
Haithem RebaiNational Center of Medecine and Sport Science · Sport Science
Haithem Rebai
Professor
Research in the field of sports science, sport performance and public health
About
157
Publications
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Publications
Publications (157)
Context : Agility is crucial for soccer players, and core training can improve it. One study showed significant agility improvements after an intervention including core training for athletes with groin pain. However, it is unclear if these improvements resulted specifically from the core exercises or the entire program. Additionally, the study lac...
The aim of this study was to examine the effect of breathing a hyperoxic gas mixture on recovery kinetics after a simulated soccer match protocol. In a double-blind, randomized design, twenty-eight semiprofessional soccer players completed the Loughborough Intermittent Shuttle Test (LIST) followed by the administration of either a hyperoxic (FIO2 =...
Adolescents with intellectual disabilities (ID) often encounter challenges in walking and mobility due to cognitive and motor impairments. This study aimed to investigate the impact of real-life motor complexity on walking and mobility in this population, particularly focusing on dual-task scenarios. Twenty-four adolescents with ID, divided into tr...
Objective
The aim of the study was to explore the immediate effects of slow-paced breathing (SPB) on cognitive performance and postural control in middle-aged postmenopausal women.
Methods
Thirty-four middle-aged women were recruited and assigned to either an experimental group (EG), who practiced SPB, or a control group (CG), who watched an educa...
Drop height has previously been used as an effective programming parameter in plyometric jump training. Less is known on the usage of maximal rebound jump height from a distinct drop height as a parameter for individualized plyometric jump training. Hence, the aim of this study was to contrast the effects of two different drop jump (DJ) training mo...
The current study aimed to explore the effect of daily caffeine supplementation (100 mg/day) and 12-week of Zumba training on functional performances in middle-aged women. Eighty-five middle-aged women were randomized into 4 groups including control, Zumba training (ZT), caffeine supplementation (Ca) or caffeine-Zumba training (Ca + ZT) groups. Fun...
Objective
This study aimed to explore the effect of 8-week oral supplementation on postural control in young women with iron deficiency anemia (IDA).
Methods
This study involved 15 women with IDA who received 160 mg of elemental iron daily in the form of dried ferrous sulfate capsules (80 mg twice daily) taken in two divided doses for 8 weeks. The...
The study investigated the impact of motor dual-task training on gait and mobility in children with intellectual disabilities. Performance was assessed using the Timed Up and Go Test (TUGT) and the 10-Meter Walking Test (TMWT) before and after an 8-week training period, with participants divided into a Trained Group (n=12) and a Control Group (n=14...
Background
Core stability training (CST) is effective in improving postural balance, core endurance, and self-reported outcomes in different populations. This study aimed to investigate the effect of CST in soccer players with groin pain (GP).
Hypothesis
CST would improve postural balance performance, core endurance, and self-reported outcomes in...
In the current study we aimed to investigate the effect of specific dual task training (SDTT) compared to conventional soccer training (CST) on motor and cognitive performances in U13 elite soccer players. Twenty-four young soccer players (all males) participated in this study. We measured their change of direction ability (CODA) and cognitive perf...
This study explored the effect of different dual-task (DT) training programs on DT interference in adults with intellectual disability. Center-of-pressure (CoP) mean velocity in single-task (ST) and cognitive-DT conditions and the Timed Up-and-Go Test (TUGT) during ST, cognitive-DT, and motor-DT conditions were assessed before and after interventio...
The aim of the study was to assess the impact of aging on neuromuscular fatigue and recovery. Ten young (23.08 ± 1.43 years) and older (61.19 ± 1.80 years) males performed an intermittent maximal isometric exercise with the knee extensors followed by 27 min of recovery. Maximal voluntary contraction (MVC), total work (W′), voluntary activation (VA)...
This study investigated the effect of verbal encouragement (VE) on static and dynamic balance in individuals with intellectual disabilities (IDs). A total of 13 mild IDs and 12 moderate IDs participants underwent static balance tests (bipedal stance on firm surface, under open eyes (OEs) and closed eyes (CEs), and foam surface, unipedal stance on f...
