Lakshmibai National University of Physical Education

Introduction. Badminton is characterized by intermittent power actions including high-intensity jumps, turns, strikes and lunges. Power, maximal strength, agility and speed endurance are of paramount importance for varied formats of badminton. Resistance priming (RP) aids in attaining post-activation performance enhancement (PAPE) in muscular activities. The study was aimed at examining the potential effect of resistance priming exercise on improving anaerobic variables in college badminton players measured at various time points. Material and Methods. Using a repeated measures design with within subject comparisons, the impact of resistance priming exercises on speed, jump height, agility, peak power, peak velocity and decline in power was examined at different points of time. Data were collected at the baseline, 30 minutes after, 8 hours and 24 hours following the intervention. SEMO agility test, 20 m sprint test, Kistler Force platform with MARS software and Wingate Anaerobic Power tests were used to test the players. Results. Repeated measures ANOVA determined that mean agility (F(3,15) = 4.24, p = 0.013, partial η2 = 0.458), peak power (F(3,15) = 11.46, p = 0.000, partial η2 = 0.696) and decline in power (F(3,15) = 5.525, p = 0.009, partial η2 = 0.525) scores differed significantly across four time points. There were no significant differences in jump height (p = 0.174), speed (p = 0.14) and peak velocity (p = 0.874). Conclusions. Morning RP with exercises targeting upper body, lower body and full body induced a significant impact on agility, peak power and decline in power. The improvements were maximum eight hours following the intervention. Future studies may be conducted by incorporating Electromyography (EMG) analysis to examine the muscle activation as well.

The recommended strategy helps UAV-IoT systems schedule activities to improve QoS, use less energy, and accomplish missions quicker. A genetic algorithm creates first employment plans. It develops schedules using selection, crossover, and variation to balance energy and time. Next, a Gaussian distribution-based multi-objective optimization strategy is used to identify new fitness assessment regions. A comprehensive fitness evaluation and convergence proof provide optimal scheduling and resource management at the conclusion. This technique was compared to the genetic algorithm and multi-objective optimization with Gaussian distributions for psychological marker identification and athlete monitoring. The recommended strategy consistently outperforms others in accuracy, dependability, efficacy, and sensitivity. The recommended approach has 95 accuracy, 92 sensitivity, and 90 dependability, indicating its effectiveness in detecting psychological indications and improving athletic performance. The solution is reliable and effective, making it a better way to plan tasks and monitor sports performance in UAV-IoT systems.

Background. Plyometric training is recognized for enhancing various physical fitness parameters critical to athletic performance, particularly in soccer players. Purpose. This study aimed to assess the effects of a 12-week plyometric training program, conducted three times per week, on key fitness parameters in professional male soccer players. Methods. A total of 40 professional male soccer players were randomly assigned to a control group (CG, n=20) and a plyometric training group (PTG, n=20). Participants (mean height = 176.14±3.28 cm, weight = 68.24±2.17 kg, and age = 20.31±2.30 years) underwent a 12-week plyometric training intervention. Fitness assessments were conducted before and after the intervention, measuring agility (t-test), balance (stork stand test), speed (50 m dash), power (medicine ball throw test), explosive power (vertical jump), leg strength (standing broad jump), and core strength (sit-up test). Results. Significant improvements (p < 0.001) were observed in the PTG across all fitness parameters compared to the control group, indicating the effectiveness of plyometric training in enhancing physical fitness in soccer players. Conclusion. The 12-week plyometric training program positively impacted agility, balance, speed, power, explosive power, leg strength, and core strength in professional male soccer players, suggesting it as a valuable regimen for improving overall physical performance.

