Abstract: Study aim: Reaction time (RT) is the time taken to make a decisive voluntary response to a stimulus. It is an indirect index of the central nervous system’s ability to process information and a simple method to evaluate sensorimotor performance and coordination. The current study explored the potential of tactile imagery (TI) training to enhance RT in distinct digits within the same hand, namely the index and middle fingers and the thumb.Materials and methods: Forty right-handed healthy adult participants were randomly assigned to the experimental group (undergoing TI training) or the control group. RT to press a button following a vibrotactile stimulus to the index finger, middle finger, or thumb in the left hand was recorded before and after TI training in the experimental group, with the control group undergoing similar RT assessments. A sensory-motor apparatus facilitated precise data collection.Results: The experimental group exhibited a significant reduction in RT after TI training compared to their baseline and the control group’s RT.Conclusion: The current study demonstrates the effectiveness of TI training in enhancing finger dexterity and RT within the same hand. These findings have implications for motor control research and support the incorporation of TI training in interventions aimed at improving sports performance and rehabilitation outcomes. PubDate: Thu, 01 Aug 2024 00:00:00 GMT
Abstract: Study aimThe aim of the present study was to assess the effect of roll-over self-massage on the occurrence of symptoms of delayed post-workout muscle soreness after Tabata training.Material and methodsThe research involved 81 people, randomly divided into two groups. A series of three roller self-massages was applied by members of Group 1 (n = 33). Persons assigned to control Group 2 (n = 48) did not undergo any procedures supporting the post-workout recovery. All participants performed training of lower limb muscles, according to the Tabata protocol. Then the frontal surface of the thighs was tested with a thermal imaging camera. The intensity of pain was measured (by the Visual Analogue Scale – VAS) after 24, 48 and 72 hours.ResultsThe highest average pain level in Group 1 was recorded at the second measurement, i.e. 24 hours after training, and in Group 2 after 48 h. In the study group, a significantly lower result was observed on each successive day. The differences between the groups in pain levels measured 48 and 72 hours after exercise were statistically significant (p < 0.05).ConclusionSelf-massage with a roller accelerated muscle regeneration. It can therefore be an effective procedure to support post-workout recovery, especially for athletes during the start period. PubDate: Wed, 24 Jul 2024 00:00:00 GMT
Abstract: Study aim: The correlation between pain and emotional status in subjects with temporomandibular disorders (TMD) is established. Nevertheless, there is a lack of up-to-date findings based on objective assessment of pain using a digital algometer on the mastication muscles. The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between the emotional status and the chronic pain pressure threshold (PPT).Material and methods: Thirty-eight subjects were screened for the existence of temporomandibular disorders with the 3Q/TMD questionnaire for chronic pain (GCPS) and emotional status (PHQ-9 and GAD-7). The results were evaluated in comparison with the PPT measured with a digital algometer on the masseter muscles. Each subject was examined three times (at 1 and 7 months after the initial examination). Chronic pain scores (GCPS) were found to be higher in the TMD group in all three examination sessions (p < 0.05).Results: Pain, depression and anxiety levels were higher in female subjects regardless of the existence of TMD, but only some differences were significant. A correlation between chronic orofacial pain scores and PPT was found in 2 out of 3 examination sessions.Conclusion: The PPT scores for the masseter muscles did not correlate with the emotional state in the study group. PubDate: Wed, 26 Jun 2024 00:00:00 GMT
Abstract: Study aim: The aim of our study was to determine whether six weeks of CrossFit training, a popular form of high-intensity training, improves the atherogenic index of plasma and blood lipid profile indicators in young healthy men.Material and methods: Twenty-nine young, normolipidemic men (age 23.3 ± 2.4 years, height 181 ± 6.2 cm, BMI 24.4 ± 1.7) participated in a six-week CrossFit program. Total cholesterol (TC), high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), autoantibodies against oxidized LDL (oLAB), and triglycerides (TG) were determined before and after completion of 6 weeks of CrossFit training, before, 3 minutes, and 60 minutes after the VO2max cycling test to exhaustion. Based on lipids, the atherogenic index of plasma (AIP) and the ratios TC/HDL-C, LDL-C/HDL-C, and TG/HDL-C were calculated.Results: A statistically significant main effect was found for the measures TG and HDL-C for the predictor variable TIME (p = 0.04 and p = 0.02, respectively). No significant main effect was found for the predictor variable TRIAL or the TRIAL × TIME interaction.Conclusions: The statistically significant changes observed after cycling to exhaustion confirm that intense physical exercise affects lipid metabolism. Six weeks of CrossFit training had no effect on the statistically significant changes in plasma lipid profile and AIP in young healthy men. PubDate: Wed, 19 Jun 2024 00:00:00 GMT
