Search Results (157)

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

Background: Adequate nutrition is fundamental to the health and performance of young athletes. However, many fail to meet nutritional recommendations. Nutrition education programmes are promising, cost-effective strategies for improving dietary habits. However, research gaps persist, coupled with notable variability amongst the intervention programmes targeting youth athletes. The aim of this study was to assess the nutritional knowledge of Portuguese youth athletes and to evaluate the effectiveness of a nutrition education programme in improving football players’ understanding of a healthy diet. Methods: Participants were recruited from a local football club through public announcement. Male youth football players aged 13 to 18 years, training at least 3 times per week and competing regularly over the past six months, were eligible. The baseline assessment included anthropometric measurements, an assessment of the adherence to the Mediterranean diet using the KIDMED questionnaire, and an assessment of general and sports nutrition knowledge via a structured questionnaire. Following the intervention—comprising three face-to-face educational sessions and two digital infographics—the KIDMED and nutrition knowledge questionnaires were re-administered. Results: A sample of 38 male footballers were eligible for this study. Most participants exhibited a healthy body weight, with a corresponding adequate body composition. The mean KIDMED score indicated moderate adherence to the Mediterranean diet with no statistically significant difference between the baseline and post-intervention (6.79 ± 1.52 versus 6.97 ± 2.01, p > 0.05). There was a significant enhancement in overall nutrition knowledge, accompanied by notable improvements in the comprehension of macro- and micronutrient sources and sports nutrition principles. Conclusions: This pilot programme proved effective in enhancing young football players’ knowledge of nutrient sources and sports nutrition. Full article

This study examined the effects of a short-term ballistic training program on neuromuscular performance and strength-deficit (SDef) in elite youth female soccer players. Twenty-two under-20 athletes completed a 4-week intervention during the pre-season phase, comprising 12 loaded and 8 unloaded ballistic training sessions performed at maximal intended velocity. Pre- and post-intervention assessments included vertical jumps (squat jump [SJ], countermovement jump [CMJ]), sprinting speed (5, 10, and 20 m), one-repetition maximum (1RM) and peak force (PF) in the half-squat (HS), and peak power and velocity during jump squats (JS) at 30% of 1RM. SDef was calculated as the percentage difference in PF between 1RM in the HS and 30% 1RM. Significant improvements were observed in SJ, CMJ, sprint speed, 1RM-strength, and bar-derived mechanical outputs (ES = 1.18–1.66; p < 0.05), with no significant changes in SDef. These results indicate that elite youth female soccer players can improve strength-, power-, and speed-related capacities without compromising force production at higher movement velocities (thus maintaining their SDef). The improvements observed likely reflect the combined effect of a high-frequency, velocity-oriented training approach and a concurrent reduction in traditional technical–tactical (i.e., soccer-specific) training volume. This is the first study to demonstrate that ballistic exercises alone—when properly structured—can enhance neuromuscular performance in female soccer players without increasing SDef. These findings provide practical guidance for practitioners aiming to optimize physical development in team-sport athletes without relying on heavier training loads or extended resistance training sessions—and, especially, without compromising their ability to apply force at higher velocities. Full article

Background/Objectives: Growing pains are a common cause of recurrent limb pain in children, but their etiology remains unclear. Physical activity and nutrition are important factors for musculoskeletal health, but their specific relationship with growing pains has not been well established in young athletes. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of growing pains in child and adolescent athletes and evaluate their adherence to the Mediterranean Diet. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted with 916 athletes aged 8–17 years from sports academies in Alicante, Spain. Data were collected via an online survey assessing demographics, pain types, and adherence to the Mediterranean diet. Results: Self-reported pain was highly prevalent, affecting 78.5% of children and 93.5% of adolescents. Musculoskeletal and nocturnal pain increased with age, with nocturnal pain significantly more frequent in girls among children (p < 0.001). Additionally, 32.6% of children and 51.9% of adolescents had received a formal diagnosis of growing pains. Despite this, only 13.7% reported using analgesics, with no significant gender differences. Adherence to the Mediterranean diet was mostly moderate, with children reporting higher fruit and vegetable intake than adolescents, while adolescents consumed more healthy fats and carbohydrates, and participants without pain showed overall healthier dietary patterns. Conclusions: Idiopathic musculoskeletal pain is highly prevalent among young athletes, and their adherence to a healthy diet is suboptimal, challenging the assumption that physically active children maintain well-balanced diets. This underscores the importance of early nutritional education as a strategy to support musculoskeletal health and reduce pain in physically active youth. Full article

