Jan Wilke

Alpen-Adria-Universität Klagenfurt · Department of Movement Sciences

This study investigated the effects of a daily plyometric hopping intervention on running economy (RE) in amateur runners. In a randomized, controlled trial, thirty-four amateur runners (29 ± 7 years, 27 males) were allocated to a control or a hopping exercise group. During the six-week study, the exercise group performed 5 min of double-legged hop...

A recent in-vivo experiment has shown that force can be transmitted between the gastrocnemius and the hamstring muscles due to a direct tissue continuity. However, it remains unclear if this mechanical interaction is affected by the stiffness of the structural connection. This study therefore aimed to investigate the impact of the knee angle on myo...

Background The most effective way to cope with high blood sugar spikes is to engage in physical activity in temporal proximity to food intake. However, so far, it is unclear as to whether there is an optimal time for physical activity around food intake. Objectives We aimed to identify the impact of pre- and post-meal exercise on postprandial gluc...

Changes in the mechanical properties (i.e., stiffness) of soft tissues have been linked to musculoskeletal disorders, pain conditions, and cancer biology, leading to a rising demand for diagnostic methods. Despite the general availability of different stiffness measurement tools, it is unclear as to which are best suited for different tissue types...

Background The extramuscular connective tissue (ECT) has been shown to play a significant role in mechanical force transmission between musculoskeletal structures. Due to this and owing to its tight connection with the underlying muscle, the ECT may be vulnerable to excessive loading. The present study aimed to investigate the effect of eccentric e...

Background Connective tissue links the skeletal muscles, creating a body-wide network of continuity. A recent in-vivo experiment demonstrated that passive elongation of the calf caused a caudal displacement of the semimembranosus muscle, indicating force transmission across the dorsal knee joint. However, it remains unclear as to whether this obser...

Background Many countries have restricted public life in order to contain the spread of the novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV2). As a side effect of related measures, physical activity (PA) levels may have decreased. Objective We aimed (1) to quantify changes in PA and (2) to identify variables potentially predicting PA reductions. Methods A systematic...

Objective To explore the association of physical activity (PA) with musculoskeletal pain (MSK pain). Design Cross-sectional study Setting 14 countries (Argentina, Australia, Austria, Brazil, Chile, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Singapore, South Africa, Spain, Switzerland and the USA). Participants Individuals aged 18 or older. Primar...

Changes in the mechanical properties (i.e., stiffness) of soft tissues have been linked to musculoskeletal disorders, pain conditions, and cancer biology, leading to a rising demand for diagnostic methods. Despite the general availability of different stiffness assessment tools (SAT), it is unclear as to which are best suited for different tissue t...

The deep fascia is intimately linked to skeletal muscle and may be involved in delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS). The present study therefore explored the effect of eccentric exercise on fascia stiffness and its relation with DOMS. Healthy active male adults (n = 19, 27 ± 4 years) performed 6 x 10 maximal eccentric knee flexions using an isokine...

Changes in tissue stiffness are associated with pathological conditions such as myofascial pain and increased risk of muscle injury. Furthermore, they have been shown to modify performance indicators such as running economy or jump height. Indentometry is an affordable way to assess tissue stiffness. However, to date, there is a paucity of studies...

Nakamura, M, Konrad, A, Kasahara, K, Yoshida, R, Murakami, Y, Sato, S, Aizawa, K, Koizumi, R, and Wilke, J. The combined effect of static stretching and foam rolling with or without vibration on the range of motion, muscle performance, and tissue hardness of the knee extensor. J Strength Cond Res XX(X): 000-000, 2022-Although the combination of sta...

Objectives Motor function has been demonstrated to be weakly predictive for the occurrence of muscle injury in team sports. This study examined the value of non-motor prognostic factors in elite football (soccer). Design Retrospective cohort study. Setting Analysis of a public data register (Transfermarkt.com). Participants 1148 players of 38 Ge...