Abstract: Study aim: This study aimed to investigate the effect of the FIFA 11+ injury prevention programme on strength and on muscle strength and landing biomechanical markers of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury during fatigue among youth recreational soccer players.Material and methods: Thirty volunteer participants were assigned to the intervention group (n = 15) and control group (n = 15). The intervention group performed the FIFA 11+ programme as a warm-up activities, while the control group performed unstructured warm-up twice per week for 8 weeks. The data measurements were taken before fatigue simulation (PRE), immediately after simulation (POST5), after 20 min (POST20), and 35 min (POST35) after simulation before and after the completion of the intervention. Five-minute fatigue simulation was used for fatigue induction. Muscle strength was measured using an isokinetic machine during concentric and eccentric contractions of the hamstrings and quadriceps. Meanwhile, landing biomechanics was measured by the Landing Error Scoring System.Results: No significant differences were observed in individual muscle strength, H/Q CONV, and H/QFUNC ratio. The biomechanical landing markers showed a significantly higher score in PRE (P = 0.004; effect size = 0.32) and POST5 (P = 0.007; effect size = 0.29) in the FIFA 11+ group compared to the control group.Conclusion: Twice a week for eight weeks of FIFA 11+ is adequate to detect positive changes in biomechanical markers of ACL injury during fatigue. PubDate: Wed, 19 Jun 2024 00:00:00 GMT
Abstract: Study aim: The aim of this study was to examine the mediating role of secondary school students’ physical activity attitudes between health-related fitness knowledge (HRFK) and physical activity (PA).Materials and methods: The research employed a quantitative research method, using the relational survey model. The participants of the study consisted of a total of 603 (female = 295, male = 308) secondary school students from six different secondary schools in Isparta and Burdur provinces in the fall semester of the 2023–2024 academic year. The data of the study were collected with a personal information form, the Turkish HRFK Test, the Physical Activity Attitude Scale for Secondary School Students and the Physical Activity Questionnaire for Older Children (PAQ-C). The analysis of the data was made using the Process Macro v3.3 plug-in with model 4 and 5000 resampling methods with a 95% confidence interval.Results: It was found that students’ HRFK had significant positive effect on their physical activity attitudes and physical activities. It was observed that physical activity attitudes also positively affected physical activity. Additionally, physical activity attitudes were found to have a mediating role between HRFK and physical activity.Conclusions: To conclude, it was found that secondary school students’ HRKF affected their participation in physical activity. However, our research showed that the effect of HRFK on physical activity of secondary school students may occur indirectly through physical activity attitudes. It can be concluded that the HRFK level of secondary school students is important for participation in physical activity. PubDate: Tue, 07 May 2024 00:00:00 GMT
Abstract: Study aim: This study aimed to compare the acute and prolonged effects of three different Kinesio Taping (KT) techniques (underactive/overactive muscle correction [UMC]/[OMC] and functional correction [FC]) on hip ROM in the sagittal plane and compare them to those of the placebo Kinesio Taping (PKT) application.Materials and methods: The sample consisted of 56 young healthy participants of both genders who were randomly divided into four equal groups. Measurements were performed using Kinovea software for video analysis during the performance of an active straight leg raise and the modified Thomas test at three timepoints: before the intervention and 60 min and 48 h after the intervention.Results: Mixed-model ANOVA revealed a statistically significant interaction between group and timepoint (F = 6.210; p < 0.001; ηp2 = 0.285 for ipsilateral hip extension ROM; F = 2.064; p = 0.036; ηp2 = 0.117 for contralateral hip flexion ROM). The results revealed acute and prolonged ROM changes after the application of three different KT techniques compared to those after the control procedure, but these changes were not significant.Conclusions: These findings support the use of KT as a modality for enhancing ROM. In muscle techniques, the factor of the anchor placement direction, with the same percentage of Kinesio tape tension, generates different effects. These effects were greater after 48 h than immediately after application. In changing the segmental posture or joint alignment, FC proved to be more intense than the KT muscle techniques, with an immediate effect that persisted even after two days. PubDate: Mon, 29 Apr 2024 00:00:00 GMT
