Human Movement

Purpose This study explored how heat stress affects training and match load in professional soccer by monitoring ten elite players during sessions under normal (18–24°C) and high (34–45°C) temperatures. Methods Ten outfield men’s soccer players from a professional team competing in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) Pro League participated in the study. A repeated-measures study design was employed to analyse the training load demands on the same players under normal (18–24°C) and high (34–45°C) temperature conditions throughout the training camp period. External loads, such as total distance (TD), high metabolic load distance (HMLD), mechanical work (MW), and maximal velocity (MaxV), as well as internal load, via Edwards’ Training Impulse (TRIMP), were analysed. Results The study found that heat influenced training and match loads to varying degrees. On match day (MD), TD per minute (TD · min–1) decreased slightly (effect size [ES] = –0.55), with larger reductions observed on MD-2 (ES = –2.14) and MD-1 (ES = –1.59). Specifically, the reduction in TD.min-1 was greatest on MD-2 and MD-1, while only a small decrease was observed on MD. HMLD per minute (HMLD · min–1) also showed a significant reduction, with a moderate decrease on MD-1 (ES = –1.03) and MD (ES = –0.78). MW per minute (MW · min–1) was notably lower on MD-2 (ES = –1.50), moderately reduced on MD-1 (ES = –0.84), and slightly reduced on MD (ES = –0.45). Maximal velocity (MaxV) slightly increased on MD (ES = 0.47). TRIMP increased across all days, indicating a higher internal load under heat, with a moderate increase on MD-2 (ES = 0.77), MD-1 (ES = 0.73), and MD (ES = 0.83). Conclusions The study showed the different effects of heat on external and internal training loads, suggesting that while external loads decrease due to the physiological strain of heat, internal load compensates by increasing. This response may indicate a greater effort to maintain performance levels despite heat stress. These findings show that heat-induced changes in training load can help implement strategies for optimising athlete performance and recovery during periods of heat exposure.

Purpose This study investigated the effect of low to moderate Thai exercise training (Ruesi Dadton) compared to standard self-care on lipid profiles and physical performance in overweight individuals. Methods Sixty-one participants were randomly assigned to either an intervention group, which practised Ruesi Dadton exercises for 60 minutes, three times per week for 12 weeks under the supervision of a Thai Traditional Medicine (TTM) Practitioner via an online platform, or a control group, which received guidance on self-care for managing hyperlipidaemia. Results The intervention group demonstrated a decreasing trend in total cholesterol (TC) and a significant reduction in LDL cholesterol (LDL) levels, from 141.52 ± 32.29 to 125.68 ± 26.74 mg/dL ( p < 0.05). In contrast, LDL levels increased in the control group ( p < 0.05). Additionally, the intervention group showed improvements in physical performance ( p < 0.05) and anthropometric indices ( p < 0.05), while the control group experienced a decrease in these outcomes. Regarding quality of life, both groups showed significant improvement ( p < 0.05). Conclusions It could be concluded that low to moderate Ruesi Dadton effectively manages and reduces blood lipid levels and positively impacts physical performance, anthropometric indices, and quality of life.

Purpose This study examines the relationship between foot morphology, foot type, and dynamic knee valgus in male football players during single-leg squats using biomechanical analyses. Methods A cross-sectional study design was adopted. Male football players ( n = 151) aged between 18 and 30 years belonging to three Malaysian football clubs were recruited. Of these participants, foot type, single-leg squat (SLS) performance, knee alignment using knee frontal plane projection angle (FPPA), and other measures of foot morphology were recorded, including foot length, foot width, truncated foot length, and navicular height. Chi-square tests were used to examine the association between foot type, SLS, and knee alignment. Bipoint serial correlations were used to determine the relationship between foot morphology, SLS, and knee alignment. Results A significant association was found between foot type and SLS ( p < 0.05). During the SLSs, only navicular height ( r_pb = 0.154, n = 151, p < 0.05) and dorsal height (r _pb = 0.144, n = 151, p < 0.05) showed a statistically significant connection in the dominant leg. In contrast, only navicular height in the non-dominant leg ( r_pb = 0.169, n = 151, p < 0.05) showed a significant correlation with SLSs. Conclusions This study established a strong link between foot type and SLS in football players. Specifically, a statistically significant association between navicular and dorsal height in the dominant leg and navicular height in the non-dominant leg. This study emphasises the significance of foot morphology and the dynamic evaluation of knee valgus during functional movements.