Background. Maternal mental health is essential for maintaining family stability and promoting adolescent growth. Mothers experience difficulties in combining emotional support with independence, underlining the need for interventions that address their mental well-being. Research objective. The purpose of this study is to fill a research gap by examining the effects of a long-term yoga intervention on psychological measures and sleep quality in mothers of adolescent children. Methods. Forty mothers of adolescent children participated in a randomized controlled study that measured their depression, stress, anxiety, and sleep quality both before and after the intervention program. Results. Based on statistical analysis, an independent t-test showed that no significant differences were observed between the groups in the baseline assessment. A paired t-test showed that the yoga group exhibited significant improvements: depression (p < 0.001) with a 31.06% reduction, stress (p < 0.001) with a 50.63% reduction, anxiety (p < 0.001) with a 17.79% reduction, and sleep quality (p < 0.001) with a 31.32% improvement. In contrast, the control group showed no significant changes in depression (p = 0.19), stress (p = 0.43), anxiety (p = 0.34), or sleep quality (p = 0.67). Conclusions. This study concludes that a long-term yoga intervention significantly improves mental health in mothers of adolescents, reducing depression, stress, and anxiety while enhancing sleep quality. This study emphasizes the need to implement targeted mental health programs globally by addressing the complex interaction of emotional health and family dynamics.

Background. Elevated C-reactive protein (CRP) levels are associated with increased cardiovascular risk in hypertensive patients. While yoga and music therapy have shown individual benefits for cardiovascular health, their combined effect on inflammatory markers remains unexplored. Objective. To evaluate the effects of a 12-week combined yoga and music therapy intervention on inflammatory markers (hs-CRP, IL-6, TNF-α) and blood pressure parameters in middle-aged hypertensive men. Methods. In this quasi-experimental pre-post study, 36 hypertensive men (mean age 42.3 ± 6.4 years) participated in a combined yoga and music therapy intervention for 12 weeks. Primary outcomes included changes in inflammatory markers (hs-CRP, IL-6, TNF-α) and blood pressure measurements. Results. Following the 12-week intervention, significant reductions were observed in inflammatory markers: hs-CRP (−1.50 ± 0.55 mg/L, p < 0.001), IL-6 (−1.45 ± 0.45 pg/mL, p < 0.001), and TNF-α (−3.85 ± 1.15 pg/mL, p < 0.001). Blood pressure parameters also improved significantly: systolic (−10.55 ± 3.5 mmHg, p < 0.001) and diastolic (−7.05 ± 2.25 mmHg, p < 0.001). Large effect sizes were observed across all outcomes (0.72–0.79). Conclusion. Combined yoga and music therapy effectively reduced inflammatory markers and blood pressure in middle-aged hypertensive men. This integrative approach shows promise as a complementary intervention for managing hypertension and associated inflammatory markers.

Introduction: Leucorrhoea is natural vaginal discharge caused by hormonal changes, pregnancy, or sexual stimulation. This study protocol describes the methodology for a 12-week yoga program on the symptoms of leucorrhoea disorder among adult females. Methods and analysis: The present study is a two-armed, randomized parallel-group, active-control trial for patients with blinded outcome assessors and multiple primary and secondary outcomes. The appropriate sample size will be determined based on the findings of the feasibility study. The participants will be recruited from a hospital and research centre in Madhya Pradesh, India. Individuals who meet the inclusion criteria for leucorrhoea disorder will be chosen following laboratory examinations. Randomization will be used to assign the chosen individuals to either the intervention or control groups (1:1). For adult females with leucorrhoea disorders, the intervention will consist of a yoga-based program that will run for one hour, five days a week, for 12 weeks. Data will be collected at baseline and post-intervention, in the 12th week. The outcome measures will include various primary (colour, odour, amount, vaginal culture, vaginal smear, and imbalance of various gonad hormones) and secondary (lower abdominal pain and quality of life) outcomes. The analysis will involve intention-to-treat and per-protocol approaches that will evaluate the impact of yoga on various outcome measures and will be assessed using statistical tests. Ethics and dissemination: The study has been approved by the Institution Ethics Committee of Lakshmibai National Institute of Physical Education. Written informed consent will be obtained from each participant before inclusion. Results will be available through research articles and conferences. The summary of key results in layman's language will be made publicly available through newspaper articles.

