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12 pages, 677 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Examining the New-Member Effect to an Established Community-Based Physical Activity Program for Older Adults in England

by Geoff Middleton, Robyn Hambrook, Daniel C. Bishop, Lee Crust and David R. Broom

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2023, 20(12), 6161; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph20126161 - 17 Jun 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1098

Community-based group physical activity programs promote exercise opportunities for older people. The aim of this study was to examine the short-term, new participant effect after joining Vitality, a community-based group physical activity program available in the East of England for older adults. Two [...] Read more.

Community-based group physical activity programs promote exercise opportunities for older people. The aim of this study was to examine the short-term, new participant effect after joining Vitality, a community-based group physical activity program available in the East of England for older adults. Two independent groups of participants were assessed before and after an 8 week period: a group recruited from the ‘Vitality’ program (VP) (n 15, age: Age = 69.4 ± 6.4 y), and; a non-intervention control (CON) group (n 14, age: 64.5 ± 5.8 y). Assessment outcomes included basic physical health measures, a fitness test battery, and three psychological scales. The VP group recorded statistically significant improvements on the following outcomes: body mass (VP: −1.39 kg/CON: −0.2 kg), body mass index (VP: −1.5 kg/CON: −0.2 kg), 6 min walk (VP: +42.81 m/CON: −0.45 m), 30 s sit-to-stand (VP: −1.7 s/CON: −0.7 s), the chair sit-and-reach (VP: +3.12 cm/CON: +1.90 cm), and the 30 s arm curl test (VP: + 2 reps/CON: +0.9 reps). No significant differences were found with the other outcomes assessed. New members to the Vitality program achieved several physical and functional benefits without regression on any aspects of physical or psychological health. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Physical Activity, Physical Fitness, and Sports Injury)

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10 pages, 718 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Symptoms of Sarcopenia and Physical Fitness through the Senior Fitness Test

by Alex Barreto de Lima, Fátima Baptista, Duarte Henrinques-Neto, André de Araújo Pinto and Elvio Rúbio Gouveia

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2023, 20(3), 2711; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph20032711 - 03 Feb 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2274

Abstract

Introduction: Physical fitness concerns a set of attributes related to the ability to perform physical activity that may justify the symptoms reported by the elderly in the context of sarcopenia. Objective: This study aimed to investigate the relationship between the perception (symptomatology) of [...] Read more.

Introduction: Physical fitness concerns a set of attributes related to the ability to perform physical activity that may justify the symptoms reported by the elderly in the context of sarcopenia. Objective: This study aimed to investigate the relationship between the perception (symptomatology) of physical functioning (what the person thinks they are capable of) and the capacity itself for physical functioning in elderly people in northern Brazil. Methods: Cross-sectional study that analyzed 312 elderly people (72.6 ± 7.8 years) from the city of Novo Aripuanã, Amazonas, Brazil. Sarcopenia symptomatology was assessed using the SARC-F, a 5-item questionnaire designed for screening sarcopenia in older individuals in five domains: strength, walking aids, difficulty getting up from a chair, difficulty climbing stairs, and falls. Physical fitness was assessed by the Senior Fitness Test (SFT) battery including balance evaluated with the short version of the Fullerton Advanced Balance scale (FAB). Results: ROC curve analysis revealed that the tests with the greatest ability to discriminate participants with significant symptoms for sarcopenia (≥4 points on SARC-F) were arm curl and 6 min walk: the probability of suspected sarcopenia increased exponentially with an arm curl < 11.5 reps for men (se = 71%; sp = 69%; AUC = 0.706, 95% CI: 0.612–0.788; p = 0.013) and women (se = 81%; sp = 51%; AUC = 0.671, 95% CI: 0.601–0.735; p ≤ 0.001) or with a 6-min walk <408.5 m for men (se = 71%; sp = 63%; AUC = 0.720, 95% CI: 0.628–0.690; p = 0.001) and <366.0 m for women (se = 69%; sp = 58%; AUC = 0.692, 95% CI: 0.623–0.755; p = 0.0001). Conclusions: Physical fitness assessed through the senior fitness test, particularly the 30-s-arm curl test and the 6-min walk test, can discriminate for suspected symptoms of sarcopenia. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Physical Activity, Physical Fitness, and Sports Injury)

