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13 pages, 3043 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Effect of Sex and Different Repetition Maximums on Kinematics and Surface Electromyography in the Last Repetition of the Barbell Back Squat

by Andreas Hegdahl Gundersen, Hallvard Nygaard Falch, Andrea Bao Fredriksen and Roland van den Tillaar

J. Funct. Morphol. Kinesiol. 2024, 9(2), 75; https://doi.org/10.3390/jfmk9020075 - 18 Apr 2024

Viewed by 467

Abstract

During the ascent phase of a maximal barbell back squat after an initial acceleration, a deceleration region occurs as the result of different biomechanical factors. This is known as the sticking region. However, whether this region is similar in the last repetition of [...] Read more.

During the ascent phase of a maximal barbell back squat after an initial acceleration, a deceleration region occurs as the result of different biomechanical factors. This is known as the sticking region. However, whether this region is similar in the last repetition of different repetition maximums and if sex has an impact on biomechanics of this region are not known. Therefore, this study investigated the effect of sex (men/women) and repetition maximum (1-, 3-, 6-, and 10RM) on kinematics and surface electromyography around the sticking region. Twenty-six resistance-trained individuals comprising 13 men (body mass: 82.2 ± 8.7; age: 23.6 ± 1.9; height: 181.1 ± 6.5) and 13 women (body mass: 63.6 ± 6.6; age: 23.9 ± 4.5; height: 166.0 ± 4.5) participated in the study. The main findings were that women, in comparison to men, displayed larger trunk lean and lower hip extension angles in the sticking region, possibly due to different hip/knee extensor strength ratios. Moreover, an inverse relationship was discovered between repetition range and timing from V₀ to V_max2, in which lower repetition ranges (1- and 3RM) were shorter in V_max2 compared to higher ranges (6- and 10RM). It was concluded that this occurrence is due to more moments of inertia in lower repetition ranges. Our findings suggest that both sex and repetition range might induce different requirements during the squat ascent. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Efficiency in Kinesiology: Innovative Approaches in Enhancing Motor Skills for Athletic Performance 2.0)

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11 pages, 937 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Acute Effect of Dynamic vs. Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation Stretching on Sprint and Jump Performance

by Nor Fazila Abd Malek, Ali Md Nadzalan, Kevin Tan, Abdul Muiz Nor Azmi, Rajkumar Krishnan Vasanthi, Ratko Pavlović, Dana Badau and Adela Badau

J. Funct. Morphol. Kinesiol. 2024, 9(1), 42; https://doi.org/10.3390/jfmk9010042 - 28 Feb 2024

Viewed by 1257

Abstract

Participating in sports has been shown to promote overall wellness and, at the same time, reduce health risks. As more people are participating in sports, competitions have increased, and every aspect of the game has been focused by coaches and athletes in order [...] Read more.

Participating in sports has been shown to promote overall wellness and, at the same time, reduce health risks. As more people are participating in sports, competitions have increased, and every aspect of the game has been focused by coaches and athletes in order to improve performance. One of these aspects is the warm-up session. The purpose of this study was to investigate the acute effect of a dynamic warm-up versus a proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) warm-up on the sprint and jump performance of recreationally active men. Thirty (n = 30) males were randomly assigned to undergo three sessions of different warm-up types, 72 h apart, involving either proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF), dynamic stretching (DS), or no stretching session (control). The PNF and dynamic modes of stretching improved vertical jump performance, F (2.58) = 5.49, p = 0.046, to a certain extent (mean + 3.32% vs. control, p = 0.002 for dynamic and mean + 1.53% vs. control, p = 0.048 for PNF stretching). Dynamic stretching is best used to get a better vertical jump height. Sprint performance was also increased to a greater extent following the stretching session, F (2.58) = 5.60, p = 0.01. Sprint time was +1.05% faster vs. the control, with a value of p = 0.002 after dynamic stretching, while PNF stretching demonstrated a sprint time of +0.35% vs. the control, with a value of p = 0.049. Dynamic stretching showed a better sprint performance and also vertical jump height performance in this study. PNF and dynamic stretching prove to be equally efficacious in flexibility conditioning depending on the type of movement involved. This type of stretching should be utilized to help preserve or improve the performance output of physical activity, especially in sprinting and jumping events. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Efficiency in Kinesiology: Innovative Approaches in Enhancing Motor Skills for Athletic Performance 2.0)