The objective of the study was to determine the extent to which certain muscles contracted during the execution of the jump serve skill in volleyball, and the participants were divided into various different playing groups. Methods All participants in this study were right-handed college players. Their ages varied from 19 to 25. Eight high- and low-ability players were also present. Only the Rectus Femoris, Gastrocnemius, Anterior Deltoid, and Triceps Brachii were studied. All EMG methodology and testing protocols were applied in advance to ensure a successful test and data gathering. We used the eight-channel EMG Bio-feedback of Thought device to select muscles for data gathering. Before the test, participants were given a detailed presentation and explanation of its aims. After that, palpation marked and put the electrodes. Everyone then had to perform the job, and microvolts (v) signified muscle contraction. This study hypothesised that volleyball players with different muscle contraction skills would have different jump sets. Both sets of volleyball players performed jump serves, and an independent t-test determined if they contracted their muscles voluntarily. Level of significance was 0.05. Finding only Anterior Deltoid (Right) and Triceps Brachii (Right) revealed significant difference between high and low playing ability groups, as their calculated t values (9.174) and (4.351) were higher than the tabulated value (2.145) at 0.05. Conclusion During jump service execution, high and low volleyball players had substantial variations in anterior deltoid (right) and triceps brachii (right) muscle contraction.

BACKGROUND This study investigates the influence of a 1-month laughter yoga training program on the verbal working memory (WM) of visually impaired schoolchildren. Verbal WM plays a pivotal role in cognitive development, particularly for individuals with visual impairments who rely heavily on auditory information for learning and navigation. Verbal memory is essential for language acquisition, comprehension of instructions, and retention of academic content. Enhancing verbal memory is fundamental to visually impaired children’s educational and social development. Regular yoga practice has been associated with cognitive benefits, including memory enhancement, making it a potential intervention to enhance verbal memory in this population. METHODOLOGY The study was conducted on 20 children at a local school for students with special needs in Noida, India. Data were collected using the listening span test, involving pre- and posttests for these children. RESULTS The results of this study indicate that the verbal WM scores of children in the experimental group ( t = 8.468, P < 0.01) were significantly influenced and no significant difference was found in the verbal WM scores of children in the control group by regular laughter yoga practice. CONCLUSION This study demonstrates that 1-month laughter yoga training can effectively enhance verbal WM in visually impaired schoolchildren. This finding highlights the potential of laughter yoga as a beneficial cognitive intervention for this demographic.

Problem statement. As individuals transition from middle age to old age, it is important for those in their middle age to adapt to and sustain a consistent level of physical activity. Aqua training can serve as a beneficial form of exercise for middle-aged women. Approach. This study investigates the effects of aqua aerobics on the physical and physiological parameters of women in their middle age. The study included 40 women (aged 35 to 45 years) from Kakching in Manipur, who were randomly assigned to either the experimental or control group. Methods. Over a 12-week period, the experimental group participated in organised aquatic activities, while the control group maintained their regular routines. The exercise programme was carefully designed, incorporating varying levels of intensity and specific factors to optimise physical and physiological benefits. The pre- and post-test data were compared using a t-test for matched samples and ANOVA. Results. The results demonstrated significant improvements in the experimental group’s physical measures, including flexibility (FX) (t = 9.06), back strength (BS) (t = 2.093), leg strength (LS) (t = 8.07), cardiovascular endurance (CE) (t = 2.208), muscular endurance (ME) (t = 18.262), and body fat percentage (BFP) (t = 8.17). The physiological benefits included increased vital capacity (VT) (t = 6.22), peak flow rate (PFR) (t = 3.26), and improved blood pressure (systolic t = 3.26, diastolic t = 2.29). Conclusion. The results highlight the effectiveness of aqua aerobics in improving the general health and fitness of middle-aged women, demonstrating its potential as a safe and beneficial form of exercise for this group.