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10 pages, 1085 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Repeatability of Brain Activity as Measured by a 32-Channel EEG System during Resistance Exercise in Healthy Young Adults

by Christophe Domingos, João Luís Marôco, Marco Miranda, Carlos Silva, Xavier Melo and Carla Borrego

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2023, 20(3), 1992; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph20031992 - 21 Jan 2023

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 1999

Abstract

Electroencephalography (EEG) is attracting increasing attention in the sports and exercise fields, as it provides insights into brain behavior during specific tasks. However, it remains unclear if the promising wireless EEG caps provide reliable results despite the artifacts associated with head movement. The [...] Read more.

Electroencephalography (EEG) is attracting increasing attention in the sports and exercise fields, as it provides insights into brain behavior during specific tasks. However, it remains unclear if the promising wireless EEG caps provide reliable results despite the artifacts associated with head movement. The present study aims to evaluate the repeatability of brain activity as measured by a wireless 32-channel EEG system (EMOTIV flex cap) during resistance exercises in 18 apparently healthy but physically inactive young adults (10 men and 8 women). Moderate-intensity leg press exercises are performed with two evaluations with 48 h. between. This intensity allows enough time for data analysis while reducing unnecessary but involuntary head movements. Repeated measurements of EEG during the resistance exercise show high repeatability in all frequency bands, with excellent ICCs (>0.90) and bias close to zero, regardless of sex. These results suggest that a 32-channel wireless EEG system can be used to collect data on controlled resistance exercise tasks performed at moderate intensities. Future studies should replicate these results with a bigger sample size and different resistance exercises and intensities. Full article

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9 pages, 322 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Structural Relationship between Basic Psychological Needs, Grit, and the Quality of Life of Individuals with Disabilities

by Deok-Jin Jang, Chae-Yun Oh, Mun-Gyu Jun, Kyung-Rok Oh, Joon-Hee Lee, Jusun Jang and Sung-Un Park

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2023, 20(3), 1758; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph20031758 - 18 Jan 2023

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1482

Abstract

Individuals with disabilities who engage in regular physical activity reduce their risk of diseases such as obesity and heart disease, as well as other risk factors; relieve tense emotions, and improve their quality of life via interaction with others. Despite these advantages, only [...] Read more.

Individuals with disabilities who engage in regular physical activity reduce their risk of diseases such as obesity and heart disease, as well as other risk factors; relieve tense emotions, and improve their quality of life via interaction with others. Despite these advantages, only one out of every four Koreans with a disability engages in physical activity. Grit is the ability to maintain interest and effort towards a goal in the face of adversity and failure. Grit can act as an important factor in increasing the psychological level of individuals with disabilities. We investigated the relationship between basic psychological needs, grit, and the quality of life of disabled individuals to determine if physical activities can improve their quality of life. Our dataset included 296 disabled individuals registered with the Korean Ministry of Health and Welfare. Using structural equation modelling, the direct and indirect effects of grit, quality of life, and psychological needs satisfaction such as competence, relatedness, and autonomy were examined. We found that competence positively affects consistency of interests (β = 0.150, t = 1.854), relatedness positively affects consistency of interests (β = 0.354, t = 4.409), and autonomy has no statistically significant effects (β = 0.101, t = 1.086). Second, competence positively affects perseverance of effort (β = 0.249, t = 3.206), autonomy negatively affects perseverance of effort (β = −0.269, t = −2.880), and relatedness has no statistically significant effects (β = −0.017, t = −0.249). Third, autonomy positively affects quality of life (β = 0.214, t = 2.349) while competence and relatedness had no statistically significant effects (β = −0.018, t = −0.208; β = 0.096, t = 1.288). Fourth, consistency of interests positively affects quality of life (β = 0.312, t = 4.191) while perseverance of effort had no statistically significant effects (β = −0.094, t = −1.480). Fifth, competence was found to have positive indirect effects on quality of life through grit. This study underscores the importance of addressing these three basic psychological needs and elements of grit when designing future quality of life interventions for disabled individuals. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Physical Activity, Physical Fitness, and Sports Injury)