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8 pages, 1002 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Analysis of the Performance and Sailing Variables of the Optimist Class in a Variety of Wind Conditions

by Israel Caraballo, Luka Pezelj and Juan José Ramos-Álvarez

J. Funct. Morphol. Kinesiol. 2024, 9(1), 18; https://doi.org/10.3390/jfmk9010018 - 03 Jan 2024

Viewed by 1443

Abstract

The aim of this study was to analyse the variables that determine the performance of the Optimist class during a regatta in different wind conditions. A total of 203 elite sailors of the Optimist class (121 boys and 82 girls) participated in the [...] Read more.

The aim of this study was to analyse the variables that determine the performance of the Optimist class during a regatta in different wind conditions. A total of 203 elite sailors of the Optimist class (121 boys and 82 girls) participated in the study. According to their ranking in the regatta, the sample was divided into four performance groups. In a regatta with 11 races, the velocity made good (VMG), the distance and the manoeuvres were evaluated by means of GNSS equipment in three different courses. The boys performed a greater number of upwind and running manoeuvres than the girls. The very-low-level sailors obtained a lower VMG in all the courses analysed compared with the rest of the groups of sailors of higher levels. Upwind manoeuvres, broad reach and running VMG were significant variables for establishing differences in performance level when the wind speed was in a range of 5 to ≤8 knots. When the wind speed was in the >8 to ≤12 knot range, upwind distance was the key variable in determining performance differences. VMG, upwind and broad reach distance and broad reach manoeuvres were the most important variables when the wind speed was in the >12 to 15 knots range. The boys performed more manoeuvres than the girls in the upwind and running courses. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Efficiency in Kinesiology: Innovative Approaches in Enhancing Motor Skills for Athletic Performance 2.0)

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13 pages, 2249 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Beyond Belief: Exploring the Alignment of Self-Efficacy, Self-Prediction, Self-Perception, and Actual Performance Measurement in a Squat Jump Performance—A Pilot Study

by Alessandro Cudicio and Valeria Agosti

J. Funct. Morphol. Kinesiol. 2024, 9(1), 16; https://doi.org/10.3390/jfmk9010016 - 03 Jan 2024

Viewed by 1493

Abstract

It is widely accepted that athletic performance emerges from a complex interaction between physical and cognitive features. Several studies highlighted self-efficacy (SE) in the cognitive domain of athletic performance, but no studies have correlated SE with sport-specific tasks. According to Bandura, this study [...] Read more.

It is widely accepted that athletic performance emerges from a complex interaction between physical and cognitive features. Several studies highlighted self-efficacy (SE) in the cognitive domain of athletic performance, but no studies have correlated SE with sport-specific tasks. According to Bandura, this study explored SE and its relationship with self-prediction (SP), self-perception (PSJ), and actual performance in a squat jump (SJ). Thirty-nine healthy collegiate students were assessed using an SE questionnaire, an SP measurement tool, and a validated optical system for actual SJ performance. An SE score and an SE esteem index (SEE) were determined. The alignment between an individual’s SP of their SJ performance and their SE beliefs was also examined. The data revealed a significant correlation between SE score and both SJ (r = 0.432; p = 0.006) and SP (r = 0.441; p = 0.005). Furthermore, disparities among the actual SJ, SP, and SEE were statistically non-significant, implying a congruence between self-belief and performance. With a deeper understanding of the interaction between SE, SP, and sport-specific tasks, sports professionals could develop targeted interventions to enhance athletes’ overall athletic achievements and apply SE as a feature linking physical and cognitive athletic performance. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Efficiency in Kinesiology: Innovative Approaches in Enhancing Motor Skills for Athletic Performance 2.0)

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12 pages, 1511 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Influence of Unstable Load and Traditional Free-Weight Back Squat Exercise on Subsequent Countermovement Jump Performance

by Renata Jirovska, Anthony D. Kay, Themistoklis Tsatalas, Alex J. Van Enis, Christos Kokkotis, Giannis Giakas and Minas A. Mina

J. Funct. Morphol. Kinesiol. 2023, 8(4), 167; https://doi.org/10.3390/jfmk8040167 - 18 Dec 2023

Viewed by 1535

Abstract

The purpose of the present study was to examine the effects of a back squat exercise with unstable load (UN) and traditional free-weight resistance (FWR) on subsequent countermovement jump (CMJ) performance. After familiarisation, thirteen physically active males with experience in resistance training visited [...] Read more.