Objective Public life restrictions associated with the COVID-19 pandemic caused reductions in physical activity (PA) and decreases in mental and somatic health. Considering the interplay between these factors, we investigated the effects of digital home exercise (DHE) during government-enforced lockdowns. Methods A multicentre randomised controlle...

Self-massage using foam rollers, sticks, or balls has become a popular technique to enhance joint range of motion (ROM). Although increases are reported to be larger in females than males, the mechanisms of this observation are unclear. The present study aimed to investigate the effect of roller massage (RM) on ROM, passive tissue stiffness, and ne...

Background: Foam rolling is a type of self-massage using tools such as foam or roller sticks. However, to date, there is no consensus on contraindications and cautions of foam rolling. A methodological approach to narrow that research gap is to obtain reliable opinions of expert groups. The aim of the study was to develop experts' consensus on con...

Strenuous and unaccustomed exercise frequently lead to what has been coined “delayed onset muscle soreness” (DOMS). As implied by this term, it has been proposed that the associated pain and stiffness stem from micro-lesions, inflammation, or metabolite accumulation within the skeletal muscle. However, recent research points towards a strong involv...

Despite its beneficial effects on flexibility and muscle soreness, there is still conflicting evidence regarding dose-response relationships and underlying mechanisms of foam rolling (FR). This study aimed to investigate the impact of different FR protocols on tissue perfusion and tissue stiffness. In a randomized crossover trial, two FR protocols...

Background: The deep fascia fuses tightly with the skeletal muscle and, thus, may be damaged by eccentric loading. Methods: To study its possible involvement in delayed onset muscle soreness, 11 healthy participants (♂= 7; 24±2 years) performed fatiguing dumbbell elbow flexor eccentric exercise (EE) for one arm and concentric exercise (CE) for the...

Objective To compare the effects of pre-planned and unplanned movement tasks on knee biomechanics in uninjured individuals. Design Systematic review with meta-analysis. Data sources Five databases (PubMed, Google Scholar, Cochrane Library, ScienceDirect and Web of Science) were searched from inception to November 2020. Cross-sectional, (randomise...

Context: Athletes with anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction exhibit increased cortical motor planning during simple sensorimotor tasks compared to healthy controls. This may interfere with proper decision-making during time-constrained movements elevating the re-injury risk. Objective: To compare cortical motor planning and biomechanical...

BACKGROUND: Physical activity and sleep quality are both major factors for improving one’s health. Knowledge on the interactions of sleep quality and the amount of physical activity may be helpful for implementing multimodal health interventions in older adults. METHODS: This preliminary cross-sectional study is based on 64 participants (82.1 ± 6.4...

Objectives A variety of modifiable risk factors have been suggested to predict musculoskeletal injury in sports. Screening paradigms and exercise-based prevention programs, so far, frequently focused on physical parameters such as strength, balance or flexibility. However, less is known with regard to the impact of brain function. We investigated t...

Background Patients with hip osteoarthritis (OA) exhibit an increased step width (SW) during walking before and up to 2 years after total hip arthroplasty. Wider SW is associated with a reduction in the external knee adduction moment (KAM), but there is a lack of research regarding the effect of SW on the hip adduction moment (HAM). Research quest...

In sports and clinical settings, roller massage (RM) interventions are used to acutely increase range of motion (ROM); however, the underlying mechanisms are unclear. Apart from changes in soft tissue properties (i.e., reduced passive stiffness), neurophysiological alterations such as decreased spinal excitability have been described. However, to d...

Background Running is a popular sport with high injury rates. Although risk factors have intensively been investigated, synthesized knowledge about the differences in injury rates of female and male runners is scarce. Objective To systematically investigate the differences in injury rates and characteristics between female and male runners. Metho...

Background Excessive unilateral joint loads may lead to overuse disorders. Bilateral training in archery is only performed as a supportive coordination training and as a variation of typical exercise. However, a series of studies demonstrated a crossover transfer of motor skills from the training to the contralateral side, especially in case of mai...