12 pages, 377 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Weekly External Load Performance Effects on Sports Injuries of Male Professional Football Players

by Francisco Martins, Adilson Marques, Cíntia França, Hugo Sarmento, Ricardo Henriques, Andreas Ihle, Marcelo de Maio Nascimento, Carolina Saldanha, Krzysztof Przednowek and Élvio Rúbio Gouveia

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2023, 20(2), 1121; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph20021121 - 08 Jan 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2054

Abstract

One of the most challenging issues professional football players face throughout their careers is injuries. Those injuries often result from suboptimal training programs that were not designed according to the players’ individual needs. This prospective study aimed to examine in detail the effects [...] Read more.

One of the most challenging issues professional football players face throughout their careers is injuries. Those injuries often result from suboptimal training programs that were not designed according to the players’ individual needs. This prospective study aimed to examine in detail the effects of sports injuries on professional football players’ weekly external load performances. Thirty-three male professional football players were monitored using 10-Hz Global Positioning System (GPS) units (Apex pro series, StatSports) during an entire season. The variables considered in the analysis were total distance (TD), high-speed running (HSR), accelerations (ACC), and decelerations (DEC). The comparisons were made between the four-week block before injury (–4T), four-week block after return (+4T), and players’ season averages (S). Players displayed significantly higher values of TD, HSR, ACC, and DEC in the –4T, compared to the other two moments (+4T and S). Furthermore, the comparison between the +4T and S showed no significant variations in the GPS metrics. It was shown that a significant increase in players’ weekly external load performance over a four–week period may have a negative effect on the occurrence of injuries from a professional football standpoint. Future research should consider the effects of injury severity on players’ external load variations. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Physical Activity, Physical Fitness, and Sports Injury)

9 pages, 357 KiB

Open AccessFeature PaperArticle

Do Serum 25-Hydroxyvitamin D Concentrations Affect Body Composition, Physical Fitness, Bone Strength and Bone Biomarkers in Female Children and Adolescent Football Players? A One-Season Study

by Gabriel Lozano-Berges, Ángel Matute-Llorente, Alejandro Gómez-Bruton, Alex González-Agüero, Germán Vicente-Rodríguez and José A. Casajús

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(22), 15394; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph192215394 - 21 Nov 2022

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Abstract

The aim was to compare changes in body composition, physical fitness, and bone biomarkers in female children and adolescent football players with different Vitamin D levels. Twenty-two players were classified into two groups according to 25(OH)D concentrations: 11 with deficient/insufficient 25(OH)D levels (IVD; [...] Read more.

The aim was to compare changes in body composition, physical fitness, and bone biomarkers in female children and adolescent football players with different Vitamin D levels. Twenty-two players were classified into two groups according to 25(OH)D concentrations: 11 with deficient/insufficient 25(OH)D levels (IVD; <30 ng/mL) and 11 with sufficient 25(OH)D levels (SVD; ≥30 ng/mL). Body composition parameters were measured using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry and a peripheral quantitative computed tomography scanner. The following physical fitness tests were applied: maximal isometric knee extension (MIF), long jump, 30-m sprint, and 20-m shuttle run test (VO_2max). Electrochemiluminescence immunoassays were used to analyze bone biomarkers and 25(OH)D. All variables were registered at the beginning and the end of the football season. The increase in subtotal bone mineral density (BMD) was higher in players with SVD than those with IVD (p = 0.030). Only players with SVD improved their MIF of the left leg (p = 0.005); whereas, only players with IVD decreased their 30-m sprint performance (p = 0.007) and VO_2max (p = 0.046). No significant between- and within-group differences were found for bone biomarkers. SVD might cause an extra improvement of subtotal BMD in female children and adolescent football players. Moreover, it seems that the 25(OH)D concentration could be an important parameter for physical fitness improvement in this population. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Physical Activity, Physical Fitness, and Sports Injury)