Abstract: Study aim: This study clarified the relationship between sex and dominant and non-dominant feet during landing movements in the vertical drop jump (VDJ).Materials and methods: The participants were 16 healthy adults (8 men, 8 women) with no orthopedic history. A three-dimensional motion analyzer and a floor reaction force meter were used for measurement. The exercise task was a VDJ in which the participants jumped from a 30-cm-high platform, and the relationship between sex, dominant leg, and non-dominant leg was compared.Results: In terms of joint angle, the main effect of sex on the internal/external knee joint angle was observed. No significant differences were observed in the other parameters.Conclusions: A sex difference was found in the internal/external angles of the knee joint during the landing of the VDJ from 30 cm. However, there were no differences in the kinematic and kinetic data between the dominant and non-dominant legs. PubDate: Mon, 29 Apr 2024 00:00:00 GMT
Abstract: Study aim: The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of milk consumption with different temperatures after resistance training on appetite and energy intake (EI) in active girls.Material and methods: Ten healthy female athletes (age: 21.9 ± 3.07 years) completed 2 trials with 1 week apart in conter-balance and crossover fashion. In overnight fasting state, subjects did resistance exercise (70% of 1RM for 5 movements) and then consumed 250 ml of milk at 60°C or 2°C. One hour after exercise, a meal was served to all subjects for lunch. Subjects filled in the appetite questionnaire 4 times and calorie intake was measured on the day of exercise and 24 hours after.Results: Paired t-test showed that the lunch EI after consuming cold milk was significantly lower than hot milk (p = 0.003). Also, the 24h EI in exercise day was significantly lower in cool vs. hot milk consumpion (p < 0.001) and this reduction was not offset the next day. There was no significant difference in next 24h EI, macronutrient composition and appetite between the two situations.Conclusions:The results of the present study showed that consuming low temperature milk after resistance exercise can be a useful strategy to reduce EI that can be used for weight loss programs. PubDate: Mon, 25 Mar 2024 00:00:00 GMT
Abstract: Study aim: The aim of this study was to explore empathy and mental toughness as predictors of match performance of young basketball players.Material and methods: The correlation design was used in order to meet the research goals. The research was conducted on a sample of 40 female basketball players, with average age of 16.15 ± 1.02 years, members of the four best teams of the National First Women’s Cadet League. Half of the players in the sample were also national team members. The independent variables empathy and mental toughness were assessed with the Interpersonal Reactivity Index and Sports Mental Toughness Questionnaire. The dependent variable match performance was assessed through match performance analysis based on indicators from official league statistics by calculating the performance index rating (PIR).Results: The results of the hierarchical multiple regression analysis showed that by adding empathy to the model of mental toughness, the percentage of PIR variance explained increased from 21% to 46%.Conclusion: Adding empathy to the model of mental toughness increased its predictive value. The model of mental toughness and empathy, as predictors of match performance of young basketball players, was found to be very effective. The results are not unambiguous and indicate the need for further research in this area, as it could have a positive impact on the selection system in sport. Also, the research represents a step towards greater integration of sports and collective creativity studies. PubDate: Mon, 25 Mar 2024 00:00:00 GMT