Purpose Repeated sprint exercises (RSEs) are widely used to improve physical fitness; however, their specific effects on cardiac autonomic recovery (CAR) in individuals of different ages and biological maturation (BM) stages still lack investigation. Our objective was to analyse the effect of RSE on CAR, assessed by the heart rate (HR) recovery index and the time and frequency domains of heart rate variability (HRV) in male adolescents and adults. Methods Non-randomised experimental study. Thirty-eight individuals classified as having a high level of physical activity (males, 22 adolescents/16 adults) underwent a single session of RSE consisting of 3 rounds with 6 supra-maximal sprints interspersed with 5 minutes of passive rest. The recovery HR (between rounds) and the HRV from pre-, 20 minutes, 2 hours, and 24 hours post-RSE were assessed using short-range radio telemetry and used to calculate the CAR. In adolescents, BM was analysed using peak-height-velocity (PHV). Results Adolescents demonstrated more efficient parasympathetic reactivation than adults after RSE (η²_p = 0.574, p < 0.05), especially those in the pre-PHV stage of BM ( η²_p = 0.659, p < 0.05). For HRV, we identified an effect of time for both RSE groups on the mean square root of successive differences in intervals between heartbeats (RMSSD) (η²_p = 0.280, p < 0.05) and the low frequency/high frequency ratio (LF/HF) ( η²_p = 0.129, p < 0.05). Adolescents indicated higher values than adults for RMSSD and LF. Conclusions Parasympathetic activity is less affected in adolescents, especially pre-PHV, after RSE. In both groups, at least two hours after RSE, parasympathetic activity tended to return to baseline values, stabilising again 24 hours after RSE.

Purpose Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a demyelinating neurodegenerative disease of the central nervous system that involves a wide range of symptoms including loss of physical function. This study investigated the effects of eight weeks of water exercise training with two different intensities on Interleukin 10 (IL10), Interleukin 17 (IL17), and low molecular-weight calcium-binding proteins (S100), disability, and functional performance in women with MS. Methods Forty-five relapsing-remitting women with MS and an Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) score 3.5 were randomly divided into three groups: water-based low-intensity aerobic training (LIT), water-based high-intensity aerobic training (HIT), and a control group (CON). After eight weeks of water-based exercises, blood samples were collected 24 hours before the first session and 48 hours after the last training session. Physical performance was evaluated using a 30-second sit-to-stand test, the total number of elbow flexions performed with 2.5 kg dumbbells, 2-minute walking distances, and a timed up-and-go test (TUG). Results There were no significant differences within or between groups in IL10, IL17, and S100 indices ( p > 0.05). A significant difference was observed in the disability and functional indices after eight weeks, with higher values for the LIT and HIT groups compared to the CON group ( p < 0.01), with no difference between them. Conclusions Eight weeks of water-based exercises improve functional disability in patients with MS despite no changes in inflammatory biomarkers.

Purpose Cervical radiculopathy (CR) is frequently associated with myofascial trigger points. Myofascial release (MFR) restores tissue extensibility and reduces symptoms. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of gross MFR on pain and function in patients with CR. Methods Forty patients with CR were allocated to two equal groups; the study group: which received gross MFR combined with a selected, designed program, and the control group: which received the selected, designed program. The patients were assessed using the neck disability index (NDI), Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH) questionnaire, cervical range of motion (CROM) measured by goniometer, and Visual Analogue Scale for Pain (VAS-P). Results The study group showed a significant decrease in the NDI ( p = 0.001), quick DASH ( p = 0.001), and VAS ( p = 0.001) post-treatment compared with that of the control group. Also, there was a significant increase in CROM of the study group compared with that of the control group post-treatment ( p = 0.001). Conclusions Gross MFR using a gross stretch of the posterior cervical musculature and upper quarter (arm pull technique) had significantly improved outcomes in the rehabilitation of CR patients.

