causal relationships between the variables of a model that integrates the Dualistic Passion Model (DMP) and Self-Determination Theory (SDT) in order to understand the impact of harmonious passion (HP) and obsessive passion (OP) and the regulation of motivation on the SWB of elite athletes with disability. Method: This study includes 143 elite athletes from national adapted sports (36 female; 107 male) aged between 15 and 59 (M = 29.21; SD = 10.45). Weekly training sessions ranged from 1 to 12 (M = 4.52; SD = 2.71), and the years of competitive practice ranged from 1 to 28 (M = 5.55; SD = 6.98). Data were collected using valid and reliable questionnaires for the study population and analyzed using structural equation analysis. The following results were identified: a positive and a significant effect between OP and self-determination motivation (SDM); a positive but not a significant effect between OP and non-self-determination motivation (NSDM); a significant effect between SDM and SWL and SDM and positive affect (PA); and, finally, a positive but non-significant effect between SDM and negative affect (NA). In contrast, there is a positive and significant effect between HP and SDM; a negative and significant effect between HP and NSDM; a positive but non-significant effect between NSDM and SWL; a negative and significant effect between NSDM and PA; and, finally, a positive and significant effect between NSDM and NA. Conclusions: The perception of passion regarding sport can be a positive predictor of SDM, which, in turn, can influence levels of SWB, both from a cognitive point of view (SWL) and from an emotional point of view (PA). This reinforces the positive effect of the self-determination behavior in adapted sport on SWB and its contribution to health and quality of life in people with disabilities. Full article

Background: This study aimed to examine the effects of an 8-week plyometric training program on lower-limb explosive strength, jump performance, musculotendinous stiffness, reactive strength index (RSI), and multidirectional speed in elite Polish badminton players. Methods: Twenty-four athletes were randomly assigned to either an experimental group (n = 15), which supplemented their regular badminton training with plyometric exercises, or a control group (n = 15), which continued standard technical training. Performance assessments included squat jump (SJ), countermovement jump (CMJ), single-leg jumps, sprint tests (5 m, 10 m), lateral movements, musculotendinous stiffness, and RSI measurements. Results: The experimental group showed statistically significant improvements in jump height, power output, stiffness, and 10 m sprint and lateral slide-step performance (p < 0.05), with large effect sizes. No significant changes were observed in the control group. Single-leg jump improvements suggested potential benefits for addressing lower-limb asymmetries. Conclusions: An 8-week plyometric intervention significantly enhanced lower-limb explosive performance and multidirectional movement capabilities in young badminton players. These findings support the integration of targeted plyometric training into regular training programs to optimize physical performance, improve movement efficiency, and potentially reduce injury risk in high-intensity racket sports. Full article

Background: The purpose of this study was to evaluate Achilles tendon ruptures (ATR) in NHL players and the effects on return to play and player performance metrics. The incidence, mechanism of injury, management strategy, return to play (RTP), and post-injury were assessed from official online sports databases. Methods: A retrospective review of NHL players who sustained a partial or complete tear of the Achilles tendon from 2008 to 2024 was performed. Data were collected from NHL injury databases and media reports, and included player demographics, injury mechanism, treatment, and post-injury performance metrics. A Wilcoxon signed rank test was used to compare pre-injury and post-injury performance metrics, with significance set at p < 0.05. Results: Here, 15 NHL players with a mean age of 27.8 years were identified, with a prevalence rate of 0.125 injuries per 10,000 athletic exposures. Overall, 73.3% of ATRs were non-contact in nature, with 60.0% of ATRs occurring during off-season training. Fourteen players were managed with non-operative treatment, with no re-ruptures reported. The RTP rate was 93.3%, with players missing a mean number of 45.7 games. However, there was a deterioration in post-injury performance metrics, including games played per season, plus/minus rating, and time on ice per game post-injury. Conclusions: This study found that Achilles tendon ruptures are an uncommon injury in NHL players, with a prevalence rate of 0.125 injuries per 10,000 athletic exposures. A high RTP rate of 93.3% was observed in this cohort. However, there was a deterioration in post-injury performance metrics, including games played per season, plus/minus rating, and time on ice per game post-injury, highlighting the potential devastating sequelae of ATRs in elite NHL athletes. Full article