Background/Objectives: Injury prevention programs (IPPs) are evidence-based interventions that reduce musculoskeletal injuries in youth sports. Despite their proven benefits, the adoption of IPPs by coaches remains limited. This study aimed to evaluate the awareness, usage, and perceptions of IPPs among youth sports coaches in Poland and to identify factors associated with their implementation. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted using a web-based survey tailored to youth sports coaches in Poland. Coaches of athletes aged 9–17 were recruited through targeted outreach to clubs and professional networks. The survey assessed IPP awareness, implementation, perceptions, and sources of information. Statistical analyses included chi-square tests, non-parametric comparisons, Firth’s logistic regression, and cluster profiling. Results: Only 54.6% of coaches (59 out of 108) were aware of IPPs, and among them, just 47.5% reported using them. No significant associations were found between IPP use and demographic variables such as gender, sport, or place of residence. Coaches who were aware of IPPs were significantly younger than those who were unaware (p = 0.029). The information source was the strongest predictor of IPP implementation: coaches trained via formal courses were over 20 times more likely to use IPPs compared to those learning from peers (OR = 20.4, p < 0.001). While coaches generally perceived IPPs as beneficial for fitness and recovery, 28.6% expressed doubts about their effectiveness in reducing injury risk. Conclusions: Despite broadly positive beliefs, only 47.5% of coaches who were aware of IPPs reported using them. Formal training significantly enhances the likelihood of adoption. These findings emphasize the need for structured educational efforts and improved dissemination strategies to promote evidence-based injury prevention in youth sports settings. Full article

Background: Sport plays an important role in the health promotion of people with cerebral palsy (CP). However, risk factors may impair sport performance and health in non-ambulatory athletes. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to explore body composition and bone health in a group of world-class Boccia players with CP. Methods: Five BC2-class players with CP, aged 15–42 years old, were assessed using Dual-Energy X-Ray Absorptiometry (DXA) for body composition and bone mineral density (BMD) and content (BMC). The fat mass index (kg/m²) was used to define obesity, and the BMD Z-score used to analyze bone health. A preliminary indicator of sarcopenia was considered using the appendicular lean mass index. Results: Players 1 and 3 exhibited similar body compositions (obesity class 1 and BMD Z-score are below the expected range for age). Player 5 exhibited multiple health-related risk factors. The results regarding youth players (Player 2 and Player 4) should be analyzed with caution. Conclusions: Overall, due to Boccia’s specific characteristics, players may benefit from close monitoring by multidisciplinary teams and supplementary strategies (e.g., strength training, individualized diet plans) to promote quality of life and performance. However, further research is needed to confirm the data, since these preliminary findings do not allow for broader generalizations. Full article

Background/Objectives: Dominant leg use in badminton may contribute to lower limb asymmetry, potentially affecting performance and injury risk. This study investigated the effects of a 12-week integrated neuromuscular training (NMT) program on sports performance. Methods: Twenty-four well-trained male badminton players (age: 13.5 ± 1.15 years) were randomly assigned to groups based on maturation status (pre-peak height velocity [pre-PHV] and post-peak height velocity [post-PHV]; n = 12 each). All participants completed two NMT sessions weekly. Pre- and post-training assessments included a 20 m sprint, countermovement jump (CMJ), agility t-text, hexagon test, and Y-balance test. Results: Both groups improved significantly across most tests. The post-PHV group (ES: 0.70–1.35) showed greater improvements in sprinting, CMJ, and agility, while the pre-PHV group (ES: 0.39–1.23) improved more in balance and asymmetry. Conclusions: These results underscore the need for age- and maturity-specific training strategies to optimize performance and address asymmetries in youth athletes. Full article

Background: Many studies examine young adolescents’ motivation for physical activity (PA), but few explore the problem in depth, considering the self-assessment of sport skills or the impact of additional PA. Insufficient PA among adolescents is a significant global issue. This study aimed to analyze the differences in types of motivation, the self-assessment of sports skills, and overall fitness among young adolescents with regard to additional PA. Material and Methods: A sample of high school students (n = 355) was assessed using an MPAM-R questionnaire, a self-developed sport skills competency test, and an IFIS questionnaire. Results: There are significant differences in types of motivation between genders: girls achieved higher results in terms of appearance, whereas boys were mostly focused on enjoyment and competence. Additionally, participants who reported engaging in additional PA, regardless of gender, achieved higher results in nearly all types of motivation, except for social. The findings consistently highlight a strong emphasis on appearance among young adolescents. The self-assessments of sports skills and overall fitness were also higher in the group of participants with additional PA. The study revealed further differences between boys and girls in the assessment of tactical and technical skills. Boys rated themselves higher in team sports, whereas girls in individual activities such as gymnastics. Conclusions: These results provide new insights into teenagers’ motivations and self assessment of sport skills and can serve as a solid foundation for further research for developing activities aimed at increasing leisure-time PA among youth. Full article