The purpose of the present study was to examine the effects of a back squat exercise with unstable load (UN) and traditional free-weight resistance (FWR) on subsequent countermovement jump (CMJ) performance. After familiarisation, thirteen physically active males with experience in resistance training visited the laboratory on two occasions during either experimental (UN) or control (FWR) conditions separated by at least 72 h. In both sessions, participants completed a task-specific warm-up routine followed by three maximum CMJs (pre-intervention; baseline) and a set of three repetitions of either UN or FWR back squat exercise at 85% 1-RM. During the UN condition, the unstable load was suspended from the bar with elastic bands and accounted for 15% of the total load. Post-intervention, three maximum CMJs were performed at 30 s, 4 min, 8 min and 12 min after the last repetition of the intervention. The highest CMJ for each participant was identified for each timepoint. No significant increases (p > 0.05) in jump height, peak concentric power, or peak rate of force development (RFD) were found after the FWR or UN conditions at any timepoint. The lack of improvements following both FWR and UN conditions may be a consequence of the low percentage of unstable load and the inclusion of a comprehensive task-specific warm-up. Further research is required to explore higher UN load percentages (>15%) and the chronic effects following the implementation of a resistance training programme. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Efficiency in Kinesiology: Innovative Approaches in Enhancing Motor Skills for Athletic Performance 2.0)

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11 pages, 983 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Reactive Strength Index, Rate of Torque Development, and Performance in Well-Trained Weightlifters: A Pilot Study

by Giorgos Anastasiou, Marios Hadjicharalambous, Gerasimos Terzis and Nikolaos Zaras

J. Funct. Morphol. Kinesiol. 2023, 8(4), 161; https://doi.org/10.3390/jfmk8040161 - 20 Nov 2023

Viewed by 1603

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate the correlation between the reactive strength index (RSI) using the drop jump (DJ) and the isometric rate of torque development (RTD) with weightlifting performance in national-level weightlifters. Seven male weightlifters (age: 28.3 ± 5.7 years, [...] Read more.

The purpose of this study was to investigate the correlation between the reactive strength index (RSI) using the drop jump (DJ) and the isometric rate of torque development (RTD) with weightlifting performance in national-level weightlifters. Seven male weightlifters (age: 28.3 ± 5.7 years, body mass: 80.5 ± 6.7 kg, body height: 1.73 ± 0.07 m) participated in this study. Measurements were performed 2 weeks prior to the national championship and included the countermovement jump (CMJ), the squat jump (SJ), the DJ from three different drop heights (20, 30, and 40 cm), and the isometric peak torque (IPT) and RTD. Performance in CMJ and SJ was significantly correlated with weightlifting performance (r ranging from 0.756 to 0.892). Significant correlations were found between weightlifting performance with DJ contact time (r ranging from −0.759 to −0.899) and RSI (r ranging from 0.790 to 0.922). Moreover, the best RSI was significantly correlated with the snatch (r = 0.921, p = 0.003) and total performance (r = 0.832, p = 0.020). Small to very large correlations were found between IPT and RTD with weightlifting performance (r ranging from 0.254 to 0.796). These results suggest that RSI and contact time variables from DJ may predict weightlifting performance in well-trained weightlifters. Additionally, IPT and RTD may provide useful insights into the neuromuscular fitness condition of the weightlifter. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Efficiency in Kinesiology: Innovative Approaches in Enhancing Motor Skills for Athletic Performance 2.0)