Purpose Lumbar stabilisation exercise (LSE) is recommended for patients with lumbar instability (LI). Two popular techniques include the abdominal drawing-in manoeuvre (ADIM) and abdominal bracing (AB). These techniques have proven their efficacy in the clinical setting; however, there is no comparable effect when they are conducted via telerehabilitation. To investigate the effects of two LSE techniques, ADIM and AB, delivered via telerehabilitation on lumbar repositioning error (LRPE), numeric rating scale, and transversus abdominis muscle performance in seated sedentary participants with chronic low back pain (CLBP) and LI. Methods The study used a parallel-group, randomised controlled trial design. Fifty-four seated sedentary participants with CLBP and LI were randomly assigned to the AB, ADIM, or control groups. Outcome measures included LRPE, numeric rating scale, and transversus abdominis muscle performance, assessed at baseline and after 4 weeks. Results The ADIM and AB groups showed significant improvements in LRPE and numeric rating scales after 4 weeks, while the control group improved only on the numeric rating scale. Between-group analysis revealed the ADIM group had a significantly lower LRPE compared to the other groups. Additionally, the ADIM group exhibited a significant improvement in transversus abdominis muscle performance compared to the control ( p < 0.001) and AB ( p < 0.001) groups after 4 weeks of treatment. Conclusions Both techniques reduced LRPE and numeric rating scales, but the ADIM more effectively enhanced transversus abdominis muscle performance and decreased LRPE, making it a more beneficial intervention for managing LI.

Purpose To conduct a systematic scoping review assessing the effects of jump training in soccer players physical fitness. Methods Included studies incorporated: (i) soccer players; (ii) jump-training interventions; and (iii) outcomes related to physical fitness (e.g. endurance). Selection was not based on comparator groups and/or study designs. PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus databases were searched for documents. One author led the process, and a second author independently verified the process. The type of outcome measure determined studies aggrupation [e.g. vertical jump (e.g. height; contact time)], with a narrative synthesis accompanied by data summaries (e.g. percentage). Results Included studies involved males (adults k = 25; youths k = 52) and females (adults k = 8; youths k = 3). Nonrandomised interventions (single-arm and multi-arm) comprised ~40% of the studies, with durations between 3–96 weeks, and improvements in 1 outcome, including body composition, stiffness, electromyographic activity, potential injury risk factors, kicking velocity, repeated sprint ability, linear sprinting, endurance, balance, maximal strength, and jump performance. However, only 10-13 participants were involved in jump training groups. Further, false significant results and publication bias in favour of studies with significant findings are potentially common issues in the available literature. Conclusions Jump training may improve physical fitness in soccer players. However, methodological issues (e.g. non-randomisedcontrolled studies) and evidence gaps (e.g. fewer female studies) were noted. More and better-designed jump training studies on soccer participants are advised before robust recommendations regarding optimal jump training regimens can be made.

Purpose This study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of core muscle high-intensity interval training on core stability and power in swimmers. Methods The subjects in this study were 20 male swimmers. They were randomly assigned to 2 groups by testing and sequencing the swimming speed in a 50-metre swim. The experimental group received core muscle high-intensity interval training ( n = 10) in addition to their conventional training program, and the control group received a conventional swimming program ( n = 10). In the experimental group, core muscle high-intensity interval training consisted of 6 main exercises that were performed 3 days/week for 6 weeks. Core stability was measured by the plank test, core power was tested by 30 and 60-second sit-ups. Results The results of the study found that core stability from the electromyography (EMG) muscle stability test showed that the muscle activity in the m. rectus abdominis after 4 weeks and 6 weeks, the m. obliquus externus after 4 weeks, and the m. erector spine L3 after 6 weeks were significantly different in the experimental group compared to the control group ( p < 0.05). Core power from the 30-second and 60-second sit-up tests in which participants performed sit-ups as quickly as possible showed that after 6 weeks, the experimental and control groups had no difference in core power. Conclusions The results of this study showed that 6 weeks of core muscle high-intensity interval training can improve core muscle stability and power. These results can be used as information to help coaches and athletes improve the efficiency of the muscles that support swimming performance.