Early detection of modifiable motor deficits is essential for safe, long-term athletic development, yet most field screens provide only binary risk scores. We therefore designed a practical and interpretable profiling system that classifies youth athletes into one of four functional categories—Functionally Weak, Strength-Deficient, Stability-Deficient, or No Clear Dysfunction—using three common assessments: Functional Movement Screen, hand-held dynamometry, and Y-Balance Test. A total of 46 youth athletes aged 11–16 years participated in the study, including 37 male soccer players (13.3 ± 1.6 y) in the development cohort and 9 handball players (5 male, 4 female; 12.8 ± 0.7 y) in the external validation group. Expert rules based on FMS quartiles and ≤−0.5 SD Z-scores for strength or balance generated the reference labels. The random forest model achieved 81% cross-validated accuracy (with balanced performance across classes) and 89% accuracy on the external handball group, exceeding the performance of the decision tree model. SHAP analysis confirmed that model predictions were driven by domain relevant variables rather than demographics. An accompanying web-based application automatically generates personalized reports, visualizations, and targeted training recommendations, making the system directly usable by coaches and clinicians. Rather than merely predicting injury, this field-ready framework delivers actionable, profile-based guidance to support informed decision making in athlete development. Further validation in larger, sport-diverse cohorts is needed to assess its generalizability and long-term value in practice. Full article

Warm-up protocols are essential in high-intensity sports such as basketball, in which explosive power and rapid decision-making are critical for performance. This study examined the immediate effects of a modern cognitive warm-up, incorporating open-skill demands and cognitive-motor dual tasks, compared to a traditional closed-skill warm-up in youth basketball players. Twelve male players (ages 15–16) from an elite Israeli youth basketball club participated in the study and performed performance assessments post-warm-up. Sprint performance was evaluated using a closed-skill test (CST: 5-m and 10-m sprints without external stimuli) and an open-skill test (OST: 5-m and 10-m sprints with a reaction-based stimulus). The modern cognitive warm-up integrated advanced sports technology, and all performance assessments were conducted using reliable measurement technologies. The results demonstrated that the modern cognitive warm-up significantly enhanced sprint performance in both OST (p < 0.01) and CST (p < 0.05 for 5 m sprint), with no significant difference in the 10 m CST. Reaction times were also significantly improved (p < 0.01), emphasizing the effectiveness of cognitive warm-ups in enhancing perceptual-motor readiness. These findings suggest that integrating cognitive-motor dual tasks and open-skill elements into warm-up routines may enhance both readiness and focus for explosive performance, as well as improve players’ reactive abilities. Full article

Nordic exercises are widely used to improve physical performance and prevent injuries; however, their applicability across different sports remains unclear. Objective: This study examined the effects of Nordic exercises on the lower limbs and their relationship with absolute strength and vertical jump performance across various sports disciplines (soccer, athletics, basketball, sport climbing, cycling, and taekwondo). Methods: We conducted a quasi-experimental study involving 122 athletes (mean age 18.2 ± 3.2 years), who were not in pre-competitive or competitive periods, distributed across the following disciplines: soccer (n = 24), sprinting/athletics (n = 20), sport climbing (n= 20), basketball (n = 24), taekwondo (n = 14), and cycling (n = 20). Participants were randomly assigned to a control group (CG), n = 57, with regular training and an experimental group (EG), n = 65, that performed Nordic hamstring exercises (NHEs). The effects of a 7-week NHE program were assessed on absolute strength (measured with a dynamometer) and vertical jump performance (Vert). A mixed-design repeated measures ANOVA was used, considering the factors time, group, and sport discipline, with a significance level set at p < 0.05. Results: Both groups (CG and EG) presented homogeneous baseline values for absolute strength (dominant and non-dominant sides) and vertical jump (p > 0.05). The EG exhibited significant gains in dominant-leg strength (from 12.4 kg to 14.5 kg), non-dominant side strength (from 11.1 kg to 13.8 kg), and vertical jump (from 42.4 cm to 45.8 cm), with statistically significant differences between pre- and post-tests (p < 0.01). No relevant changes were observed in the CG. The repeated measures ANOVA confirmed a significant time × group effect in all three variables (p < 0.01), although no significant time × sport × group interaction was found. The largest strength gains occurred in strength were observed in sport climbing, basketball, and athletics and in vertical jump in soccer. Conclusions: Absolute strength improvements were most notable in sport climbing, basketball, football, and sprinting. Vertical jump performance improved notably in soccer, sprinting/athletics, climbing, and basketball. These results justify incorporating NHEs into youth athletes’ training, tailored to the specific demands of each sport. Full article