This study aimed to investigate the impact of an 8-week aerobic dance intervention on postural balance in children. Forty-one children, aged 9 to 11, were randomly assigned to either an aerobic dance group (ADG) or a control group (CG) from a primary school. Postural balance was assessed using center of pressure (CoP) excursions before and after th...
Background
Children with Developmental Coordination Disorder (DCD) are diagnosed based on poor motor skills that impact their daily activities. However, this may also lead to lower predilection and participation in physical activities and a higher risk to develop health problems.
Objective
To determine motor skill related levels in children with m...
Background The purpose of this study was to develop an Arabic handwriting screening test and establish its psychometric properties. Methods Handwriting quality was evaluated using seven criteria from the Systematic Screening for Handwriting Difficulties Arabic (SOS-ARB) and writing speed were measured by counting the number of letters produced in 5...
Citation: Farhat, F.; Ammar, A.; Mezghani, N.; Kammoun, M.M.; Trabelsi, K.; Jahrami, H.; Gharbi, A.; Sallemi, L.; Rebai, H.; Moalla, W.; et al. Spatial Accuracy and Variability in Dart Throwing in Children with Developmental Coordination Disorder and the Relationship with Ball Skill Items. Eur. Abstract: The present study aimed to examine precision...
In this study, we explored the immediate and three-month follow-up effects of physical training on physical fitness in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). We randomly assigned 20 children with ASD (age 8–11 years) into an experimental group (EG; n = 10) and a control group (CG; n = 10). The EG participated in an 8-week training program in...
The current study aimed to compare the effects of Pilates versus Zumba training on postural performance in middle-aged postmenopausal women. Fifty-seven eligible women, aged between 50 and 60 years, were ran-domized into three groups: Zumba (ZG) group, Pilates (PG) group or control (CG) group. Postural control was assessed using a force platform un...
This study aimed to investigate the effect of 12-week Zumba dancing on postural control and cognitive parameters and the correlations between these parameters in middle-aged women. Thirty-eight women, aged between 50 and 60 years, were randomly allocated to a Zumba group (ZG) or control group. Postural control and cognitive functions [working memor...
Individuals with intellectual disabilities often face unique challenges in physical capabilities, making traditional training methods less effective for their specific needs. This study aimed to investigate the effect of combining balance, plyometric, and strength (CBPS) training with sprint training on physical performance in male athletes with in...
Background
This study aims to investigate the impact of neuromuscular training (NMT) on static and dynamic postural balance (PB) among high‐level male runners with intellectual disability.
Method
Twenty‐seven runners were randomly assigned to a NMT group and a control group who maintained their conventional training. Static and dynamic PB were ass...
Tapering is a concept that is of great importance in relation to performance, due of its great effect on the psychological and physical condition of the swimmer. Therefore, the present study aims to investigate the effect of two-week of tapering characterized by a progressive training volume reduction on mood state and swimming performance in compe...
Purpose: The aim of this study is to investigate the postural balance in children with intellectual disabilities who participate in soccer training compared with their sedentary peers. Method: Two groups of boys with intellectual disabilities aged 8–10 years participated in this study: a soccer group (n = 12) and a sedentary group (n = 12). Postura...
This study aimed to determine the acute effects of high-intensity forward-backward and low-intensity side-to-side plyometric jumps performed following the warm-up on sprint (5, 10, and 15 m) and change-of-direction (COD) (T-half test and repeated T-half tests) performance in youth volleyball players. After a familiarization week, 30 male volleyball...
This study explored the acute effects of different running intensities on cognitive and motor performances in individuals with intellectual disability (ID). An ID group (age, M = 15.25 years, SD = 2.76) and a control group without ID (age, M = 15.11 years, SD = 1.54) performed visual simple and choice reaction times, auditory simple reaction time,...