Background/Objectives: Sprinting is a fundamental locomotor skill and a key indicator of lower limb strength and anaerobic power in early childhood. The aim of the study was to examine possible differences in the step kinematic parameters and their contribution to sprint speed between children with different patterns of speed development. Methods: 65 prepubescent male and female track athletes (33 males and 32 females; 6.9 ± 0.8 years old) were examined in a maximal 15 m short sprint running test, where photocells measured time for each 5 m segment. At the last 5 m segment, step length, frequency, and velocity were evaluated via a video analysis method. The symmetry angle was calculated for the examined step kinematic parameters. Results: Based on the speed at the final 5 m segment of the test, two groups were identified, the maximum sprint phase (MAX) and the acceleration phase (ACC) group. Speed was significantly (p < 0.05) higher in ACC in the final 5 m segment, while there was a significant (p < 0.05) interrelationship between step length and frequency in ACC but not in MAX. No other differences were observed. Conclusions: The difference observed in the interrelationship between speed and step kinematic parameters between ACC and MAX highlights the importance of identifying the speed development pattern to apply individualized training stimuli for the optimization of training that can lead to better conditioning and wellbeing of children involved in sports with requirements for short-sprint actions. Full article

Background: Estimating race times for open-water swimming based on pool swimming times could be useful for talent identification and training optimisation. We aimed to compare the swimming speeds of the world’s top and other swimmers in the 2023 Aquatics Championship men’s 10 km OWS race. Methods: Sixty-five swimmers were divided into four groups: G1 (1st–10th positions), G2 (11st–30th positions), G3 (31st–47th positions), and G4 (48th–65th positions). Swimming speed, stroke frequency (SF), and stroke length (SL) for each lap (laps 1–6) were recorded. Critical speed (CS) was calculated from each participant’s personal best times in the 400, 800, and 1500 m freestyle events in the pool. Swimming speed against CS was calculated (%CS). Results: The top performance group (G1) maintained their swimming speed from beginning (lap 1, 1.53 m/s) to end (lap 6, 1.50 m/s), at 92.7 ± 1.9% of CS, characterised by longer SL (1.26 m) and lower SF (72.86 rpm). G3 and G4 were unable to maintain their swimming speed, which decreased from G3: 97.64 ± 1.62% and G4: 96.10 ± 1.96% of CS at lap 1 to G3: 88.39 ± 3.78% and G4: 85.13 ± 5.04% at lap 6. This reduction in swimming speed is consistent with the increased reliance on anaerobic metabolism reported in previous studies under similar conditions. Conclusions: Race pacing for maintaining speeds of 92%CS throughout the race could be an important resilient index in open-water swimming. %CS might be a useful index for estimating the athletic performance level in open-water swimming. Full article

The ongoing secular changes in human movement development means that an assessment of primitive reflexes is now required not only in disabled but also in neurotypical children. This study had three aims: (1) presenting the TASHUN test battery as suitable for the assessment of primitive reflex activity in normal children and child athletes; (2) analyzing reflex characteristics of neurotypical children; (3) verifying validity and reliability of tests. Spearman’s rank correlation and ROC analysis were used for validation. Intraclass Correlation Coefficient and RM ANOVA analyzed reliability. The test on 242 schoolgirls has demonstrated that retained primitive reflexes are present in almost every individual (84.7–95.7%). Correlations showed strong positive association, with all values exceeding 0.8, and ROC analysis demonstrated excellent predictive strength (AUC values over 0.9). Interobserver reliability showed excellent agreement (ICC values above 0.9). No significant offset was present among the scoring by evaluators. Therefore, testing for primitive reflexes is necessary in neurotypical children in order to obtain a realistic image about the physiology of reflexes and their role in motor development. Our screening could be useful for practicing sport professionals, researchers and academics, to identify deficiencies, to further explore reflexes and to train future PE teachers and trainers. Full article