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15 pages, 2392 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Muscle Strength and Joint Range of Motion of the Spine and Lower Extremities in Female Prepubertal Elite Rhythmic and Artistic Gymnasts

by Athanasios Mandroukas, Ioannis Metaxas, Yiannis Michailidis and Thomas Metaxas

J. Funct. Morphol. Kinesiol. 2023, 8(4), 153; https://doi.org/10.3390/jfmk8040153 - 02 Nov 2023

Viewed by 1924

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate and compare the passive joint range of motion (PROM) and muscle strength in prepubertal rhythmic gymnasts (RGs), artistic gymnasts (AGs), and a control group (CG) of the same age. A total of 54 prepubertal girls [...] Read more.

The purpose of this study was to investigate and compare the passive joint range of motion (PROM) and muscle strength in prepubertal rhythmic gymnasts (RGs), artistic gymnasts (AGs), and a control group (CG) of the same age. A total of 54 prepubertal girls were divided into three groups: 18 RGs (age 11.14 ± 0.7, height 142.6 ± 5.81, and body mass 31.2 ± 3.63); 18 AGs (age 11.27 ± 0.99, height 139.6 ± 5.85, and body mass 31.7 ± 3.21), and 18 school girls who are defined as CG (age 10.55 ± 0.42, height 145.33 ± 6.95, and body mass 42.1 ± 8.21) participated in the study. All athletes were elites and participated in national competitions. The CG participated only in their school physical education program. Isokinetic peak torques were measured using an isokinetic dynamometer (Cybex II) at 60, 180, and 300°·sec⁻¹. Body mass index was greater in the CG compared to RGs and AGs (p < 0.001). PROM in cervical extension in RG was significantly higher compared to the AG and CG (p < 0.001). The athlete groups, RG and AG, showed significantly greater PROM in knee flexion (p < 0.001), hip flexion (p < 0.001), and hip abduction (p < 0.05) compared to CG. PROM in hip flexion was different between the left and right leg in RGs. The relative muscle strength of the quadriceps in the RG and AG was significantly greater compared to CG (p < 0.001 and p < 0.01 respectively). Gymnastics training in prepubertal ages can improve neuromuscular function and increase the relative muscle strength. Therefore, it is essential to note that when evaluating children within the developmental ages, especially those involved in sports, the type of muscle strength to be assessed should be specified. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Efficiency in Kinesiology: Innovative Approaches in Enhancing Motor Skills for Athletic Performance 2.0)

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12 pages, 915 KiB

Open AccessArticle

The Reliability of Linear Speed with and without Ball Possession of Pubertal Soccer Players

by Nikolaos Manouras, Christos Batatolis, Panagiotis Ioakimidis, Konstantina Karatrantou and Vassilis Gerodimos

J. Funct. Morphol. Kinesiol. 2023, 8(4), 147; https://doi.org/10.3390/jfmk8040147 - 16 Oct 2023

Viewed by 1842

Abstract

Reliable fitness tests with low day-to-day and trial-to-trial variation are a prerequisite for tracking a player’s performance or for identifying meaningful changes in training interventions. The present study examined the inter- and intra-session reliability of 30 m linear speed with and without ball [...] Read more.

Reliable fitness tests with low day-to-day and trial-to-trial variation are a prerequisite for tracking a player’s performance or for identifying meaningful changes in training interventions. The present study examined the inter- and intra-session reliability of 30 m linear speed with and without ball possession as well as the reliability of a specific performance index of pubertal soccer players. A total of 40 pubertal (14.87 ± 1.23 years old) male soccer players performed two testing sessions (test–retest) separated by 72 h. Both testing sessions included a protocol consisting of two maximal trials of 30 m linear speed with and without ball possession. A performance index, indicating the difference between the two speed tests, was also calculated using two different equations (delta value and percentage value). The relative and absolute inter-session reliabilities were good/high for all testing variables (ICC = 0.957–0.995; SEM% = 0.62–8.83). There were also good/high relative and absolute intra-session reliabilities observed for all testing variables (ICC = 0.974–0.987; SEM% = 1.26–6.70%). According to the Bland–Altman plots, the differences between test–retest and trials for all observations were within the defined 95% limits of agreement. The reliable testing protocols and performance index for the evaluation of linear speed with and without ball possession, observed in this study, may be used in speed monitoring and training planning of pubertal soccer players. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Efficiency in Kinesiology: Innovative Approaches in Enhancing Motor Skills for Athletic Performance 2.0)