14 pages, 931 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Effects of Service Quality Characteristics of Neighborhood Sports Facilities on User Satisfaction and Reuse Intention of the Elderly during the COVID-19 Pandemic

by Kyoung Hwan Cho, Jeong-Beom Park and Yang Hun Jung

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(21), 14606; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph192114606 - 07 Nov 2022

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1492

Abstract

Purpose: this study aimed to examine the user satisfaction and reuse intention of the elderly for neighborhood sports facilities in South Korea during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: this study surveyed 386 Korean elderly individuals aged ≥ 65 years, who were users of neighborhood [...] Read more.

Purpose: this study aimed to examine the user satisfaction and reuse intention of the elderly for neighborhood sports facilities in South Korea during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: this study surveyed 386 Korean elderly individuals aged ≥ 65 years, who were users of neighborhood sports facilities, from 1 May to 31 August 2022. A total of 386 questionnaires were used for data analysis, which was carried out using SPSS 23.0 statistical software. Descriptive statistics of the mean, standard deviation, and frequency distribution were used at the descriptive level. Moreover, one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), Scheffe’s post hoc pair-wise comparison analysis, Pearson’s correlation coefficient, and multiple regression analysis were used at the inferential level. The significance level of these tests was considered for less than 0.05. Results: the mechanistic and humanistic service factors of neighborhood sports facilities affected user satisfaction and reuse intention. Furthermore, user satisfaction of the elderly during the COVID-19 pandemic had a positive effect on reuse intention. Conclusion: this study confirmed that the service quality characteristics of neighborhood sports facilities during the COVID-19 pandemic had a positive effect on user satisfaction and intention to continue to exercise among the elderly. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Physical Activity, Physical Fitness, and Sports Injury)

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13 pages, 1486 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Sports Injuries of a Portuguese Professional Football Team during Three Consecutive Seasons

by Francisco Martins, Cíntia França, Adilson Marques, Beatriz Iglésias, Hugo Sarmento, Ricardo Henriques, Andreas Ihle, Helder Lopes, Rui T. Ornelas and Élvio Rúbio Gouveia

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(19), 12582; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph191912582 - 02 Oct 2022

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2179

Abstract

Professional football players are exposed to high injury risk due to the physical demands of this sport. The purpose of this study was to characterize the injuries of a professional football team in the First Portuguese League over three consecutive sports seasons. Seventy-one [...] Read more.

Professional football players are exposed to high injury risk due to the physical demands of this sport. The purpose of this study was to characterize the injuries of a professional football team in the First Portuguese League over three consecutive sports seasons. Seventy-one male professional football players in the First Portuguese Football League were followed throughout the sports seasons of 2019/2020, 2020/2021, and 2021/2022. In total, 84 injuries were recorded. Each player missed an average of 16.6 days per injury. Lower limbs were massively affected by injuries across all three seasons, mainly with muscular injuries in the quadriceps and hamstrings and sprains in the tibiotarsal structure. Overall, the injury incidence was considerably higher in matches than in training. The two times of the season that proved most conducive to injuries were the months of July and January. Our results emphasize the importance of monitoring sports performance, including injury occurrence, and assisting in identifying risk factors in professional football. Designing individualized training programs and optimizing prevention and recovery protocols are crucial for maximizing this global process. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Physical Activity, Physical Fitness, and Sports Injury)

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12 pages, 359 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Relationship between Lower Extremity Fitness Levels and Injury Risk among Recreational Alpine Skiers: A Prospective Cohort Study

by Zi Wang, Yihui Cai, Junqi Wu, Siyuan Xie and Wei Jiao

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(16), 10430; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph191610430 - 22 Aug 2022

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2134

Abstract

Background: Although the importance of physical fitness for injury prevention is recognized in sports medicine and rehabilitation, few studies have investigated this factor among recreational alpine skiers. Objective: To determine the effect of lower extremity fitness on the risk and severity of injury [...] Read more.