Laboratory-based assessment of cardiorespiratory function is a widely applied method in sports science. Most performance evaluations focus on oxygen uptake parameters. Despite the well-established concept of oxygen deficit introduced by Hill in the 1920s, relatively few studies have examined its behavior during submaximal exercise, with limited exploration of deficit dynamics. The present study aimed to analyze the behavior of oxygen deficit in young female handball players (N = 42, age: 15.4 ± 1.3 years) during graded exercise. Oxygen deficit was estimated using the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) algorithm, restricted to subanaerobic threshold segments of a quasi-ramp exercise protocol. Cardiorespiratory parameters were measured with the spiroergometry test on treadmills, and body composition was assessed via Dual Energy X-ray Absorptiometry (DEXA). Cluster and principal component analyzes revealed two distinct athlete profiles with statistically significant differences in both morphological and physiological traits. Cluster 2 showed significantly higher relative VO₂ peak (51.43 ± 3.70 vs. 45.70 ± 2.87 mL·kg⁻¹·min⁻¹; p < 0.001; Cohen’s d = 1.76), yet also exhibited a greater oxygen deficit per kilogram (39.03 ± 16.71 vs. 32.56 ± 14.33 mL·kg⁻¹; p = 0.018; d = 0.80). Cluster 1 had higher absolute body mass (69.67 ± 8.13 vs. 59.66 ± 6.81 kg; p < 0.001), skeletal muscle mass (p < 0.001), and fat mass (p < 0.001), indicating that body composition strongly influenced oxygen deficit values. The observed differences in oxygen deficit profiles suggest a strong influence of genetic predispositions, particularly in cardiovascular and muscular oxygen utilization capacity. Age also emerged as a critical factor in determining the potential for adaptation. Oxygen deficit during submaximal exercise appears to be a multifactorial phenomenon shaped by structural and physiological traits. While certain influencing factors can be modified through training, others especially those of genetic origin pose inherent limitations. Early development of cardiorespiratory capacity may offer the most effective strategy for long-term optimization. Full article

The use of Internet of Things (IoT) for sports innovation has transformed the way athletes train, compete, and recover in any sports activity. This study performs a bibliometric analysis to examine research trends, collaborations, and publications in the realm of IoT and Sports. Our analysis included 780 Scopus articles and 150 WoS articles published during 2012–2025, and duplicates were removed. We analyzed and visualized the bibliometric data using R version 3.6.1, VOSviewer version 1.6.20, and the bibliometrix library. The study provides insights from a bibliometric analysis, showcasing the allocation of topics, scientific contributions, patterns of co-authorship, prominent authors and their productivity over time, notable terms, key sources, publications with citations, analysis of citations, source-specific citation analysis, yearly publication patterns, and the distribution of research papers. The results indicate that China and India have the leading scientific production in the development of IoT and Sports research, with prominent authors like Anton Umek, Anton Kos, and Emiliano Schena making significant contributions. Wearable technology and wearable sensors are the most trending topics in IoT and Sports, followed by medical sciences and artificial intelligence paradigms. The analysis also emphasizes the importance of open-access journals like ‘Journal of Physics: Conference Series’ and ‘IEEE Access’ for their contributions to IoT and Sports research. Future research directions focus on enhancing effective, lightweight, and efficient wearable devices while implementing technologies like edge computing and lightweight AI in wearable technologies. Full article

Given the high neuromechanical demands and frequent asymmetries in badminton, this study investigated the impact of a four-week asymmetry-targeted intervention on single-leg hop performance in elite junior badminton players and examined whether asymmetry-based indices could predict training responsiveness. Twenty-two national-level athletes (aged 15–18) were randomized into an experimental group (EG) undergoing neuromechanical training with EMG biofeedback or a control group (CG) following general plyometric exercises. Key performance metrics—Jump Height, Reactive Strength Index (RSI), Peak Power, and Active Stiffness—were evaluated pre- and post-intervention. Two novel composite indices, Force Efficiency Ratio (FER) and Asymmetry Impact Index (AII), were computed to assess force production efficiency and asymmetry burden. The EG showed significant improvements in Jump Height (p = 0.030), RSI (p = 0.012), and Peak Power (p = 0.028), while the CG showed no significant changes. Contrary to initial hypotheses, traditional asymmetry metrics showed no significant correlations with performance variables (r < 0.1). Machine learning models (Random Forest) using FER and AII failed to classify responders reliably (AUC = 0.50). The results suggest that targeted interventions can improve lower-limb explosiveness in youth athletes; however, both traditional and composite asymmetry indices may not reliably predict training outcomes in small elite groups. The results highlight the need for multidimensional and individualized approaches in athlete diagnostics and training optimization, especially in asymmetry-prone sports like badminton. Full article