Background: Hypertension, a prevalent cardiovascular condition, is linked to autonomic nervous system dysregulation, often evidenced by reduced heart rate variability (HRV). Yoga, particularly Uddiyana Bandha, may influence autonomic control and improve HRV, thus offering potential benefits for hypertension management. Background: Hypertension, a prevalent cardiovascular condition, is linked to autonomic nervous system dysregulation, often evidenced by reduced heart rate variability (HRV). Yoga, particularly Uddiyana Bandha, may influence autonomic control and improve HRV, thus offering potential benefits for hypertension management. Methods: This randomized controlled study included 60 hypertensive patients aged 40-60 years. Participants were randomized into an intervention group practicing Uddiyana Bandha (n=30) and a control group with no intervention (n=30). The outcome parameters were time and frequency domain HRV variables including standard deviation of the NN interval (SDNN), and the square root of the mean squared differences of successive NN intervals (RMSSD), high-frequency (HF) and low-frequency (LF) components in normalized units (n.u), and LF/HF ratio, measured before and immediately after the intervention. The intervention group performed three rounds of Uddiyana Bandha under supervision, while the control group rested quietly for an equivalent duration. Results: The Uddiyana Bandha group demonstrated significant (p<0.05) improvements in HRV parameters post-intervention compared to the control group. Mean RR interval, SDNN and RMSSD increased immediately after Uddiyana Bandha practice. The HF component (n.u) increased, while the LF component (n.u) and LF/HF ratio decreased (p<0.05), indicating enhanced parasympathetic activity. No significant changes were observed in the control group. Conclusion: Uddiyana Bandha practice results in immediate notable effects on HRV in hypertensive patients, showing better autonomic balance and cardiovascular performance. These results suggest Uddiyana Bandha as a possible non-pharmacological strategy for hypertension management. Future studies with larger sample sizes and longer durations are needed to support these results and explore long-term effects.

Background and Aim of the Study: The continuous evolution of sports and athletics necessitates innovative training strategies to optimize athletes’ performance and physical fitness. High-Intensity Circuit Training (HICT) has emerged as a time-efficient method that combines high-intensity exercises with minimal rest, targeting various muscle groups to enhance physical fitness components. Therefore, this systematic review aims to evaluate the effectiveness of HICT on physical fitness components among athletes to provide a clear, evidence-based understanding of HICT’s benefits and limitations. Material and Methods: A comprehensive search strategy was employed, retrieving articles published before September 24, 2023, from databases including the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, PubMed, and Google Scholar. The selection process followed the PRISMA guidelines, focusing on studies that assessed the impact of HICT on athletes’ physical fitness. The quality of included studies was assessed using the PEDro scale, and data synthesis was conducted to summarize findings on various physical fitness components. Results: The review included 13 studies, highlighting HICT’s positive effects on muscle strength, endurance, flexibility, balance, power, body composition, and cardiovascular endurance. Improvements were noted in neuromuscular efficiency, muscle power, coordination, and cardiovascular fitness, which are crucial for athletic performance. However, the review also identified variability in training adaptations and the need for sport-specific exercises to maximize the benefits of HICT for speed and power enhancements. Conclusions: HICT is a versatile and effective training modality that can significantly improve various aspects of athletes’ physical fitness. Incorporating targeted, sport-specific exercises into HICT programs could further optimize performance enhancements. Despite promising findings, the review acknowledges methodological heterogeneity among studies and calls for further research to refine HICT protocols for athletes.

Background. Elite athletes, who undergo distinctive physiological adaptations due to intense training and competition, present a unique opportunity for understanding the impacts of elite sports engagement on haematological profiles. Purpose. This study explores haematological variations among three distinct groups: Elite Medalists, Non-Medalists, and Non-Sports Individuals. Methods. A meticulously selected cohort of 300 athletes, aged 18 to 25, formed the study’s foundation, categorized based on their performance in competitions or non-participation in competitive sports. The investigation assessed average concentrations of key blood parameters, including platelets, hemoglobin, hematocrit, red blood cells, lymphocytes, eosinophils, and white blood cells, unveiling a comprehensive view of haematological profiles across these groups. Results. Statistical analysis, utilizing one-way ANOVA followed by LSD Post Hoc Test, illuminated significant improvements (P < 0.05) in Lymphocytes, Monocytes, Eosinophils, White Blood Cells, Red Blood Cells, Hematocrit, and Platelet counts among the three groups. These findings underscore meaningful distinctions in haematological profiles, emphasizing the potential impact of athletic engagement on blood parameters. Conclusion. This study offers valuable insights into the haematological variations associated with athletic performance, advocating for tailored health considerations based on athletic engagement.