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11 pages, 1085 KiB

Open AccessArticle

A Novel Metric “Exercise Cardiac Load” Proposed to Track and Predict the Deterioration of the Autonomic Nervous System in Division I Football Athletes

by S. Howard Wittels, Eric Renaghan, Michael Joseph Wishon, Harrison L. Wittels, Stephanie Chong, Eva Danielle Wittels, Stephanie Hendricks, Dustin Hecocks, Kyle Bellamy, Joe Girardi, Stephen Lee, Tri Vo, Samantha M. McDonald and Luis A. Feigenbaum

J. Funct. Morphol. Kinesiol. 2023, 8(4), 143; https://doi.org/10.3390/jfmk8040143 - 07 Oct 2023

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1364

Abstract

Current metrics like baseline heart rate (HR) and HR recovery fail in predicting overtraining (OT), a syndrome manifesting from a deteriorating autonomic nervous system (ANS). Preventing OT requires tracking the influence of internal physiological loads induced by exercise training programs on the ANS. [...] Read more.

Current metrics like baseline heart rate (HR) and HR recovery fail in predicting overtraining (OT), a syndrome manifesting from a deteriorating autonomic nervous system (ANS). Preventing OT requires tracking the influence of internal physiological loads induced by exercise training programs on the ANS. Therefore, this study evaluated the predictability of a novel, exercise cardiac load metric on the deterioration of the ANS. Twenty male American football players, with an average age of 21.3 years and body mass indices ranging from 23.7 to 39.2 kg/m² were included in this study. Subjects participated in 40 strength- and power-focused exercise sessions over 8 weeks and wore armband monitors (Warfighter Monitor, Tiger Tech Solutions) equipped with electrocardiography capabilities. Exercise cardiac load was the product of average training HR and duration. Baseline HR, HR variability (HRV), average HR, and peak HR were also measured. HR recovery was measured on the following day. HRV indices assessed included the standard deviation of NN intervals (SDNN) and root mean square of successive RR interval differences (rMSSD) Linear regression models assessed the relationships between each cardiac metric and HR recovery, with statistical significance set at α < 0.05. Subjects were predominantly non-Hispanic black (70%) and aged 21.3 (±1.4) years. Adjusted models showed that exercise cardiac load elicited the strongest negative association with HR recovery for previous day (β = −0.18 ± 0.03; p < 0.0000), one-week (β = −0.20 ± 0.03; p < 0.0000) and two-week (β = −0.26 ± 0.03; p < 0.0000) training periods compared to average HR (βetas: −0.09 to −0.02; p < 0.0000) and peak HR (βetas: −0.13 to −0.23; p < 0.0000). Statistically significant relationships were also found for baseline HR (p < 0.0000), SDNN (p < 0.0000) and rMSSD (p < 0.0000). Exercise cardiac load appears to best predict ANS deterioration across one- to two-week training periods, showing a capability for tracking an athlete’s physiological tolerance and ANS response. Importantly, this information may increase the effectiveness of exercise training programs, enhance performance, and prevent OT. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Efficiency in Kinesiology: Innovative Approaches in Enhancing Motor Skills for Athletic Performance 2.0)

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9 pages, 1207 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Examination of Countermovement Jump Performance Changes in Collegiate Female Volleyball in Fatigued Conditions

by Paul T. Donahue, Ayden K. McInnis, Madelyn K. Williams and Josey White

J. Funct. Morphol. Kinesiol. 2023, 8(3), 137; https://doi.org/10.3390/jfmk8030137 - 17 Sep 2023

Viewed by 1599

Abstract

The purpose of this investigation was to examine changes in countermovement vertical jump performance after a single sport-specific training session in a sample of collegiate female volleyball athletes. Eleven NCAA Division I volleyball athletes performed countermovement vertical jumps with and without an arm [...] Read more.