Multisensory integration is crucial for effective cognitive functioning, especially in complex tasks such as those requiring rapid audiovisual information processing. High-level martial arts routine athletes, trained in integrating visual and auditory cues for performance, may exhibit superior abilities in cross-audiovisual integration. This study aimed to explore whether these athletes demonstrate an expert advantage effect in audiovisual integration, particularly focusing on whether this advantage is due to enhanced automatic auditory processing. A total of 165 participants (81 male, 84 female) were included in three experiments. Experiment 1 (n = 63) used a cross-audiovisual Rapid Serial Visual Presentation (RSVP) paradigm to compare the martial arts routine athlete group (n = 31) with a control group (n = 33) in tasks requiring target stimulus identification under audiovisual congruent and incongruent conditions. Experiment 2 (n = 52) manipulated the synchronicity of auditory stimuli to differentiate between audiovisual integration and auditory alerting effects. Experiment 3 (n = 50) combined surprise and post-surprise tests to investigate the role of automatic auditory processing in this expert advantage. Experiment 1 revealed that martial arts routine athletes outperformed the control group, especially in semantically incongruent conditions, with significantly higher accuracy at both lag3 (p < 0.001, 95% CI = [0.165, 0.275]) and lag8 (p < 0.001, 95% CI = [0.242, 0.435]). Experiment 2 found no significant difference between groups in response to the manipulation of auditory stimulus synchronicity, ruling out an alerting effect. In Experiment 3, martial arts routine athletes demonstrated better performance in reporting unexpected auditory stimuli during the surprise test, indicating enhanced automatic processing capacity. Additionally, a significant improvement in working memory re-selection was observed in the martial arts routine group. The expert advantage effect observed in martial arts routine athletes is attributable to enhanced cross-audiovisual integration, independent of an auditory alerting mechanism. Long-term training improves the efficiency of working memory re-selection and the ability to inhibit conflicting information, suggesting that the expanded capacity for automatic auditory processing underpins their multisensory integration advantage. Full article

Background: Sports performance indicators are mainly based on male athletes, highlighting the importance of portraying the female reality, particularly in rural contexts. This study aims to characterize sports performance indicators (body composition and physical fitness) of young Portuguese female athletes. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted with 124 girls (13.66 ± 1.93 years) participating in federated team sports in a rural region of Portugal. Body composition was assessed using bioelectrical impedance, and physical fitness was evaluated through vertical jump tests (countermovement jump and squat jump), sprint (20 m), agility (T-test), handgrip strength, and cardiovascular endurance (Yo-Yo IR1). Results: Volleyball players are taller; football and basketball players are heavier; football and volleyball players have more fat-free mass than handball players (p < 0.05). Body mass index and % body fat did not differ between sports (p > 0.05). Volleyball players performed better in the countermovement jump (F = 4.146, p = 0.008) and squat jump (F = 7.686, p < 0.001) when compared to basketball, football, and handball players. No differences were observed in the speed or cardiorespiratory endurance tests (p > 0.05). Conclusions: The results revealed that, despite some specific differences between sports, most physical fitness indicators did not differ significantly between sports after controlling for age, menarche, and training experience. These findings suggest that shared contextual limitations in rural regions may take precedence over sport-specific adaptations in the early stages of sports participation. Full article