Background and aim of the study. This study aimed to investigate the effects of Withania somnifera supplementation on physical and physiological performance parameters in male adolescent national level football players undergoing regular football training. Material and methods. Eighteen participants were divided into two groups: an experimental group receiving Withania somnifera (WS) supplementation and a control group receiving a placebo. Performance variables, including linear sprint (LS), agility (COD), peak lactate accumulation (PLA), and maximum oxygen consumption (VO2Max), were assessed before and after a one week intervention. Statistical analyses included simple descriptive statistics, ANCOVA and pairwise comparisons. Results. WS supplementation did not result in significant improvements in LS or COD performance. However, a significant reduction in PLA was observed in the experimental group, suggesting enhanced lactate management during high intensity exercise. Furthermore, the experimental group exhibited a significant increase in VO2Max, indicating improved aerobic capacity and cardiovascular efficiency. Conclusions. While WS supplementation did not lead to immediate improvements in sprinting and agility, its potential benefits in reducing lactate accumulation and enhancing aerobic fitness are noteworthy. Sprinting and agility may require a more holistic training approach. The study highlights the need for long term research to explore WS’s extended implications and individual variations in supplement responses. This study provides valuable insights into the complex effects of WS supplementation on physical and physiological performance in football players. While further research is needed to understand long term effects fully, WS shows promise as a supplement for enhancing exercise tolerance and aerobic capacity in athletes.

Background of the Study. Physical fitness is crucial for athletes, enabling them to endure rigorous training and meet competitive demands effectively. It encompasses both health-related attributes, such as cardiovascular endurance and muscular strength, and skill-related components like agility and speed. Various training methods, including circuit training (CT), have been explored to enhance fitness levels among athletes. Despite the growing popularity of CT in various sports, comprehensive research on its effects on athletes' physical fitness has been limited. Aim. The present review aims to clarify the effects of CT on physical fitness among team sports Athletes. Material and Methods. In accordance with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyzes (PRISMA) Statement guidelines, the systematic search of PubMed and Google Scholar databases was undertaken on the 28th of August, 2023, to identify the reported studies, using a combination of keywords related to CT, physical fitness, and athletes. Of the 566 studies, only 18 articles met all eligibility criteria and were included in the systematic review. The assessment was performed on the Pedro scale, and the study quality included in the eighteen studies was fair (ranging from 5 to 6). Results. The results showed that speed (n = 12) was the aspect of physical fitness studied in CT interventions, followed by muscular strength (n = 10), power (n = 13), balance (n = 2), body composition (n = 2), agility (n = 14), flexibility (n = 5), muscular endurance (n = 7), and cardiovascular endurance (n = 8). Existing evidence concludes that CT significantly impacts speed, muscular strength, power, balance, flexibility, agility, body composition, and cardiovascular endurance. Conclusions: The CT method is one of the ways of physical fitness training aiming at general development, which includes all the physical aspects. Furthermore, there is still limited numbers of evidence showing the effect of CT on agility, body composition, and speed.

Objective: This systematic review and meta-analysis was performed to evaluate the association between an inability to perform a static balance test and mortality in community-dwelling older ambulatory individuals. Methods: PubMed, Embase, and Scopus were searched for relevant cohort studies. Hazard ratios (HR) were pooled (random-effect model). Meta-regression was performed with independent demographic variables (PROSPERO ID: CRD42022381137). Results: A total of 11,713 articles were screened and 15 were included. An inability to perform a static balance test was significantly associated with a higher risk of mortality irrespective of whether confounding variables were considered [HR, 1.14 (95% CI: 1.07–1.21); p < .001; i2, 87.96% (p < .01)] or not [HR, 1.11 (95% CI: 1.03–1.20); p = .01; i2, 95.28% (p < .01)] (both moderate GRADE evidence). Also, this association was correlated with progressive age. Conclusion: An inability to successfully complete a static balance test was significantly associated with a higher risk of mortality among community-dwelling older ambulatory individuals.