The purpose of this investigation was to examine changes in countermovement vertical jump performance after a single sport-specific training session in a sample of collegiate female volleyball athletes. Eleven NCAA Division I volleyball athletes performed countermovement vertical jumps with and without an arm swing prior to and immediately after a sport-specific training session. Each participant completed two jumps in each condition using a portable force platform. Paired samples t-tests were performed within each jump condition. When using an arm swing, mean braking force was the only variable to display a statistically significant change (p < 0.05). In the no-arm-swing condition, mean propulsive force, propulsive net impulse, jump height and reactive strength index modified all statistically increased (p < 0.05). Time to takeoff was statistically reduced (p < 0.05). Additionally, a single-subject analysis was performed across all eleven participants resulting in general trends seen in the no-arm-swing condition, whereas the arm-swing condition displayed inconsistent findings across participants. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Efficiency in Kinesiology: Innovative Approaches in Enhancing Motor Skills for Athletic Performance 2.0)

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10 pages, 885 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Exercise Cardiac Load and Autonomic Nervous System Recovery during In-Season Training: The Impact on Speed Deterioration in American Football Athletes

by Eric Renaghan, Harrison L. Wittels, Luis A. Feigenbaum, Michael Joseph Wishon, Stephanie Chong, Eva Danielle Wittels, Stephanie Hendricks, Dustin Hecocks, Kyle Bellamy, Joe Girardi, Stephen Lee, Tri Vo, Samantha M. McDonald and S. Howard Wittels

J. Funct. Morphol. Kinesiol. 2023, 8(3), 134; https://doi.org/10.3390/jfmk8030134 - 12 Sep 2023

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1503

Abstract

Fully restoring autonomic nervous system (ANS) function is paramount for peak sports performance. Training programs failing to provide sufficient recovery, especially during the in-season, may negatively affect performance. This study aimed to evaluate the influence of the physiological workload of collegiate football training [...] Read more.

Fully restoring autonomic nervous system (ANS) function is paramount for peak sports performance. Training programs failing to provide sufficient recovery, especially during the in-season, may negatively affect performance. This study aimed to evaluate the influence of the physiological workload of collegiate football training on ANS recovery and function during the in-season. Football athletes recruited from a D1 college in the southeastern US were prospectively followed during their 13-week “in-season”. Athletes wore armband monitors equipped with ECG and inertial movement capabilities that measured exercise cardiac load (ECL; total heartbeats) and maximum running speed during and baseline heart rate (HR), HR variability (HRV) 24 h post-training. These metrics represented physiological load (ECL = HR·Duration), ANS function, and recovery, respectively. Linear regression models evaluated the associations between ECL, baseline HR, HRV, and maximum running speed. Athletes (n = 30) were 20.2 ± 1.5 years, mostly non-Hispanic Black (80.0%). Negative associations were observed between acute and cumulative exposures of ECLs and running speed (β = −0.11 ± 0.00, p < 0.0000 and β = −0.15 ± 0.04, p < 0.0000, respectively). Similarly, negative associations were found between baseline HR and running speed (β = −0.45 ± 0.12, 95% CI: −0.70, −0.19; p = 0.001). HRV metrics were positively associated with running speed: (SDNN: β = 0.32 ± 0.09, p < 0.03 and rMSSD: β = 0.35 ± 0.11, p < 0.02). Our study demonstrated that exposure to high ECLs, both acutely and cumulatively, may negatively influence maximum running speed, which may manifest in a deteriorating ANS. Further research should continue identifying optimal training: recovery ratios during off-, pre-, and in-season phases. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Efficiency in Kinesiology: Innovative Approaches in Enhancing Motor Skills for Athletic Performance 2.0)

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11 pages, 679 KiB

Open AccessArticle

by Lea R. Stenerson, Bridget F. Melton, Helen W. Bland and Greg A. Ryan

J. Funct. Morphol. Kinesiol. 2023, 8(3), 128; https://doi.org/10.3390/jfmk8030128 - 05 Sep 2023

Cited by 2 | Viewed by 4456

Abstract

This study aimed to characterize running-related injuries (RRIs), explore their relationship with run and resistance training (RT) parameters, and identify perceived prevention measures among adult recreational runners. An anonymous online survey was designed and distributed via social media and email. Data were analyzed [...] Read more.