Abstract: Study aim: Maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max) is the greatest rate at which the body can use oxygen and is an indicator of aerobic power. Although aerobic fitness is such a valuable determinant of health, there is limited research with established normative values for a healthy young adult Canadian population. The purpose of the study was to develop normative reference values for a Canadian young-adult population.Material and methods: 550 undergraduate student (280 male and 270 female) participants, with a mean body mass (BM) of 72.08 ± 15.05 kg, mean age of 21.16 ± 1.26 years old and mean height of 171.95 ± 10.25 cm completed a VO2max test using the Bruce treadmill protocol. Male and female classifications were established for the total exercise time in minutes and for the measured VO2max using percentiles and a seven-category classification system.Results: There were statistically significant differences between the sexes for VO2max values (p < 0.001). The measured assessment for the healthy young Canadian adults showed a mean VO2max value of 40.90 ± 7.50 mL/kg/min for females and 49.89 ± 9.20 mL/kg/min for males. Females were able to withstand the exercise protocol for a mean of 11.92 ± 1.97 minutes, while males exercised for an average of 14.33 ± 2.40 minutes before the test was terminated.Conclusions: This study provides specific normative values for the aerobic fitness of a university aged Canadian population which can be used as reference values for cardiovascular health and fitness assessments. PubDate: Sat, 09 Mar 2024 00:00:00 GMT
Abstract: Study aim: This systematic review aimed to identify and analyze the available evidence about the effects of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) interventions on endurance performance in handball players.Material and methods: The search for relevant literature was conducted across prominent databases, including PubMed, Scopus, SPORTDiscus, and Web of Science Core Collection. The eligibility criteria focused on healthy handball players, without restrictions on age, sex, or competitive level, who were exposed to HIIT interventions, either alone or in combination with other training methods. The methodological assessment employed the RoB2 and ROBINS scales. A screening process was executed, evaluating 434 titles, leading to the inclusion of 17 eligible studies in this systematic review, comprising a total of 369 participants.Results: Most studies on HIIT in handball involved tier-two athletes (trained/developmental) and mostly men. The training frequency typically implemented was twice per week, with a duration between 4 and 12 weeks, with different types of HIIT. There was considerable variation in outcomes across the included studies, with most of them demonstrating a significant positive impact of HIIT on improving endurance performance when compared to controls.Conclusion: In conclusion, the predominant focus of the overall analyzed studies was on the effects of different HIIT interventions in obtaining positive performance adaptations assessed by field-based tests in handball players. PubDate: Sat, 09 Mar 2024 00:00:00 GMT
Abstract: Study aim: Dietary and non-dietary weight loss methods are highly prevalent among combat sports athletes (CSA). Most CSA undergo rapid weight loss (RWL) usually a week before the competition to reduce their body mass and thus compete in the lowest weight category possible. The objective of the study was to distinguish the impact of high-intensity sport-specific training (HISST) combined with RWL (phase 1 – P1) on muscle damage markers as well as the effects of HISST alone (phase 2 – P2).Material and methods: This crossover study was carried out on 12 male wrestlers. It consisted of initial measurement (IM), high-intensity training combined with RWL of 5% (P1), and high-intensity training without RWL (P2). After each phase, muscle damage markers were measured, including myoglobin, aldolase, creatine kinase, aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, and lactate dehydrogenase.Results: A substantial increase in analyzed biomarkers was evident in both phases (P1 and P2). However, higher levels of almost all biomarkers were observed in the phase that included RWL compared to the second phase, with a greater significance level.Conclusions: Our study revealed that 5% RWL combined with HISST impacted the assessed biomarkers to a greater extent than HISST alone, thus providing strong evidence of the influence of RWL on muscular damage in wrestlers. In order to minimize the adverse health-related effects induced by weight reduction, coaches and athletes should use caution when considering weight management methods. PubDate: Tue, 05 Mar 2024 00:00:00 GMT
Abstract: Study aim: The Wingate Anaerobic Test evaluates anaerobic power and capacity. Used to assess performance, historically among athletic populations, its evaluative capacity for individuals of varying athletic abilities is limited by a lack of normative data based on large participant populations. This study developed Wingate normative-reference values based on a large-scale cohort that is representative of the Canadian university student population.Material and methods: Data were collected from 872 participants, aged 20 to 29 years (mean body mass index [BMI]: 24.44 kg/m2). Testing was completed on a cycle ergometer using a widely recognized protocol, with resistance set at 7.5% of participants’. An independent samples t-test was used to compared the means of dependent variables (i.e., peak power [PP], mean power [MP], and fatigue index fi) and test for statistical significance (p < 0.05) between sexes, and Cohen’s d determined effect size.Results: Males had higher PP and MP (W and W · kg−1), whereas females exhibited lower FI (%). Statistically significant differences between sexes were observed for all variables.Conclusions: Collected data yielded normative-reference standards, including percentile rankings and performance classifications. These norms will allow for significant practical applications, including an effective method to assess anaerobic performance and health. PubDate: Sat, 02 Mar 2024 00:00:00 GMT