Introduction. This study aimed to investigate the effects of a six-week complex contrast training (CCT) intervention on the athletic performance of highly-trained amateur male soccer players during the pre-season period. Material and Methods. Participants aged 21.3 were randomized to CCT (n = 7) or active (i.e. standard soccer training) control (CG; n = 9) groups. Athletic performance was assessed using the 30 m linear sprint test time, standing long jump distance (SLJ), countermovement jump (CMJ) height, and unilateral right-left knee flexion and extension isokinetic maximal strength tests. The experimental group replaced part of the standard soccer training schedule with three CCT sessions per week for six weeks. A two (pre-post intervention) by two (CCT, CG) mixed ANOVA was used to analyze the exercise-specific effects. In addition, between-group comparisons at post-test were conducted with baseline scores as covariate. Within group changes were analyzed using paired t-test. Results. Significant group-by-time interaction effects were found for all dependent variables (p < 0.001 – 0.004). Post-hoc tests using paired t-test revealed significant improvements in all dependent variables in CCT (all p ≤ 0.001; effect size (g) = 0.29 – 0.96; %Δ = 4.5 – 14.7), but not in CG (p = 0.174 – 0.633; g = 0.03 – 0.20; %Δ = 0.4 – 2.6). Further, Bonferroni adjusted post-hoc analysis using baseline scores as a covariate showed post-test differences in favor of CCT compared to CG for all variables. Conclusions. CCT is recommended as an effective training strategy during the pre-season to improve athletic performance among highly-trained amateur male soccer players.

Study aim : This study aimed to examine the effects of a six-week complex-contrast training (CCT) intervention on the physical fitness of male field hockey athletes. Material and methods: Participants were randomized into a CCT (n = 8) or control (CG; n = 6) group. Physical fitness was assessed pre- and post-six-week intervention using a 30 m linear sprint test, medicine ball throw, standing long jump (SLJ), countermovement jump with arm swing (CMJA), modified T-test (MAT), and unilateral isokinetic maximal strength test (knee flexion and extension) of both legs. The six-week CCT intervention was integrated as three weekly sessions within the sport-specific training schedule of field hockey athletes. Each session included four contrast pair exercises (e.g., squat + squat jump). ANCOVA with baseline scores as a covariate was used to analyze the specific training effects. Results : Significant differences between CCT and CG were observed in the 30 m sprint, CMJA, MAT, and isokinetic strength ( p < 0.001–0.013) after the intervention, favoring the CCT group. Further, post-hoc analyses revealed significant pre to post improvements in all dependent variables for the CCT group ( p < 0.001–0.001; effect size [g] = 0.28–2.65; %Δ = 3.1–16.3), but not in the CG ( p = 0.169–0.991; g = 0.00–0.32; %Δ = 0.0–2.6). Conclusion : Supplementing regular field hockey training with CCT is recommended as an effective training strategy to improve the performance of linear sprints, vertical jumps, changes of direction, and muscle strength in amateur male field hockey athletes.

Study aim: The study compared the effects of six weeks of complex-descending training (CDT), traditional resistance training (RT), and sport-specific training (i.e., active control group [CG]) on measures of physical fitness. Material and methods: Thirty-one female team sport athletes were randomly assigned to either the CDT group (n = 11), the RT group (n = 10), or the CG (n = 10), and were assessed before and after intervention for linear sprint (10 m and 30 m), change of direction sprint (CODS), standing long jump (SLJ), running based anerobic sprint test (peak power, average power), resting heart rate, Cooper 12-min run test, and body fat percentage. Results: ANCOVA with baseline scores as covariates revealed significant between-group differences for 10 m and 30 m linear sprint, CODS, SLJ, and Cooper 12-min run test after the intervention. The further post-hoc tests revealed significant differences between CDT and CG in 10 m and 30 m sprints, CODS and SLJ, with results favoring CDT, and between RT and CG in 10 m linear sprint and Cooper 12-min run test, with results favoring RT. However, no significant differences were observed between CDT and RT in any dependent variable. Conclusion: CDT is effective in improving 10 m and 30 m linear sprints, CODS, and SLJ compared to CG, and RT is effective in improving 10 m sprint and Cooper 12-min run test compared to CG. Therefore, supplementing sport-specific training with either CDT or RT may offer additional benefits in improving specific physical fitness abilities of female team-sport athletes.