Background: Although the importance of physical fitness for injury prevention is recognized in sports medicine and rehabilitation, few studies have investigated this factor among recreational alpine skiers. Objective: To determine the effect of lower extremity fitness on the risk and severity of injury among recreational alpine skiers. Method: This prospective cohort study involved 117 recreational skiers at two alpine resorts during the 2021–2022 winter season. Anthropometric characteristics, skiing skills, and lower extremity agility (hexagon test), balance (Y-Balance Test), and endurance (60-s squat test) were assessed before the winter season. All of the participants were divided into an injured group and an uninjured group, based on whether an injury was recorded throughout the season. Results: In binary logistic regression, the hexagon test duration and composite Y-Balance Test score were significant injury risk factors (p < 0.05). Ordinal polytomous logistic regression revealed no significant factors for injury severity (p > 0.05). Conclusions: Recreational alpine skiers with inferior lower extremity agility or balance may have a higher injury risk and this must be considered when assessing individual risk. In the context of injury prevention, regular neuromuscular training and testing, including agility and balance aspects should be recommended to skiers. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Physical Activity, Physical Fitness, and Sports Injury)

10 pages, 838 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Ventilatory Muscle Training for Early Cardiac Rehabilitation Improved Functional Capacity and Modulated Vascular Function of Individuals Undergoing Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting: Pilot Randomized Clinical Trial

by Bruna Eibel, Juliana R. Marques, Thiago Dipp, Gustavo Waclawovsky, Rafael A. Marschner, Liliana C. Boll, Renato A. K. Kalil, Alexandre M. Lehnen, Allan R. K. Sales and Maria Claudia Costa Irigoyen

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(15), 9340; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19159340 - 30 Jul 2022

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2029

Abstract

Background: Cardiac rehabilitation with aerobic exercises is the first strategy for nonpharmacological treatment in the postoperative period of individuals undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) to improve functional capacity and vascular health. However, other exercise modalities remain uncertain regarding the same benefits. Objectives: [...] Read more.

Background: Cardiac rehabilitation with aerobic exercises is the first strategy for nonpharmacological treatment in the postoperative period of individuals undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) to improve functional capacity and vascular health. However, other exercise modalities remain uncertain regarding the same benefits. Objectives: Evaluation of the effect of different modalities of exercise, such as early cardiac rehabilitation on subjects submitted to CABG in the six-minute walk test (6-MWT) and on the percentage of flow-mediated dilatation (FMD) of the brachial artery. Methods: A randomized clinical trial in which 15 patients (62.7 ± 6.7 years) who underwent CABG were randomly assigned to the following groups: isometric (IG, Handgrip Jamar^®), ventilatory muscle training (VG, PowerBreathe^®) and control (CG, conventional respiratory and motor physiotherapy). All patients were attended to physically twice a day (20 min/session) for a consecutive week after the CABG (hospital admission). Functional capacity was assessed by 6-MWT and endothelial function was assessed through the technique of FMD, before and after (~7 days) admission to CABG. The doppler ultrasound videos were analyzed by Cardiovascular Suite^® software (Quipu, Pisa, Italy) to measure %FMD. Statistics: Generalized estimation equation, followed by Bonferroni post hoc (p < 0.05). Results: Systolic, diastolic and mean arterial pressure (SBP/DBP/MAP, respectively) were 133, 76 and 95 mmHg. The groups presented walking meters (m) distance before and after intervention of: IG_basal 357.80 ± 47.15 m vs. IG_post 306.20 ± 61.63 m, p = 0.401 (+51 m); VG_basal 261.50 ± 19.91 m vs. VG_post 300.75 ± 26.29 m, p = 0.052 (+39 m); CG _basal 487.83 ± 83.23 m vs. CG_post 318.00 ± 31.08, p = 0.006 (−169 m). %FMD before and after intervention was IG_basal 10.4 ± 4.8% vs. IG_post 2.8 ± 2.5%, p = 0.152; VG_basal 9.8 ± 5.1% vs. VG_post 11.0 ± 6.1%, p = 0.825; CG_basal 9.2 ± 15.8% vs. CG_post 2.7 ± 2.6%, p = 0.710 and resting mean basal blood flow was IG_basal 162.0 ± 55.0 mL/min vs. IG_post 129.9 ± 63.7 mL/min, p = 0.662; VG_basal 83.74 ± 12.4 mL/min vs. VG_post 58.7 ± 17.1 mL/min, p = 0.041; CG_basal 375.6 ± 183.7 mL/min vs. CG_post 192.8 ± 115.0 mL/min, p = 0.459. Conclusions: Ventilatory muscle training for early cardiac rehabilitation improved acute functional capacity and modulated mean flow of individuals undergoing CABG. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Physical Activity, Physical Fitness, and Sports Injury)