Abstract: Study aim: This systematic review drew the significant findings of carefully selected interventions to promote the social and moral competence (SC and MC, respectively) of children and adolescents mostly by investigating the effect of these interventions and focusing on strategies used.Material and methods: A number of English written, electronic databases (e.g., EBSCO, EBSCOhost Web, ERIC, Master FILE Premier, SPORT, SPORT Discus, and Web of Science) and grey literature – from 2005 to the present – were consulted from September 2021 to December 2021. School-based intervention studies that assessed moral competence (MC) or social competence (SC) were eligible for inclusion. The studies were stratified by pre-school and primary school children (<12 years of age) and adolescents (≥12 years of age). A total of N = 24 documents referring to different intervention studies were included in the review. N = 10 interventions focused on children; while N = 14 targeted adolescents.Results: The most used strategies in the interventions were the ones that included components of MC or evaluated SC using specific protocols and tools.Conclusions: This review pointed at socio-emotional and moral skills which remained underdeveloped in school children unless physical education (PE) teachers adjusted teaching contents and methods during instruction; and implement them into interventions with strategies that targeted elements fostering the sound socio-moral development of a child into adulthood. A model-based approach appeared to be the most, but not the only effective designs in the examined interventions. PubDate: Sat, 02 Mar 2024 00:00:00 GMT
Abstract: Study aim: Although exercise enjoyment is well studied in behavioral context, its associations to aerobic fitness adaptations during exercise interventions have received less attention.Material and methods: Untrained participants (n = 37, 21 females), cycled either at low intensity (LIT) (n = 18, mean training time 6.7 ± 0.7 h/week) or high intensity (HIT) with 3–7 min working intervals (n = 19, 1.6 ± 0.2 h /week) for 10 weeks. Aerobic capacity, defined as the power associated with maximal oxygen uptake, was the performance outcome. Exercise enjoyment was measured after all exercise sessions during the first and the last week of the intervention.Results: Exercise enjoyment did not predict the change of aerobic capacity (p = 0.93) and was not associated to the weekly perceived exertion (p > 0.20). Mean (95% CI) enjoyment decreased equally (time × group difference p = 0.98, ηp2 < 0.001\eta _{\rm{p}}^2\, < \,0.001) in both groups [LIT: −7 (−13–−1); HIT: −7 (−14–0)].Conclusions: Overall, enjoyment does not seem to be a suitable method to individualize training for improving aerobic capacity. Further, exercise enjoyment decreased during strenuous exercise intervention, and it is not a variable that affects how participants rate their overall weekly perceived exertion. PubDate: Sat, 02 Mar 2024 00:00:00 GMT
Abstract: Study aim: The study aimed to investigate the immediate effects of a lavender soy wax candle on the autonomic nervous system, stress, and reaction time in adolescents with moderate stress levels.Material and methods: Fifty-two males and females (mean age: 19.85 ± 0.78 years) with a moderate stress level determined by Suanprung Stress Test-20 (SPST-20) were enrolled. All participants were randomly assigned to either the control (n = 26) or experimental (n = 26) groups. The control group inhaled the lavender scent through a bowl filled with warm water, while the experimental group inhaled the scent from the lavender soy wax candle. In a peaceful environment, each participant was suggested to sit on a comfortable recliner chair in a private room while inhaling the scent for 20 minutes. Blood pressure, heart rate, respiratory rate, reaction time, and emotional states were assessed before and after the scent inhalation. The emotion states were based on the conceptual model proposed by the Geneva Emotion and Odor Scale (GEOS), consisting of 12 items.Results: The results indicated no significant differences between the two groups in all the parameters, except for the three items of emotion states (relax: p = 0.03, stress: p = 0.04, and calm: p = 0.04).Conclusions: This study suggested that the inhalation of lavender soy wax candles for 20 minutes can be used as adjuvant therapy for improving emotional states and enhancing cognitive function among adolescents with moderate stress levels. PubDate: Thu, 15 Feb 2024 00:00:00 GMT