The study purpose was to assess the relationship between Latent Myofascial Trigger Point and range of motion in the lower limb of athletes. A lower Pain pressure threshold (< 25 lbs/cm2) in muscles indicates the presence of a latent myofascial trigger point. Materials and methods. Initially, the study involved 46 male Athletes (aged 20-23 years) as participants. The pain pressure threshold was measured by the pressure algometer (FPX 25 Wagner Instruments, Greenwich, CT, USA) to detect latent myofascial trigger points on the hamstring and quadriceps muscles. Out of 46 participants, 23 tested positive with a latent myofascial trigger point, and rest of them tested negative with a latent myofascial trigger point. All the participants measured knee flexor and extensor range of motion with the Kinovea software (version 0.9.5). In descriptive statistics, mean and standard deviation were used, and Pearson correlation was used to determine the relationship between the variables. The level of significance was set at 0.05. Results. A significant correlation was found between Latent Myofascial Trigger Points and lower limb range of motion (p < 0.05), and it was also observed that the magnitude of correlation coefficient was very large (0.7–0.9). Conclusions. Latent Myofascial Trigger Points impair sports performance by decreasing the range of motion of knee flexors and extensors. In light of this, Latent Myofascial Trigger Point should be considered a serious musculoskeletal disorder, and appropriate preventative measures should be taken by health professionals.

Complex contrast training (CCT) is an exercise modality that utilizes both high-load resistance activity and low-load plyometric activity in a set-by-set fashion within a single exercise session. Such a combination of exercises targets multiple aspects of the force–velocity curve and may thus lead to improvement of various components of physical fitness. However, no previous study has attempted to compare the effects of load-equated two vs. three CCT sessions per week on measures of physical fitness. Forty-five male participants aged 21.4 ± 2.0 years were randomly assigned to either two weekly CCT sessions (CCT-2; n = 15), three weekly CCT sessions (CCT-3; n = 15), or an active control group (CG; n = 15). Selected measures of physical fitness were assessed pre- and post-six weeks of training. The tests included the assessment of 15 and 30 m linear sprint speeds, upper (medicine ball throw) and lower limb muscle power (standing long jump and countermovement jump with arm thrust), muscle strength (isokinetic peak knee extensor/flexor torque), and change-of-direction speed (modified agility T-test (MAT)). Significant group–time interactions were observed for all dependent variables (all p < 0.001, ɳp² = 0.51–0.78) using ANOVA. Post hoc tests indicated significant performance improvements for the CCT-2 and CCT3 groups for all dependent variables (Hedge’s g = 0.28–3.26, %Δ = 2.4–16.7), including the 15 and 30 m linear sprint speeds (p < 0.001), medicine ball throw (p < 0.001), standing long jump (p < 0.001), countermovement jump with arm thrust (p < 0.001), right leg knee extensor (p < 0.001) and flexor peak torque (p < 0.001), left leg knee extensor (p < 0.001) and flexor peak torque (p < 0.001), and change-of-direction speed (p < 0.001). The CCT-3 group showed greater improvements in MAT compared to the CCT-2 group (g = 3.26 vs. 0.70, p < 0.001). In conclusion, compared to active controls, the load-equated CCT-2 and CCT-3 programs provided similar effects on measures of physical fitness in active adult males. However, an athlete’s goal is to improve their MAT score, the CCT-3 program may elicit greater improvements compared with the CCT-2 program.