This study aimed to characterize running-related injuries (RRIs), explore their relationship with run and resistance training (RT) parameters, and identify perceived prevention measures among adult recreational runners. An anonymous online survey was designed and distributed via social media and email. Data were analyzed with chi-square, t-test, or analysis of variance (ANOVA), with significance accepted at p ≤ 0.05. Data from 616 participants (76.8% female, age: 42.3 ± 10.5 y) were analyzed. Most runners (84.4%) had an injury history, with 44.6% experiencing one in the past year. The most common RRI sites included the foot/ankle (30.9%) and knee (22.2%). RRI prevalence was higher in those running >19 miles weekly (48.4%, p = 0.05), but there were no differences based on RT participation status. Among those using RT, relatively more RRIs were observed in runners who trained the hip musculature (50.3%, p = 0.005) and did not include the upper body (61.6%, p < 0.001). A disproportionately high RRI prevalence was found for several of the other risk-reduction strategies. RRIs remain a substantial problem, particularly around the ankle/foot and knee. Higher run volume and performance motives were positively associated with RRIs. Most runners incorporated RRI risk-reduction techniques, with over half using RT. The current study did not determine whether preventative strategies were implemented before or after injury; therefore, prospective studies controlling for previous injuries are required to evaluate the effectiveness of RT in preventing future RRIs. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Efficiency in Kinesiology: Innovative Approaches in Enhancing Motor Skills for Athletic Performance 2.0)

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12 pages, 1150 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Analysis of Individual

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O_2max Responses during a Cardiopulmonary Exercise Test and the Verification Phase in Physically Active Women

by Pasquale J. Succi, Brian Benitez, Minyoung Kwak and Haley C. Bergstrom

J. Funct. Morphol. Kinesiol. 2023, 8(3), 124; https://doi.org/10.3390/jfmk8030124 - 31 Aug 2023

Viewed by 903

Abstract

This study aimed to investigate the test–retest reliability, mean, and individual responses in the measurement of maximal oxygen consumption (

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O_2max) during a cardiopulmonary exercise test (CPET) and the verification phase during cycle ergometry in women. Nine women (22 [...] Read more.

This study aimed to investigate the test–retest reliability, mean, and individual responses in the measurement of maximal oxygen consumption (

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O_2max) during a cardiopulmonary exercise test (CPET) and the verification phase during cycle ergometry in women. Nine women (22 ± 2 yrs, 166.0 ± 4.5 cm, 58.6 ± 7.7 kg) completed a CPET, passively rested for 5 min, and then completed a verification phase at 90% of peak power output to determine the highest

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O₂ from the CPET (

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O_2CPET) and verification phase (

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O_{2verification}) on 2 separate days. Analyses included a two-way repeated measures ANOVA, intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC_2,1), standard errors of the measurement (SEM), minimal differences (MD), and coefficients of variation (CoV). There was no test (test 1 versus test 2) × method (CPET vs. verification phase) interaction (p = 0.896) and no main effect for method (p = 0.459). However, test 1 (39.2 mL·kg⁻¹·min⁻¹) was significantly higher than test 2 (38.3 mL·kg⁻¹·min⁻¹) (p = 0.043). The

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O_2CPET (ICC = 0.984; CoV = 1.98%; SEM = 0.77 mL·kg⁻¹·min⁻¹; MD = 2.14 mL·kg⁻¹·min⁻¹) and

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O_{2verification} (ICC = 0.964; CoV = 3.30%; SEM = 1.27 mL·kg⁻¹·min⁻¹; MD = 3.52 mL·kg⁻¹·min⁻¹) demonstrated “excellent” reliability. Two subjects demonstrated a test 1

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O_2CPET that exceeded the test 2

\dot{V}

O_2CPET, and one subject demonstrated a test 1

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O_{2verification} that exceeded the test 2

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O_{2verification} by more than the respective CPET and verification phase MD. One subject demonstrated a