Abstract: Study aim: People with disability are characterized by mental disorders, lower physical function, and poor social functioning. Dramatically, they are at particular risk of loss of their psychosocial functions. Here, we tested the relationship between quality of life and adherence to physical activity in leisure time of people with physical disability.Material and methods: A cross-sectional design based on the descriptive correlational method was applied. The statistical population of the study included 555 people with different types of physical disability. A quality of life questionnaire (SF-36) was used to assess the quality of life, and adherence to physical activity was measured with the Adherence to Physical Activity Questionnaire. Preliminary calculations involved a series of Pearson correlations. Moreover, descriptive and inferential statistics were used. Finally, structural equation modeling was used to assess the research model.Results: The results showed that there was a positive and significant relationship (P < 0.05) of the quality of life and its components with adherence to physical activity. Based on statistical analysis, 73% of adherence to physical activity changes was related to the quality of life components.Conclusion: According to the results, special attention to the social functioning of physically disabled people and efforts and planning in order to improve it can help to improve the quality of life of these people. Also, by designing diverse sports programs for their leisure time we can help improve the adherence of physically disabled people to physical activity. PubDate: Thu, 15 Feb 2024 00:00:00 GMT
Abstract: Study aim: This study examined the effects of a 12-week functional training (FT) program on basic movement patterns and dynamic balance in hockey players.Material and methods: Forty-three male ice hockey players aged 16.2 ± 0.76 years, were allocated into the experimental (EG) or control (CG) groups. The EG underwent additional 60-minute supervised FT sessions twice weekly, while the CG had an additional 60-minute team game class and swimming class. Fundamental movement patterns were assessed using the functional movement screening (FMSTM), whereas dynamic balance was assessed by the Y-balance test (YBT).Results: After completion of the FT program, the hockey players assigned to the EG achieved higher results in the deep squat (p = 0.0143), hurdle step (p = 0.0002), in-line lunge (p = 0.0082), shoulder mobility (p = 0.0455), and rotatory stability tests (p = 0.0253), had higher total FMSTM scores (p = 0.0003), and less asymmetry (p = 0.0032) than at baseline. They improved all of the normalized scores in YBT. The hockey players assigned to the CG did not improve their results, but their performance decreased in the hurdle step test (p = 0.0082), and they showed more asymmetry (p = 0.0124) than at baseline.Conclusions: The implementation of FT can lead to significant improvements in fundamental movement patterns and dynamic balance among ice hockey players. This suggests that implementing FT can enhance fundamental movement patterns in athletes and should be considered an integral part of sports training. By integrating FT into regular training routines, athletes across different sports may potentially improve their movement patterns, thereby enhancing their overall performance and reducing the risk of injury. PubDate: Sat, 20 Jan 2024 00:00:00 GMT
Abstract: Study aim: The aim of the study was to determine whether there are differences in performance analysis in high-sport handball matches between Pre-COVID-19, during COVID-19, and Post-COVID-19 seasons in the home and away matches.Material and methods: The study material was obtained from the official match statistics of male PGNiG Superleague Ltd. (493 matches). The study included the 2019/2020 (before), 2020/2021 (during), and the 2021/2022 (after) season. Statistical tests were used: the Mann-Whitney U test and the Kruskal-Wallis test.Results: The COVID-19 pandemic period affected the reduction of home advantage during handball matches. The venue was a differentiating factor in selected handball team activities in the Pre-COVID-19 season, while there were no differences between home and away matches in the COVID-19 and Post-COVID-19 seasons. The away matches in the Pre-COVID-19 season were characterized by more throws from 9m and lower goals and throws from 6m than in the Post-COVID-19 season, indicating recent trends in handball play.Conclusion: The home advantage associated with playing home matches in terms of the Pre-COVID-19 season and between seasons occurs mainly in the first round of play. Further studies focusing on performance analysis in handball depending on the outcome of the match (win, lose) and the venue (home, away) should be conducted. PubDate: Sat, 20 Jan 2024 00:00:00 GMT
Open Access journal