Governments have restricted public life during the COVID-19 pandemic, inter alia closing sports facilities and gyms. As regular exercise is essential for health, this study examined the effect of pandemic-related confinements on physical activity (PA) levels. A multinational survey was performed in 14 countries. Times spent in moderate-to-vigorous...

Background: Foam rolling is a type of self massage using tools such as foam rollers or roller massagers. As no consensus on contraindications and cautions of foam rolling exists to date, current suggestions in the literature are drawn from the field of therapeutic massage. A methodological approach to help closing the gap in the current research la...

Most countries affected by the COVID-19 pandemic have repeatedly restricted public life in order to control the contagion. However, the health impact of confinement measures is unclear, hitherto. We performed a multinational survey investigating changes in mental and physical well-being (MWB/PWB) during the first wave of the pandemic. A total of 14...

During dynamic ultrasound assessments, unintended transducer movement over the skin needs to be prevented as it may bias the results. The present study investigated the validity of two methods quantifying transducer motion. An ultrasound transducer was moved on a pre-specified 3 cm distance over the semitendinosus muscle of eleven adults (35.8 ± 9....

The present study investigates methods of data gathering and management along with the relationship of lifespan and old age activity. Nursing home residents (n=47, 81.7 ± 3.6 years) completed the Lifetime-Leisure-Physical-Activity-Questionnaire (LLPAQ). Current activity was assessed by use of accelerometers. Data were converted to metabolic-equival...

Background: High-intensity functional training (HIFT) has become a popular method in the sports and fitness sector. In contrast to unimodal approaches such as strength or endurance training, it has been hypothesized to induce concurrent adaptations in multiple markers of motor function. However, to date, the effectiveness of HIFT in this regard has...

The performance of choice-reaction tasks during athletic movement has been demonstrated to evoke unfavorable lower limb biomechanics. However, the mechanism of this observation is unknown. We conducted a systematic review examining the association between 1) the biomechanical and functional safety of unplanned sports-related movements (e.g. jumps/r...

Functional circuit training (FCT) has been demonstrated to acutely enhance cognitive performance (CP). However, the moderators of this observation are unknown. This study aimed to elucidate the role of exercise intensity. According to an a priori sample size calculation, n=24 healthy participants (26±3 years, 13 females), in randomized order, perfo...

The ecological validity of neuropsychological testing (NT) has been questioned in the sports environment. A frequent criticism is that NT, mostly consisting of pen & paper or digital assessments, lacks relevant bodily movement. This study aimed to identify the determinants of a newly developed testing battery integrating both cognitive and motor de...

Introduction: Nursing staff is burdened by high workload and stress. Furthermore, heavy lifting, as well as transferring nursing home residents, cause lumbar tissue damage and back pain. Exercise intervention studies to reduce work-related problems are rare and the evidence for efficacy of studies among nurses is limited. Studies including targete...

Resistance exercise has been demonstrated to improve brain function. However, the optimal workout characteristics are a matter of debate. This randomized, controlled trial aimed to elucidate differences between free-weight (REfree) and machine-based (REmach) training with regard to their ability to acutely enhance cognitive performance (CP). A tota...

Confinement measures during the COVID-19 pandemic have caused substantial reductions in global physical activity (PA) levels. In view of the manifold health benefits of PA, the development of interventions counteracting this trend is paramount. Our survey with 15,261 participants (38±15 years, 58.5% females) examined preferences towards digital hom...

The performance of choice-reaction tasks during athletic movement has been demonstrated to evoke unfavorable lower limb biomechanics. However, the mechanism of this observation is unknown. We conducted a systematic review examining the association between 1) the biomechanical and functional safety of unplanned sports-related movements (e.g. jumps/r...