Purpose Falls among older adults, affecting one-third of those aged 65 and above, pose a critical global health concern. This study focuses on using the Nintendo Wii Balance Board (NWBB) to measure the centre of pressure (CoP) sway length, aiming to identify and validate fall risk in older individuals. Methods Utilising a cross-sectional study design, sixty older adult females aged 65 and above (mean age: 71.03 ± 5.58 years) were classified into fall and non-fall groups based on whether they had experienced one or more fall events in the last six months. Comprehensive CoP sway measurements were conducted on the NWBB using various conditions. Results Results indicated significant differences in CoP sway variables, particularly in conditions with eyes open/closed on a soft surface (EO/SS and EC/SS) in both anteroposterior (AP) and mediolateral (ML) directions ( p < 0.001). A strong positive correlation was found between the time to complete five-time sit-to-stand (Tsit to stand) tests and CoP sway length in EC/ SS conditions for AP ( r = 0.761, p < 0.001) and ML directions ( r = 0.729, p < 0.001). The study identified an optimal cut-off score for AP sway in EC/SS (> 3.89 cm) with 90.0% sensitivity and 80.0% specificity using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis. Conclusions The NWBB effectively detects variations in CoP sway during quiet standing on a soft surface, proving valuable for identifying older adults at risk of falling. This research enhances fall risk assessment insights, emphasising the NWBB’s practicality as a tool for pinpointing older individuals susceptible to falls.

Purpose The Talk Test (TT ) is recognised as a practical method for prescribing exercise intensity during incremental exercise, although its applicability to prolonged steady-state exercise – particularly with respect to physiological drift – remains underexplored. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate whether workloads at different TT stages during incremental exercise predict responses during steady-state training. Methods Well-trained individuals (1–3 h of hiking, 3–4 times per week) performed incremental exercise (2-min stages) to determine the equivocal (EQ), last positive (LP) and last positive-1 (LP-1) TT stages. Participants then completed 60-min uphill walking bouts at LP-1, LP and EQ intensities in random order. Repeated measures ANOVA with Tukey post-hoc tests assessed differences in physiological drift across TT stages during steady-state exercise. Results During LP-1 and LP bouts, stable conditions were observed for the percentage of maximum heart rate (% HRmax) (< 85% HRmax), rating of perceived exertion (RPE) (< 4/10), blood lactate (2–3 mmol · l–1) and TT score (~1.2/3). In contrast, during EQ, all values showed significant drift, including HR (> 95% HRmax), RPE (~7/10), blood lactate (~7 mmol · l–1) and TT score (~2.4/3). Conclusions Training intensity based on LP-1 or LP incremental TT provides conditions consistent with the moderate-intensity domain, with minimal drift during 60-min exercise. Steady-state exercise at the intensity of the EQ stage results in significant drift, comparable with the heavy or severe exercise domain (> maximal lactate steady-state). These findings suggest that TT -based intensities, particularly LP-1, may be suitable for prolonged training in physically active individuals, to build endurance. Future research should investigate the applicability of the TT in athletes, particularly its effectiveness for prolonged exercise.

Small-sided games (SSGs) have become increasingly popular as a training method due to their ability to incorporate game-like, ecological drills that combine technical and tactical development with intense physical and physiological demands. Additionally, SSGs are often favoured in training because they offer engaging and motivating activities for players, closely mimicking the dynamics of actual gameplay. While numerous systematic reviews have examined the acute and chronic effects of SSGs, limited research has explored their impact on player enjoyment. Consequently, the motivational aspects of SSGs are often overlooked in discussions of their benefits. this narrative review aims to address this gap by analysing existing research on the role of enjoyment during SSG implementation. Current evidence suggests that SSGs enhance player enjoyment more effectively than analytical training drills, such as running-based high-intensity interval training, regardless of the sport. While the format of play does not significantly influence enjoyment, preferences for training regimens vary by sex-boys/men often favour continuous training, while girls/women prefer intermittent formats. Coaches' verbal encouragement positively influences enjoyment, but mental fatigue can diminish it. Well-being and recovery status appear to have little effect. Overall, research on enjoyment in SSGs remains limited and often fails to consider important factors, such as motivation and peer interactions. More comprehensive studies are needed to develop a detailed model of enjoyment in SSGs.