Background: Maturation is a complex biological process affecting all tissues, organs, and systems, particularly during adolescence. The Peak Height Velocity (PHV) period, a hallmark of adolescent growth spurts, is associated with individual differentiations in the development of performance attributes amongst youth. Understanding the influence of sports participation on strength and power during the PHV period is essential for optimizing training outcomes and reducing injury risk. This scoping review synthesizes the literature on the strength and power development in athletes during the PHV period across various sports, highlighting the interaction between maturation, training, and performance outcomes. Methods: A systematic search of PubMed and Scopus, supplemented by manual searches, identified peer-reviewed studies from 2004 to 2025. The included longitudinal studies involved structured training and assessed strength-related performance during and around the PHV period. PRISMA-ScR guidelines were followed. Results: Twelve studies met the inclusion criteria. It is found that strength and power are significantly affected during the PHV period and participation in sports mitigates these effects. Training characteristics such as training frequency/volume and sport specificity were key factors. Early maturers often outperformed late maturers, though adolescent awkwardness temporarily reduced performance around PHV. Conclusions: Systematic participation in sports training can limit the phenomenon of adolescent awkwardness in the performance of strength and power. Hence, training programs should be tailored to maturity status, emphasizing skill development, strength training, and injury prevention. Future research should explore individualized training and the mechanisms underlying performance variability during the PHV period. Full article

Background/Objectives: Cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) is a key indicator of current and future health in children and adolescents, and is influenced by both physiological and behavioral factors. This study examined the associations between CRF, body composition, and health-related habits in 685 children and adolescents (aged 8–16 years) who regularly participated in extracurricular sports programs in northeastern Spain. Methods: Participants underwent anthropometric assessments, completed a 20 m shuttle run test to evaluate CRF, and filled out validated questionnaires on physical activity levels, sleep quality, and adherence to the Mediterranean diet. Results: Significant sex differences were observed, with boys achieving higher CRF performance (p < 0.001), primarily associated with greater muscle mass (p < 0.001) and lower body fat percentage (p < 0.001). Age positively correlated with improved CRF (p < 0.001), whereas higher body mass index (p = 0.003) and fat mass (p = 0.020) negatively impacted fitness outcomes. Conclusions: These findings underscore the critical role of physical activity and optimal body composition in promoting cardiorespiratory fitness among youth, emphasizing the importance of targeted interventions to foster healthy behaviors from early childhood. Future research should adopt longitudinal designs to better elucidate the dynamic interactions between lifestyle factors, body composition, and physical fitness throughout childhood and adolescence. Full article

Background: Adherence to nutritional recommendations in groups of adolescents practicing various sports, including esthetic disciplines, is insufficient. Hence, the authors of this study attempted to design, implement and evaluate a nutritional education program for girls aged 10–12 attending a ballet school and artistic gymnastics classes. Methods: The study was conducted with 60 female students at the state ballet school and artistic gymnastics classes (professionally practicing ballet and artistic gymnastics). The nutritional education program was implemented by all students for a period of 4 weeks. The program consisted of three parts: group sharing and discussing the educational brochure, group nutritional workshops, and providing and discussing individual nutritional recommendations. Information provided to students during the nutritional education program concerned the principles of proper nutrition contained in the Pyramid of Healthy Nutrition and Physical Activity for Children and Youth, the most important sources of nutrients in the diet and their role, and the principles of nutrition of people practicing sports/training. Before starting the nutritional education program and 3 months after its completion, the level of nutritional knowledge was assessed in the group of ballerinas and artistic gymnasts to evaluate the program. Results: The proposed nutritional education program had a significant impact on the level of nutritional knowledge of students aged 10–12 attending the ballet school and artistic gymnastics classes. Conclusions: The presented nutritional education program may be used as a source of information for specialists for the preparation of educational and repair programs in the group of ballet dancers or artistic gymnasts aged 10–12. Full article

This study aimed to investigate the association between protective factors, marijuana use, and suicidal behavior among Black LGBQ U.S. adolescents. Methods: A subsample of 991 Black LGBQ adolescents was derived from the 2019 Combined High School YRBSS dataset. Suicidal behavior was measured as suicidal planning and/or previous suicide attempts. Marijuana usage gauged lifetime consumption. The protective factors included sports team participation, physical activity, eating breakfast, hours of sleep, and academic performance. Age and sex were entered as covariates. Multiple imputation by chained equations (MICE) was used to address missing data, and pooled binary logistic regression analyses were conducted. Results: Academic performance and hours of sleep were significantly associated with lower odds of suicidal behavior and lifetime marijuana use. Sports team participation was associated with higher odds of lifetime marijuana use. Being female was linked to higher odds of marijuana use, while older age was associated with lower odds. Discussion: For Black LGBQ youth, academic performance and sufficient sleep may function as protective factors. Participating in sports was associated with greater odds of risk behaviors, highlighting the need to assess the experiences of Black LGBQ youth in sports. Implications and Contributions: Our findings inform school programming, policy, and practice by identifying academic support and sleep health as intervention areas. Full article