The aim of the present study was to assess the effect of beetroot juice supplementation (BEET) on neuromuscular fatigue etiology during simulated soccer match play. In a randomized, double-blind, crossover design, 13 soccer players completed the Loughborough Intermittent Shuttle Test (LIST). Players received either BEET (2×150 mL; ∼8 mmol/L nitrate...
Background
It has previously been shown that drop jump height is an effective programming parameter in plyometric jump training. Less is known on the usage of maximal rebound jump height from a distinct drop height as a parameter for individualized plyometric jump training.
Aim
This study examined the effects of 8-weeks of two drop jump (DJ) train...
Abstract Background While there is ample evidence on the effects of single-mode aerobic and speed training on physical fitness in soccer players, less is known on the combined effects of these exercise regimens on physical and psychological factors. Aim This study aimed to compare the effects of aerobic and speed training with soccer-specific train...
Background:
Individuals with Down syndrome (DS) presented both cognitive and motor impairments that could influence each other. Therefore, exploring cognitive-motor interference during standing stance is relevant in this population.
Aims:
This study explored the dual task (DT) effects on postural balance during diverse cognitive tasks and sensor...
The researchers aimed to examine the effect of 12-week supplementing (100 mg/day) caffeine with Zumba training on postural and cognitive performances in middle-aged women. Fifty-six middle-aged women who participated in this study, were randomized into; a caffeine-Zumba (CZG), Zumba (ZG) and control groups. In two-testing sessions, postural balance...
This study explored the effect of dual task (DT) training compared to single task (ST) training on postural and cognitive performances in DT conditions in individuals with intellectual disability (ID). Postural sways and cognitive performances were measured separately and simultaneously before and after 8 weeks in the ST training group (STTG), the...
Background
Although previous research in pediatric populations has reported performance enhancements following instability resistance training, the effects of different volumes on measures of balance, strength and power and lower limb asymmetry remain unclear.
Objective
To compare the effect of two 8-week instability resistance training programs (...
We aimed to investigate 12-week-Zumba training effects on physical and psychological parameters, and quality of life (QoL) in postmenopausal women. Forty-two postmenopausal women were randomly allocated to a control group or a Zumba group (ZG). Postural balance, lower limb strength, mood level, and QoL were assessed before and after the 12-week-Zum...
The study explored the effects of two combined training (Strength-Proprioceptive versus Cognitive-Balance) programs on postural balance during single-task and dual-task conditions in children with intellectual disability. The postural balance and the second cognitive-task performances were evaluated before and after 8-week of training in two groups...
Purpose:
The present study aimed to evaluate the postural balance of young tennis players and young swimming practitioners in static and dynamic conditions.
Methods:
Thirty-six children (5-6 years old) participated in 3 groups: 12 tennis players, 12 swimming practitioners and 12 controls. Static and dynamic [in medial lateral (ML) and anterior p...
Background
Dual-task designs have been used to study the degree of automatic and controlled processing involved in postural balance. The aim of the present study was to explore postural balance performance during dual-task condition in children with intellectual disability compared to those with typical development.
Methods
Fifteen children with i...
Background: Although previous research in pediatric populations has reported performance enhancements following long-term plyometric training, the acute effects of plyometric exercises on measures of balance, vertical jump, reactive strength, and leg stiffness remain unclear. Knowledge on the acute effects of plyometric exercises (i.e., maximal ver...
Background: Recent studies reported postural balance disorders in patients and soccer players with groin pain (GP) compared to controls. Since postural balance asymmetry identified after an initial injury contributes for subsequent injuries, identification of this asymmetry in soccer players with GP may highlight the risk of sustaining subsequent n...
Postmenopausal women suffer from postural balance issues. During a 24-hour time span, postural performance undergoes radical changes as influenced by the circadian rhythm. In this study, we aimed to investigate time-of-day effects on postural balance in postmenopausal women and balance relationships with menopausal symptoms. Two groups of women, ag...
Background:
This study compared the acute effects of aerobic (AE) and resistance (RE) exercise on reaction time (RT) and working memory (WM) in individuals with intellectual disability.