Aerobic and resistance exercise acutely increase cognitive performance (CP). High-intensity functional training (HIFT) combines the characteristics of both regimes but its effect on CP is unclear. Thirty-five healthy individuals (26.7±3.6 years, 18 females) were randomly allocated to three groups. The first (HIFT) performed a functional whole-body...

Objective: Failed jump landings represent a key mechanism of musculoskeletal trauma. It has been speculated that cognitive dual-task loading during the flight phase may moderate the injury risk. This study aimed to explore whether increased visual distraction can compromise landing biomechanics. Method: Twenty-one healthy, physically active parti...

Background: Motor function, such as strength asymmetries of the lower extremities and impaired dynamic stability, have a predictive value for the risk of injury. The present study aimed to reveal potential associations between injury and motor performance. Methods: Two hundred five (205) male youth elite (association) football (soccer) players (mea...

The deep fascia enveloping the skeletal muscle has been shown to contribute to the mechanics of the locomotor system. However, less is known about the role of the superficial fascia (SF). This study aimed to describe the potential interaction between the Hamstring muscles and the SF. Local movement of the dorsal thigh’s soft tissue was imposed maki...

Increasing life expectancy has implications for the health system. There is strong evidence that health is dependent on peoples’ lifestyle. Sufficient and regular physical activity as well as a good sleep quality are major factors for improved health. Despite health benefits, the majority of older adults do not meet evidence-based physical activity...

Despite the broad knowledge about general positive health effects of regular exercise, physical activity recommendations are mostly not fulfilled. Accompanying our ageing society, research often focuses on health status and activity habits at older age. Here, knowledge about triggers on and effects of very long-term physical activity (PA) is needed...

Increased cortical motor planning has been suggested to compensate the loss of mechanoreceptors after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury in simple motor tasks. PURPOSE: To investigate the cortical processes associated with more sports- and injury-related movements. METHODS: Ten males with ACL-reconstructed knee (28±4 yrs., 25±3 kg/m2, 63±35 mo...

The role of cognitive training in sports has experienced a recent surge in popularity. However, there is a paucity of longitudinal trials examining the effectiveness of related methods. This study aimed to investigate the impact of a cognitive training with minimal motor components on lower limb choice-reaction performance. Methods: A total of 44 h...

This study investigates if lower extremity open-skill training impacts perception and cognitive processing abilities or just influences task related motor abilities. Twenty-two participants (24.7±2.4years; 11 males, 11 females) were randomly allocated either into the group that trained on a computerized device or to the control group. Prior to and...

Introduction: The worldwide spread of the novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV2) has prompted numerous countries to restrict public life. Related measures, such as limits on social gatherings, business closures or lockdowns, are expected to considerably reduce the individual opportunities to move outside the home. As physical activity (PA) and sport partici...

Epidemiological data demonstrate that employees of nursing homes frequently suffer from illness and musculoskeletal disorders. Previous studies were mainly based on medical diagnoses and registered days of absence. The prevalence of pre-diagnostic health problems (HP) and resulting subjective impairments in participation and job-related performance...

Competition anxiety has been demonstrated to decrease sports performance while increasing burnout risk. To date, its degree in CrossFit (CF) is unknown. The present study, therefore, examined competition fear and relevant coping skills as well as potential correlates of both in individuals participating in CF events. A total of n = 79 athletes answ...

Objectives: Perceptual-cognitive function (PCF) has been linked to performance and injury risk. However, to date, research used digitalized or pen-and-paper-based PCF tests without major motor components. This study provides a rationale and a testing battery for the measurement of PCF during sports-related movement. Design: Test-Retest. Setting:...

Experiments in cadavers have demonstrated significant mechanical interactions between constituents of myofascial chains. However, evidence for such force transmission effects is scarce under in-vivo conditions. The purpose of this trial was to examine the impact of ankle motion on soft tissue displacement of the dorsal thigh. Eleven healthy active...