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O_2CPET that exceeded the

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O_{2verification}, and one subject demonstrated a

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O_{2verification} that exceeded the

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O_2CPET by more than the MD. These results demonstrate the importance of examining the individual responses in the measurement of the

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O_2max and suggest that the MD may be a useful threshold to quantify real individual changes in

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O₂. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Efficiency in Kinesiology: Innovative Approaches in Enhancing Motor Skills for Athletic Performance 2.0)

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11 pages, 1576 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Vertical Jump Kinetic Parameters on Sand and Rigid Surfaces in Young Female Volleyball Players with a Combined Background in Indoor and Beach Volleyball

by George Giatsis, Vassilios Panoutsakopoulos, Christina Frese and Iraklis A. Kollias

J. Funct. Morphol. Kinesiol. 2023, 8(3), 115; https://doi.org/10.3390/jfmk8030115 - 10 Aug 2023

Viewed by 2080

Abstract

Little is known about the differences in vertical jump biomechanics executed on rigid (RJS) and sand (SJS) surfaces in female indoor and beach volleyball players. Eleven young female beach volleyball players with a combined indoor and beach volleyball sport background performed squat jumps, [...] Read more.

Little is known about the differences in vertical jump biomechanics executed on rigid (RJS) and sand (SJS) surfaces in female indoor and beach volleyball players. Eleven young female beach volleyball players with a combined indoor and beach volleyball sport background performed squat jumps, countermovement jumps with and without an arm swing, and drop jumps from 40 cm on a RJS (force plate) and SJS (sand pit attached to the force plate). The results of the 2 (surface) × 4 (vertical jump test) repeated-measure ANOVA revealed a significant (p < 0.05) main effect of the surface and the vertical jump test on the jump height and time to achieve peak vertical body center of mass velocity. A significant (p < 0.05) main effect of the test, but not of the surface (p > 0.05), was observed for the other examined biomechanical parameters. The only significant (p < 0.05) jump height gain difference between RJS and SJS was observed for the utilization of the stretch-shortening cycle, which was higher in SJS (15.4%) compared to RJS (7.5%). In conclusion, as the testing was conducted during the beach volleyball competitive season, the examined female players showed adaptations relating the effective utilization of the pre-stretch and enhanced stability during the execution of the vertical jump tests on a SJS compared to RJS. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Efficiency in Kinesiology: Innovative Approaches in Enhancing Motor Skills for Athletic Performance 2.0)

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Review

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14 pages, 608 KiB

Open AccessReview

Kinesiophobia in Injured Athletes: A Systematic Review

by Jatin P. Ambegaonkar, Matthew Jordan, Kelley R. Wiese and Shane V. Caswell

J. Funct. Morphol. Kinesiol. 2024, 9(2), 78; https://doi.org/10.3390/jfmk9020078 - 19 Apr 2024

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Abstract

Athletes have a high risk of injury. Kinesiophobia is a condition in which an individual experiences a fear of physical movement and activity after an injury occurs. Our purpose was to systematically review the literature about Kinesiophobia in athletes. A systematic review was [...] Read more.

Athletes have a high risk of injury. Kinesiophobia is a condition in which an individual experiences a fear of physical movement and activity after an injury occurs. Our purpose was to systematically review the literature about Kinesiophobia in athletes. A systematic review was conducted in February 2023 using PubMed, CINAHL, SPORTDiscus, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, and Medline. Studies were included if they were peer-reviewed, in English, within the last 20 years and included athletes who had been injured and tracked Kinesiophobia. Articles were checked for quality via the modified Downs and Black checklist. Fourteen studies were included in the review and had an average “fair” quality score. Authors examined Kinesiophobia in injured athletes with mostly lower-extremity injuries. Kinesiophobia was associated with lower physical and mental outcomes. Kinesiophobia exists in athletes and can affect both physical and mental factors. The Tampa Scale of Kinesiophobia (TSK) was the most common tool used to examine Kinesiophobia. Common mental factors associated with Kinesiophobia include anxiety, low confidence, and fear avoidance. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Efficiency in Kinesiology: Innovative Approaches in Enhancing Motor Skills for Athletic Performance 2.0)

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