Methods:
RT tests and Corsi test for WM were performed before and after three intervention sessions: AE, RE, or control session consisting on watching video.
Re...
We aimed to investigate the effect of music on visually impaired adolescents’ postural balance across different somatosensory and vestibular input conditions. We recruited 19 adolescent participants (9 males, 10 females) with severe congenital visual impairment. We recorded their mean center of pressure velocity (CoP Vm ) during static upright bipe...
Context:
The Y Balance Test (YBT) is a simple, reliable, cost-effective screening test. It is used to evaluate dynamic balance as well as to determine the potential risk of injury of the lower limbs. The reliability of YBT has been widely reported in the general population. However, there are no studies evaluating the reliability of YBT use in ath...
Background
Recent studies reported postural balance disorders in patients and soccer players with groin pain (GP) compared to controls. Since postural balance asymmetry identified after an initial injury contributes for subsequent injuries, identification of this asymmetry in soccer players with GP may highlight the risk of sustaining subsequent no...
Background
Although previous research in pediatric populations has reported performance enhancements following instability resistance training, the effects of different volumes on measures of balance, strength and power and lower limb asymmetry remain unclear.
Objective
to compare the effect of two 8-week instability resistance training programs (...
Our aim in this study was to compare the dynamic balance between runners (100 sprint) and non-runners with intellectual disability (ID). Our participants were 36 healthy male adults with ID aged 17–29 years, divided into runners ( n = 18) and sedentary non-runners ( n = 18). We assessed dynamic balance in these participants, using the Y-Balance Tes...
The present study aimed to investigate the effect of cold water immersion (CWI) on the recovery of neuromuscular fatigue following simulated soccer match-play. In a randomized design, twelve soccer players completed a 90-min simulated soccer match followed by either CWI or thermoneutral water immersion (TWI, sham condition). Before and after match...
Information about when to apply an appropriate eccentric hamstring strength training stimulus during long-term athlete development is essential for effective programming and improving balance performance. This study examined the effects of six-week eccentric hamstring training on dynamic balance performance in youth handball players of different ma...
Resistance training (RT) can represent a challenging and stressful endeavour for those who participate in it. We aimed to investigate the acute effect of four types of RT exercise [i.e., Concentric (CONC), Isometric (ISOM), Dynamic (DYN) and Eccentric (ECC)] on psychological parameters (feeling scale: FS) and perceived internal load (RPE) in young...
The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of young tennis players’ expertise on their postural balance (PB) under sensorial conditions with eyes open (EO) and with eyes closed (EC). Our participants were 75 healthy adolescents aged 15–18 years, divided into three groups based on their skill levels: (a) national tennis players (NAT; n = 25...
The aim of the present study was to compare the dual-task (DT) performance in blind children with sighted ones while concurrently performing a motor task (upright standing) with cognitive (Letter fluency (LF) or Category fluency (CF)) tasks. The Center of pressure mean velocity (CoPVm) and the cognitive performances were recorded during single (ST)...
The study aimed to investigate the effects of repeated sprint (RS) training on somatic anxiety (SA), cognitive anxiety (CA), self-confidence (SC), rating of perceived exertion (RPE) and repeated sprint ability (RSA) indicators in elite young soccer players. Thirty elite soccer players in the first football league (age: 17.8 ± 0.9 years) volunteered...
Background: High-intensity muscle actions have the potential to temporarily improve the performance which has been denoted as postactivation performance enhancement. Objectives: This study determined the acute effects of different stretch-shortening (fast vs. low) and strength (dynamic vs. isometric) exercises executed during one training session o...
Purpose:
To investigate the effects of an eccentric hamstring strength training program (EHT) on sprint performance (10-, 20-, and 30-m sprint times) and change of direction speed (4 × 5-m shuttle run and T-Half test) in male European handball athletes at 2 maturity statuses (prepeak and postpeak height velocity [PHV]).
Methods:
Forty-five parti...