Ergogenic supplements are becoming increasingly popular in the diet of trained individuals, due to their potential benefits. Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) is one of the supplements that has recently grown in popularity. Despite growing interest, its scientific background remains limited and sometimes inconsistent. Objective: This overview of systematic reviews aimed to evaluate the effects of Ashwagandha supplementation on sports performance and health-related outcomes. Methods: A systematic literature search was carried out on the following electronic databases: PUBMed, Scopus, Academic Search Complete, SPORTDiscus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar, using the search terms “ashwagandha” and “systematic review” in the title or abstract of the publication in July 2024. The eligibility of the articles was assessed using the PICOS (Population, Intervention, Comparator, Outcomes, and Study Design) approach, and risk of bias was assessed using the AMSTAR-2 checklist. Results: Of the 2388 systematic reviews found, 11 met the inclusion criteria, which included 151 original studies representing 9005 individuals. Findings suggest that Ashwagandha supplementation may improve various aspects of sports performance, such as endurance and muscular strength, as well as health-related outcomes, including anxiety reduction, improved sleep quality, and enhanced sexual function. The most commonly used doses of Ashwagandha supplementation are between 500 mg and 1000 mg a day. Conclusion: While current evidence indicates promising effects of Ashwagandha on physical and psychological parameters, further high-quality randomized controlled trials are needed. Therefore, its use in athletes or healthy individuals should be considered with caution and based on individual needs. Full article

Background: Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu (BJJ) is a physically demanding sport associated with a notable risk of musculoskeletal injuries. Understanding injury patterns, rehabilitation approaches, and psychological readiness to return to sport (RTS) is essential for prevention and management strategies. This study aimed to investigate injury characteristics among Italian BJJ athletes, assess their rehabilitation processes and psychological recovery, and identify key risk factors such as belt level, body mass index (BMI), and training load. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among members of the Italian BJJ community, including amateur and competitive athletes. A total of 360 participants completed a 36-item online questionnaire. Data collected included injury history, rehabilitation strategies, RTS timelines, and responses to the Injury-Psychological Readiness to Return to Sport (I-PRRS) scale. A Random Forest machine learning algorithm was used to identify and rank potential injury risk factors. Results: Of the 360 respondents, 331 (92%) reported at least one injury, predominantly occurring during training sessions. The knee was the most frequently injured joint, and the action “attempting to pass guard” was the most reported mechanism. Most athletes (65%) returned to training within one month. BMI and age emerged as the most significant predictors of injury risk. Psychological readiness scores indicated moderate confidence, with the lowest levels associated with playing without pain. Conclusions: Injuries in BJJ are common, particularly affecting the knee. Psychological readiness, especially confidence in training without pain, plays a critical role in RTS outcomes. Machine learning models may aid in identifying individual risk factors and guiding injury prevention strategies. Full article

Purpose: Integrated neuromuscular training (INT) is a multidimensional training method that integrates strength, balance, core stability, flexibility, and motor skill development. The aim of this study was to systematically evaluate the effects of INT on various physical performance indicators in athletes to provide evidence supporting the application of INT in training practices. Method: A systematic search was conducted in accordance with PRISMA guidelines across nine databases—including PubMed, Web of Science, EMBASE, Scopus, Cochrane Library, Ovid MEDLINE, WILEY, and Springer Nature Link—from inception to 26 March 2025 to identify randomized controlled trials (RCTs) examining the effects of INT on athletic performance. Result: A total of 19 randomized controlled trials were included, comprising 783 participants aged 11–25 years. The meta-analysis results indicated that INT significantly improved jump performance (SMD = 0.26, 95% CI [0.15, 0.37], p < 0.001, I² = 75%), sprint performance (SMD = −0.76, 95% CI [−0.93, −0.58], p < 0.001, I² = 76%), balance performance (SMD = 0.23, 95% CI [0.14, 0.31], p < 0.001, I² = 78%), and agility performance (SMD = −0.72, 95% CI [−1.23, −0.21], p < 0.05, I² = 74%). Sensitivity analyses revealed no substantial changes in jump, sprint, agility, or balance performance outcomes. Conclusions: INT was found to significantly improve sprint, jump, balance, and agility performance in athletes. Analysis of the included training protocols suggested that improvements in each performance indicator required emphasis on specific training components. Moreover, greater improvements in sprint and balance performance were observed in female athletes compared to their male counterparts. Subgroup analysis revealed significant differences in training effects across populations, with female athletes showing superior improvements in sprint and balance performance following INT interventions. Additionally, interventions lasting fewer than eight weeks, with training sessions shorter than 30 min and frequencies of more than three times per week, were associated with more pronounced effects. Full article