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is a product of significant interest in the field of regenerative medicine due to its healing, immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory properties. Although its role remains debated, PRP has undeniably shown considerable potential in aiding the healing of various injuries and pathologies across multiple fields, from dermatology (e.g., hair loss, skin scars) to reproductive medicine and inflammatory diseases (e.g., osteoarthritis). The aim of this review is to summarise and describe the role of PRP in treating common musculoskeletal injuries and pathologies in athletes. This population is at higher risk for such conditions due to the physical activities they perform. However, the application of PRP in this context has not been sufficiently explored in the literature. After providing a brief overview of precision and regenerative medicine – distinct yet interconnected fields – we will examine the key characteristics of PRP and its role in treating various musculoskeletal injuries in athletes. This review highlights the current applications of PRP, its potential for future use and its limitations.

Motor competence (MC) refers to the ability to execute a range of motor tasks, including the coordination and control necessary to perform everyday activities effectively. Interest in MC has grown over the past two decades, as reflected in an increasing number of publications on the topic. However, there is still no consensus on how to assess MC, with various test batteries available. A single test is insufficient for evaluating MC, as it encompasses a set of fundamental skills essential for daily life. These skills are typically categorised into fundamental movement skills, although discrepancies exist in their definitions. Some frameworks recognise two components-locomotor and manipulative skills-while others include a third component: stability skills. This review aims to analyse why, when and how MC should be assessed in children and adolescents. It was observed that MC assessments are essential at a young age, with physical education classes providing an ideal context for their implementation. Such assessments promote sports participation, aid in talent identification and highlight the positive correlation between MC and lifelong physical activity. Selecting an appropriate test battery requires careful consideration of the evaluator's objectives, participant age, required materials and the three pillars of fundamental movement skills: locomotor, stabilising and manipulative skills. Future research should refine the concept of MC and ensure that the validity of test batteries is rigorously examined. Additionally, using the same test battery across identical subjects and evaluating ecological validity will enhance the sensitivity and applicability of assessments, facilitating their use for both characterisation and intervention. Citation: Silva A. Evaluating motor competence in children and youth: a narrative review. Hum Mov. 2025;26(1):42-57; doi: https://doi.org/10.5114/hm/199533. © Wroclaw University of Health and Sport Sciences 2025; 26(1): 42-57

Purpose This umbrella review aimed to review and synthesise the findings of published systematic reviews and meta-analyses analysing the effects of cupping therapy programs on musculoskeletal pain in athletes and the general population. Methods A search in PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, MEDLINE, Cochrane Central, CINAHL, EMBASE, and PEDro was performed. The methodological quality of the included systematic reviews was evaluated using the 16 domains of the AMSTAR2 checklist. Based on the performance in these 16 domains of different weights, an overall rating was generated, and the quality was determined to be critically low (1-4), low (5-8), moderate (9-12), or high (13-16). The overall confidence in the results of the reviews was low. Among the critical items, all reviews failed to present a list of excluded trials, four reviews did not consider the risk of bias when presenting or discussing their results, three reviews did not use adequate methods for the meta-analysis, the impact of publication bias was not investigated in three reviews, and the absence of a planned protocol to guide the review was noted in two reviews. Most reviews included trials of low quality (i.e., high risk of bias). Results A total of 301 studies involving 27,960 participants were analysed in 21 systematic reviews. The review confirmed that cupping therapy is more effective than passive interventions such as heat therapy, usual care, conventional medications, and no treatment. However, its effectiveness is similar to acupuncture. There is not enough evidence to recommend cupping therapy for athletes, and there are associated risks such as hematoma, pain at the application site, increased pain, tingling sensations, and dizziness. Conclusions Considering the standards, this umbrella review showed that most systematic reviews and meta-analyses using cupping therapy for musculoskeletal pain present low methodological quality. Most of the systematic reviews in this umbrella revealed that cupping therapy is ineffective in improving musculoskeletal pain in the athletic and general populations.