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12 pages, 980 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Muscle Weakness and Walking Slowness for the Identification of Sarcopenia in the Older Adults from Northern Brazil: A Cross-Sectional Study

by Alex Barreto de Lima, Duarte Henrinques-Neto, Gustavo dos Santos Ribeiro, Elvio Rúbio Gouveia and Fátima Baptista

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(15), 9297; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19159297 - 29 Jul 2022

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1562

Abstract

Background: This study aimed to analyze the prevalence of sarcopenia in elderly people from Northern Brazil according to muscle weakness or walking slowness. Methods: The sample consisted of 312 elderly people (72.6 ± 7.8 years). For walking slowness, a gait speed ≤ 0.8 [...] Read more.

Background: This study aimed to analyze the prevalence of sarcopenia in elderly people from Northern Brazil according to muscle weakness or walking slowness. Methods: The sample consisted of 312 elderly people (72.6 ± 7.8 years). For walking slowness, a gait speed ≤ 0.8 m/s was used as a cut-off value, and for muscle weakness the following handgrip strength criteria were used for men and women, respectively: CI: <27.0/16.0 kg; CII: <35.5/20.0 kg; CIII: grip strength corrected for body mass index (BMI) < 1.05/0.79; CIV: grip strength corrected for total fat mass: <1.66/0.65; CV: grip strength corrected for body mass: <0.45/0.34. Results: Walking speed was reduced in 27.0% of women and 15.2% of men (p < 0.05). According to grip strength criteria, 28.5% of women and 30.4% of men (CI), 58.0% of women and 75.0% of men (CII), 66.0% of women and 39.3% of men (CIII), 28.8% of women and 19.6% of men (CIV), and 56.5% of women and 50.0% of men (CV) were identified as having sarcopenia. Conclusions: Walking slowness is more prevalent in women and muscle weakness is more prevalent in men in Northern Brazil. Walking slowness proved to be more concordant with muscle weakness in both sexes when the CI for handgrip strength was adopted. Full article

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11 pages, 1811 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Role of Velocity-Based Training (VBT) in Enhancing Athletic Performance in Trained Individuals: A Meta-Analysis of Controlled Trials

by Xing Zhang, Siyuan Feng, Rui Peng and Hansen Li

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(15), 9252; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph19159252 - 28 Jul 2022

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 4148

Abstract

Velocity-based training (VBT) is a rising auto-regulation method that dynamically regulates training loads to promote resistance training. However, the role of VBT in improving various athletic performances is still unclear. Hence, the presented study aimed to examine the role of VBT in improving [...] Read more.

Velocity-based training (VBT) is a rising auto-regulation method that dynamically regulates training loads to promote resistance training. However, the role of VBT in improving various athletic performances is still unclear. Hence, the presented study aimed to examine the role of VBT in improving lower limbs’ maximum strength, strength endurance, jump, and sprint performance among trained individuals. A systematic literature search was performed to identify studies on VBT for lower limb strength training via databases, including PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, EBSCO, Cochrane, CNKI (in Chinese), and Wanfang Database (in Chinese). Controlled trials that deployed VBT only without extra training content were considered. Eventually, nine studies with a total of 253 trained males (at least one year of training experience) were included in the meta-analysis. The pooled results suggest that VBT may effectively enhance lower limbs’ maximum strength (SMD = 0.76; p < 0.001; I² = 0%), strength endurance (SMD = 1.19; p < 0.001; I² = 2%), countermovement jump (SMD = 0.53; p < 0.001; I² = 0%), and sprint ability (SMD of sprint time = −0.40; p < 0.001; I² = 0%). These findings indicate the positive role of VBT in serving athletic training. Future research is warranted to focus on the effect of velocity loss of VBT on athletic performance. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Physical Activity, Physical Fitness, and Sports Injury)