Background: Foam rolling (FR) has been demonstrated to acutely enhance joint range of motion (ROM). However, data syntheses pooling the effect sizes across studies are scarce. It is, furthermore, unknown which moderators affect the treatment outcome. Objective: To quantify the immediate effects of FR on ROM in healthy adults. Methods: A multileve...

This study investigates methods of data gathering and management, along with the relationship of lifespan and older adults’ activity. Community-dwelling older adults ( n = 47, 81.7 ± 3.6 years) completed the Lifetime Leisure Physical Activity Questionnaire. Current activity was assessed by use of accelerometers. The data were converted to the metab...

Background: The lifetime leisure physical activity questionnaire (LLPAQ) is a derivative of the historical leisure activity questionnaire (HLAQ) of Kriska et al. (1988) for capture of the complete activity biography. The present study investigated the reliability and the validity of the LLPAQ of Engeroff and Vogt (2018). Methods: A total of 47...

Background The fascia has been demonstrated to represent a potential force transmitter intimately connected to the underlying skeletal muscle. Sports-related soft tissue strains may therefore result in damage to both structures. Purpose To elucidate the prevalence of connective tissue lesions in muscle strain injury and their potential impact on r...

Background: Inadequate reactions to unforeseen external stimuli are regarded as a major cause for non-contact anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries. We aimed to delineate a potential deficit in the ability to perform unanticipated jump-landing manoeuvres, its sustainability and potential as a new outcome measure after ACL-reconstruction. Meth...

Introduction: Rehabilitation following anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) rupture is often characterized by a large discrepancy between the available scientific evidence and its implementation into practice. Purpose: We aimed to research, selectively rate, and transfer the available evidence to the return to sport (RTS) process after ACL rupture adop...

Organized running events have gained substantial popularity. This study aimed to elucidate the prevalence of musculoskeletal pain as well as the attitudes and motivations of individuals participating in the JP Morgan Corporate Challenge in Frankfurt (Germany). A total of 720 recreational runners completed a digital questionnaire immediately prior t...

Objective: Cognitive skills such as working memory or inhibitory control are suggested to have an impact on injury risk during time-constrained athletic movements. Thus, the aim of this study was to gain further insights into the cognitive processes associated with biomechanical stability in unplanned jump-landings. Design: Cross-sectional Method:...

Background: Individuals afflicted with nonspecific chronic low back pain (CLBP) exhibit altered fundamentalmovement patterns. However, there is a lack of validated analysis tools. The present study aimed to elucidate themeasurement properties of a functional movement analysis (FMA) in patients with CLBP. Methods: In this validation (cross-sectiona...

Purpose: Foam Rolling (FR), aims to mimic the effects of manual therapy and tackle dysfunctions of the skeletal muscle and connective tissue. It has been shown to induce improvements in flexibility, but the underlying mechanisms are poorly understood. The aim of the present study was to further elucidate the acute, systemic and tissue-specific resp...

The term “self-myofascial release” is ubiquitous in the rehabilitation and training literature and purports that the use of foam rollers and other similar devices release myofascial constrictions accumulated from scar tissue, ischaemia-induced muscle spasms and other pathologies. Myofascial tone can be modulated with rollers by changes in thixotrop...

Background: We aimed to investigate the potential effects of a 4-week motor-cognitive dual-task training on cognitive and motor function as well as exercise motivation in young, healthy and active adults. Methods: Twenty-six participants (age 25 ± 2 years; ten women) were randomly allocated to either the intervention group (IV) or a control group...

Introduction: The presence of structural in-series continuity between skeletal muscles has been confirmed in the trunk and lower extremity. However, it is not yet clear whether the same architecture can be found in the upper limb. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to review the available literature considering the existence of myofascial...

Background: Recent research has revealed a beneficial impact of chronic resistance exercise (RE) on brain function. However, it is unclear as to whether RE is also effective in an acute setting. Objective: To investigate the immediate effects of a single RE session on cognitive performance in healthy adults. Methods: A multilevel meta-analysis wi...