Purpose Football requires both linear movements and directional changes, crucial for performance. This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluate small-sided games (SSGs) versus other training methods for enhancing change of direction speed in young soccer players. Methods Following PRISMA guidelines, studies were sourced from Web of Science, PubMed, and Scopus. Inclusion criteria: healthy soccer players aged 6–19, SSG training programs of at least 4 weeks, and a control group. Data were assessed using the PEDro scale, and a meta-analysis was conducted using Hedges’s g ES. Results Fourteen studies were included. The analysis showed no significant differences between SSGs and running-based methods in change of direction speed (ES = –0.04, 95% CI = –0.30 to 0.21, p = 0.74). Significant improvements were observed within groups for both running-based methods (ES = –0.61, 95% CI = –0.89 to –0.33, p < 0.001) and SSG interventions (ES = –0.67, 95% CI = –0.91 to –0.44, p < 0.01). No significant differences were found comparing SSGs to technical skills and running-based methods due to high heterogeneity (ES = –0.84, 95% CI = –3.72 to 2.04, p = 0.568). Combined SSG interventions showed significant improvements (ES = –0.72, 95% CI = –1.03 to -0.41, p < 0.001). Conclusions SSG interventions are as effective as running-based methods in improving change of direction speed among young soccer players. Combined SSG interventions with other methods demonstrated robust improvements.

Nutrition plays a key role in the lives of athletes, sustaining and enhancing sports performance by significantly influencing their performance and general well-being. Functional foods, rich in bioactive compounds and essential nutrients, offer significant advantages for general health and athletic performance. This review addresses the benefits of sustainable, functional foods for health and sporting needs and the strategies to improve sustainability in the food sector. It will explore the connection between sustainable nutrition, nutrigenomics, and sporting needs. Sustainable food offers several advantages over traditional supplements. Thus, it is essential to educate consumers about the environmental impact of conventional supplement production and the benefits of sustainable options. The necessary approach must be integrated into food production, distribution, and consumption to meet current nutritional needs. Incorporating sustainability into supplement production and using functional foods to formulate supplements will be explored to point out the advantages of sustainable foods over traditional supplements. This review underscores the importance of public awareness and education in adopting sustainable eating habits, utilizing what nature offers more consciously, and implementing these principles in daily life. The importance of food sustainability is underscored by its impact on climate change and global health, as food production contributes significantly to greenhouse gas emissions. Addressing this involves improving diet quality while reducing the environmental footprint of food production. Through these efforts, functional foods can serve as a key component in achieving sustainable sports supplementation, benefiting individuals and the planet.

Purpose Effective recovery monitoring is crucial to optimise performance and prevent overreaching, injuries, and overtraining. This study evaluated the heart rate cost (HRC) during submaximal running as a simple, non-invasive, and costeffective tool to assess recovery after a high-intensity training session. Methods Fifteen male recreational runners (aged 18–31 years) participated in this investigation. Assessments included anamnesis, blood tests (CPK, cortisol, testosterone), body composition analysis, blood pressure, heart rate (HR), heart rate variability (HRV), pain scale, vertical jump (VJ), and a 6-minute submaximal running test to determine HRC (HR/running velocity). Afterwards, participants completed a high-intensity training session, consisting of six 1-minute treadmill runs and 10 strength exercises in a circuit format. Results HRC increased 24 h post-training, indicating higher physiological cost, but significantly decreased after five days of recovery (p = 0.044). VJ performance returned to normal after five days compared to 24 h post-training (p = 0.013), with a significant correlation between the delta reduction in HRC and performance recovery on VJ (r = –0.689). No significant changes were found in the testosterone/cortisol ratio or HRV (HRV) (p > 0.05), likely due to the fact that these variables reflect chronic stress more than acute stress. CPK levels mirrored HRC and VJ trends, worsening 24 h post-training and improving after five days (p = 0.01). Conclusions HRC proved effective in distinguishing recovery status after high-intensity training, showing sensitivity comparable to VJ and CPK measurements. These findings are relevant for researchers, coaches, and athletes in daily recovery assessments.