This study explored the fatigue effect on postural control (PC) across menstrual cycle phases (MCPs) in female athletes. Isometric maximal voluntary contraction (IMVC), the center of pressure sway area (CoParea), CoP length in the medio-lateral (CoPLX) and antero-posterior (CoPLY) directions, and Y-balance test (YBT) were assessed before and after...
Objective
To compare postural control performance between athletes with and without patellar tendinopathy (PT).
Design
Case-control study.
Participants
Fifty-eight athletes, 29 with PT (PT group: PTG) and 29 healthy ones (control group: CG).
Main outcome measures
Static and dynamic postural control were assessed with a force platform and the Y-B...
Verbal encouragement (VE) and listening to preferred music (PM) are considered effective ergogenic methods in strength and conditioning, but studies examining the effectiveness of these two methods simultaneously are lacking. This study analyzed the influence of PM and VE on repeated change-of-direction performance (R-CoD) in elite young basketball...
Background: High-intensity muscle actions have the potential to temporarily improve the performance which has been denoted as postactivation performance enhancement.
Objectives: This study determined the acute effects of different stretch-shortening (fast vs. low) and strength (dynamic vs. isometric) exercises executed during one training session o...
Background and purpose
While patients with musculoskeletal disorders reported postural balance impairments, it is unknown whether patients with piriformis muscle syndrome (PMS) may exhibit postural balance disorders compared to controls. The aim was to compare postural balance in patients with PMS to controls in static and dynamic conditions.
Mate...
Background Earlier studies have shown that balance training (BT) has the potential to induce performance enhancements in selected components of physical fitness (i.e., balance, muscle strength, power, speed). While there is ample evidence on the long-term effects of BT on components of physical fitness in youth, less is known on the short-term or a...
This study aimed to investigate static and dynamic postural balance inter-limb asymmetries in athletes with unilateral patellar tendinopathy (UPT) and estimate subsequent lower extremity musculoskeletal injury risk compared to controls. Twenty-eight athletes with UPT were recruited. Twenty-eight healthy athletes served as controls. Static postural...
Background:
Due to menstruation and restrictive dietary practices, women are at a particular risk of iron deficiency anemia (IDA). This hematologic manifestation could impair postural control as it induces fatigue, muscle weakness, cognitive and neurological functions alteration.
Aim:
This study aimed to investigate IDA effects on postural contr...
Background: High-intensity muscle actions have the potential to temporarily improve the performance which has been denoted as postactivation performance enhancement. Objectives: This study determined the acute effects of different stretch-shortening (fast vs. low) and strength (dynamic vs. isometric) exercises executed during one training session o...
Objective
To compare postural balance outcomes between soccer players with and without groin pain (GP).
Design
Case-control study.
Setting
Laboratory.
Participants
Fifty-four soccer players, 27 with GP (GP group: GPG) and 27 healthy ones (control group: CG).
Main outcome measures
Static and dynamic postural balance were assessed with a force pl...
The aim of the present study was to explore the effect of caffeine consumption (CC) on cognitive motor interference while walking and maintaining balance in middle-aged women.
Twenty middle-aged women (52 ± 2.0 years; height 158 ± 2.0 cm; body mass 77 ± 14.9 kg; body mass index ±3.4 kg/m2, mean ± SD) participated in this study. Participants complet...
The present study was designed to assess time-of-day effects on postural balance and symptoms of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients. A total of 15 American College of Rheumatology functional class I and II RA patients and 15 healthy controls aged between 45 and 55 (mean age: 50 ± 3) years of age voluntarily participated. We conducted a case-control...
Background: Earlier studies have shown that balance training (BT) has the potential to induce performance enhancements in selected components of physical fitness (i.e., balance, muscle strength, power, speed). While there is ample evidence on the long-term effects of BT on components of physical fitness in youth, less is known on the short-term or...
The main aim was to evaluate the changes in dynamic, reactive, and power strength, and balance (as volleyball performance-related parameters) in pubertal volleyball players when a part of their normal in�season training regimen was replaced by an elastic band training (EBT). 27 male elite volleyball players were randomly allocated to intervention (...