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7 pages, 506 KiB

Open AccessBrief Report

Drop Jump Performance Improves One Year Following Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction in Sportsmen Irrespectively of Psychological Patient Reported Outcomes

by Claudio Legnani, Matteo Del Re, Giuseppe M. Peretti, Vittorio Macchi, Enrico Borgo and Alberto Ventura

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2023, 20(6), 5080; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph20065080 - 14 Mar 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1543

Abstract

Our study aims to prospectively report the functional outcomes of 31 sportsmen following anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction, up to 12 months after surgery, with regards to subjective tests and drop jump performance, and to investigate the correlations between these variables, to be [...] Read more.

Our study aims to prospectively report the functional outcomes of 31 sportsmen following anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction, up to 12 months after surgery, with regards to subjective tests and drop jump performance, and to investigate the correlations between these variables, to be used for determining the return to sports after ACL reconstruction. Lysholm score, Tegner activity level, and the ACL–Return to Sport after Injury (ACL-RSI) scale were evaluated preoperatively, at 6 months, and at 12 months after surgery. Drop vertical jump was recorded using an infrared optical acquisition system. Lysholm and ACL-RSI scores significantly improved at the 12-month follow-up compared to the baseline and 6-month evaluations (p < 0.001). Concerning Tegner activity level, no statistically significant differences were reported between pre- and post-operative status (p = 0.179). Drop jump limb symmetry index significantly improved at 12 months, with the mean value improving from 76.6% (SD: 32,4) pre-operatively to 90.2% (SD: 14.7; p < 0.001) at follow-up. Scarce positive correlation was reported between the ability to perform drop jumps and activity level in athletes one year after ACL reconstruction. In addition, subjective knee score and psychological readiness were not related to jumping performance. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Physical Activity, Physical Fitness, and Sports Injury)

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12 pages, 564 KiB

Open AccessSystematic Review

Can Blood Flow Restriction Training Benefit Post-Activation Potentiation? A Systematic Review of Controlled Trials

by Haodong Tian, Hansen Li, Haowei Liu, Li Huang, Zhenhuan Wang, Siyuan Feng and Li Peng

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(19), 11954; https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph191911954 - 21 Sep 2022

Cited by 6 | Viewed by 2390

Abstract

(1) Background: post-activation potentiation (PAP) plays an essential role in enhancing athletic performance. Various conditioning activities (CAs) have been developed to generate PAP before training or competitions. However, whether extra equipment can enhance the effectiveness of CAs is understudied. Hence, this systematic review [...] Read more.

(1) Background: post-activation potentiation (PAP) plays an essential role in enhancing athletic performance. Various conditioning activities (CAs) have been developed to generate PAP before training or competitions. However, whether extra equipment can enhance the effectiveness of CAs is understudied. Hence, this systematic review aims to introduce and examine the effectiveness of blood flow restriction-based conditioning activities (BFR-CAs). (2) Methods: a literature search was conducted via Web of Science, PubMed, SPORTDiscus, and CNKI (a Chinese academic database). The systematic review included the literature concerning BFR-CAs and non-BFR-CAs. The methodological quality of included studies was considered to be “moderate quality” and “good quality” based on the Physiotherapy Evidence Database Scale. (3) Results: five studies were included in this study. Four studies were on lower limb strength training, and three of them suggested a greater PAP in BFR-CAs than in non-BFR counterparts. One study on upper limb strength training also supported the advantage of BFR-CAs. (4) Conclusions: BFR-CAs may be an emerging and promising strategy to generate PAP. Compared with non-BFR-CAs, BFR-CAs might be more efficient and practical for inexperienced sports people or athletes in non-power sports. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Advances in Physical Activity, Physical Fitness, and Sports Injury)

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