Purpose Previous studies have shown that dog walking could be an effective strategy for increasing physical activity (PA). However, no studies have investigated the impact of dog sports on fitness parameters. This pilot study aimed (a) to evaluate the acute effects of a dog agility course on fitness parameters in young adults and (b) to determine any acute differences after the execution of the dog agility course with and without the dog. Methods In this randomised crossover study, ten physically active young women performed a dog agility course in two different conditions (i.e., with and without the dog). Fitness parameters were recorded using a smartwatch before the dog agility course (T0), immediately after (T1), and 10 minutes after the cool-down phase (T2). Moreover, the subjective level of perceived exertion during exercise was assessed using the Borg category-ratio scale (Borg CR-10). Results Results showed significant differences in the number of steps (p = 0.011), walking time (p = 0.006), average heart rate (HR) (p = 0.004), maximum HR (p = 0.003), and perceived exertion (p = 0.007) between the two conditions at T1. Furthermore, significant differences were found for both the average HR and the perceived exertion parameters for both conditions in the three time points (T0, T1, T2). Conclusions Our preliminary results suggest that practising a dog sport could be as effective as other sports and induce several health benefits.

Purpose To evaluate the impact of textured mats on muscle activation and postural sway to enhance neuromuscular control and balance strategies in the rehabilitation of chronic ankle instability (CAI). Methods Using a within-subject design, we measured centre of mass (CoM) acceleration and muscle activation in 28 CAI patients on firm, foam, and textured surfaces during double-leg and single-leg stances. Electromyography (EMG) measured muscle activity, while an integrated accelerometer in the EMG unit captured CoM acceleration. Statistical analysis using the Friedman test for overall differences across conditions and Dunn’s test for pairwise comparisons, with significance set at p < 0.05. Results CoM acceleration decreased on the textured mat during single-leg stances compared to the foam surface, indicating a moderated balance challenge. The textured mat also significantly reduced muscle activity compared to the foam surface across all conditions. However, it enhanced the activation of key muscles - vastus medialis and medial gastrocnemius - during double-leg stances compared to the firm surface. Conclusions The textured mat provided a unique stimulus that facilitated specific muscle engagement and improved proprioception without destabilizing balance. This suggests a potential value in early CAI rehabilitation phases.

Purpose The goal of this pilot study was to compare and evaluate the efficacy of extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) and dexamethasone sodium phosphate (DEX-P) iontophoresis in patients who have unilateral symptomatic knee OA (KOA). Methods Pre-post single-blind randomised experimental trial. The therapeutic program was performed twice per week for 4 weeks. Sixty patients with unilateral symptomatic KOA were randomly divided into three groups. Intensity of pain, pressure threshold for pain, knee function, and knee range of motion (Rom) were measured before and after therapy in all three groups. Results The improvement in the shock wave group was significantly greater than the iontophoresis group. Conclusions ESWT has a superior therapeutic effect in patients with symptomatic KOA.

Purpose The objective of the present manuscript was to analyse the flow of play in high-level women’s volleyball by sequencing game complexes per set. Methods The sample analysed 135 matches played in the 2021/2022 Brazilian Women’s Superliga, with the number of matches analysed ranging from 14 and 25 matches for all teams participating in the championship. Eigenvector Centrality and Social Network Analysis conducted the connectivity and specificity of relationships as, and inferential analysis was performed using the chi-square test with a Monte Carlo correction. Results The results showed that the highest eigenvalues were for the continuity effect, except for complex 0. Regarding the continuity effect, the eigenvalues in the first four sets were higher for complexes III, IV, and V. In the fifth set, the highest eigenvalues were close between complexes II, III, IV, and V for the continuity effect. Furthermore, the results indicated that there was no association between the sequencing of game complexes and the set played (f? = 2470.01 and φ = 0.34, p = 0.272), nor between the number of complexes and the set played = 17.63 and φ = 0.03, p = 0.346). Conclusions In conclusion, women’s volleyball presents gameplay strategies to sustain play, promoting game continuity, regardless of the set played. The number of game complexes required to secure a point varies between two and three game complexes. Coaches should consider the dynamics in women’s volleyball matches, preparing teams for less risky and more continuous play.

Purpose Motor coordination is essential for physical fitness and effective participation in sports. Various sports emphasise different types of coordination, with rhythmic sports focusing on timing and synchronisation and ball sports on quick reactions and precision. This study examines the impact of participation in rhythmic and ball sports on eye-foot and ear-foot coordination in adolescents. Methods Sixty adolescents (30 boys, 30 girls; mean age 12.95 ± 0.12 years) were divided into three groups: rhythmic sports, ball sports, and inactive, with 20 participants in each group. Eye-foot coordination was measured using a reaction time test, and ear-foot coordination was assessed by the coefficient of variation (CV) of inter-tap intervals (ITI). Data were analysed using one-way ANOVAs and post-hoc Bonferroni tests to compare the coordination skills among the three groups. Results The ball sports group demonstrated significantly better eye-foot coordination compared to both the rhythmic sports (p = 0.028) and inactive groups (p < 0.001). Additionally, the rhythmic sports group outperformed the inactive group in eyefoot coordination (p = 0.021). For ear-foot coordination, the rhythmic sports group showed greater timing consistency (lower CVITI) than both the ball sports (p = 0.012) and inactive groups (p = 0.034). These findings indicate the specific benefits of different types of sports training on motor coordination in adolescents. Conclusions Adolescents in ball sports show better eye-foot coordination, while those in rhythmic sports excel in ear-foot coordination. Sport-specific training significantly enhances these motor skills, indicating the need for tailored training programs to optimise adolescent development.

Purpose Mental training, widely recognised in sports psychology, has not been fully utilised to address broader mental health concerns among athletes, especially in India. This study examines the Psychological Capacity Building Program (PCB P) for Indian shooters and archers, focusing on key psychological variables such as motivation, grit, emotions, and well-being. The four-phase program includes sports analyses, individual assessments, motivational tasks, a one-week psychoeducational phase on mental skills, and two weeks of applying these skills in the athlete’s daily training routines. Methods Psychometric tools such as the Sports Motivation Scale-II (SMS-II), Mental Health Continuum-Short Form (MHC-SF), Sports Emotion Questionnaire (SEQ), and Grit Scale were used to measure pre- and post-intervention scores of 122 athletes, divided into experimental (n = 60) and control (n = 62) groups. Within-group and between-group analyses were conducted, along with effect size calculations. Results The experimental group showed significant improvements in happiness (p < 0.001), emotional well-being (p = 0.017), intrinsic motivation (p = 0.006), and grit (p = 0.004), alongside reductions in dejection (p = 0.001) and non-regulation (p < 0.001). In contrast, the control group experienced increased anger (p = 0.005) but no other significant changes. Between-group comparisons revealed greater reductions in anxiety (p < 0.001) and significant improvements in happiness (p < 0.001), emotional well-being (p < 0.001), social well-being (p < 0.001), and grit (p = 0.004) in the experimental group. Conclusions PCB P shows promise for enhancing the athlete’s mental health, but further research with larger samples is needed to confirm its effectiveness and long-term adaptability across diverse sports.

Purpose Youth psychological health and well-being are currently alarming. Young athletes face the same stressors as their non-athletic peers, in addition to unique challenges related to sports. This study aimed to understand the role of self-control and emotion regulation on the young athlete’s psychological well-being, while also considering the influence of implicit beliefs about emotions. Methods One-hundred and forty-five athletes ranging from 15 to 21 (16.21 ± 1.44) completed an online survey with self-report measures of trait anxiety, perceived stress, positive and negative affect, subjective happiness, life satisfaction, implicit beliefs about emotions, self-control, and emotion regulation. Results Findings suggested that implicit beliefs about emotions and self-control predicted better psychological adjustment, whereas expressive suppression was associated with poorer outcomes. However, self-control and emotional regulation were mediators of the relationship between implicit beliefs and psychological adjustment. Conclusions Incremental beliefs about emotions are central to promoting the young athlete’s psychological adjustment and well-being.