Shanghai University of Sport

ObjectivePlyometric conditioning activities are widely used in warm-ups to elicit post-activation performance enhancement (PAPE), yet their acute effects on sprint performance and the factors shaping these responses remain unclear. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to quantify the acute effects of plyometric conditioning activities on sprint performance in sports individuals, and to identify key moderators of these effects, including conditioning type (single vs. complex protocols), rest-interval duration, and sprint test distance (≤30 m vs. >30 m).MethodsA systematic search was conducted across four electronic databases. The methodological quality of the included studies was assessed in accordance with the Cochrane guidelines. Outcome measures were analyzed using R software (version 4.3.0, R studio). A total of fourteen studies involving 198 participants(78.8% male) were included, comprising randomized controlled trials (RCTs), parallel-group trials, crossover trials, and pre–post-test experimental designs. All effect sizes were derived exclusively from within-condition pre–post comparisons.ResultsPlyometric conditioning activities elicited a moderate acute improvement in sprint performance [SMD = 0.51, 95% CI (0.24, 0.79), P < 0.001], with moderate heterogeneity (I²= 51%). Subgroup analyses showed that complex protocols tended to produce larger effects than single protocols, although heterogeneity was substantial for complex training (I²= 80%). Longer rest intervals were associated with significant performance gains [SMD = 0.42, 95% CI (0.16, 0.68), P = 0.002]. Sprint distance moderated the effect: benefits were significant for ≤30 m tests [SMD = 0.73, 95% CI (0.34, 1.13), P = 0.0003], but not for >30 m tests [SMD = 0.17, 95% CI (−0.15, 0.49), P = 0.31], with a significant subgroup difference (P = 0.03).ConclusionPlyometric conditioning activities were associated with acute changes in sprint performance, with statistically significant pooled effects observed in shorter sprint distances (≤30 m). Larger pooled effect sizes appeared in complex protocols and longer rest intervals, although responses varied across studies. These findings suggest that protocol characteristics and recovery duration may influence acute sprint performance outcomes.

Osteoporosis is a major public health concern in the aging global population. Traditional Chinese Exercises (TCEs) are promising non-pharmacological interventions, but their comparative efficacy for improving bonemineral density (BMD) at specific skeletal sites remains unclear. This systematic review and network meta-analysis (NMA) aimed to compare and rank the effects of four common TCEs (Taiji, Baduanjin, Wuqinxi, Yijinjing) on BMD at various sites in older adults. We systematically searched PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, CNKI, WanFang, and WeiPu databases from inception to July 31, 2025, for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) investigating TCEs for BMD in older adults. Two reviewers independently performed study selection, data extraction, and risk-of-bias assessment using the Cochrane RoB 2 tool. A frequentist NMA was conducted using Stata 17 and R software to estimate pooled mean differences (MDs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Treatments were ranked using the surface under the cumulative ranking curve (SUCRA). Thirty-one RCTs (n = 2,457 participants) were included. For lumbar spine BMD, Baduanjin (MD = 0.10, 95% CI0.06 to 0.14; SUCRA = 91.6%), Yijinjing (MD = 0.11, 95% CI 0.00 to 0.16; SUCRA = 71.3%), and Taiji (MD = 0.07, 95% CI0.04 to 0.09; SUCRA = 57.4%) were significantly more effective than control. For femoral neck BMD, Yijinjing (SUCRA = 71.6%), Taiji (SUCRA = 67.7%), and Baduanjin (SUCRA = 58.0%) were the most effective. Taiji consistently ranked as the best intervention for both the greater trochanter (SUCRA = 83.1%) and Ward's triangle (SUCRA = 83.5%). Wuqinxi generally showed non-significant effects compared to control across all sites. The overall risk of bias was a concern, but sensitivity analyses excluding high-risk studies reduced heterogeneity and strengthened the results. The efficacy of TCEs on BMD is site-specific. Baduanjin and Yijinjing appear most beneficial for the lumbar spine, while Taiji demonstrates broad efficacy across hip sites. These findings support the use of tailored TCE prescriptions based on an individual's fracture risk profile, offering valuable non-pharmacological strategies forcommunity-based osteoporosis management in older adults. PROSPERO registration number: CRD420251108373.

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a prevalent neurodevelopmental disorder with elusive pathogenesis and lack of targeted therapies. While exercise can ameliorate ASD-like behaviors, its underlying mechanisms remain unclear. Recent studies have identified dysbiosis of gut microbiota and altered levels of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), as critical contributors to ASD-associated behavioral abnormalities. This study investigated the potential role of the gut-brain axis, specifically the vagal pathway, in mediating the therapeutic effects of voluntary wheel running exercise in a valproic acid (VPA)-induced ASD-like rat models. We demonstrated that six weeks of voluntary wheel running exercise attenuated ASD-like behavioral deficits. Exercise restructured gut microbial communities and elevated SCFA levels, notably butyrate, in feces and plasma. Concurrently, exercise normalized imbalances of neuroactive substances in the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex and suppressed neuroinflammation, evidenced by reduced microglial/astrocytic reactivity and a shift in microglial polarization toward an anti-inflammatory phenotype. Critically, subdiaphragmatic vagotomy attenuated these exercise-induced improvements, including the restoration of neuroactive substance homeostasis, resolution of neuroinflammation, and the amelioration of behavioral deficits. Our findings suggest that intact vagal signaling plays a critical role in coordinating gut-derived microbial and metabolic signals with central neuroadaptations to mediate the benefits of voluntary exercise on ASD-like behaviors.

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of different physical activity (PA) types on executive functions (EFs) in children (6-12 years) and adolescents (13-18 years). Data were analyzed using Bayesian network meta-analysis combined with model-based dose-response modeling. PA dose was standardized to metabolic equivalent of task minutes per week (METs-min/week). Effect sizes were estimated using standardized mean differences (SMDs) and 95% credible intervals (CrIs). Risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane Risk of Bias 2.0 tool, and certainty of evidence was evaluated with CINeMA. The protocol was registered in PROSPERO (CRD42023422762). Dance was identified as the most effective PA for enhancing working memory accuracy (SMD = 0.64, 95% CrI: 0.20 to 1.07) and cognitive flexibility reaction time (SMD = -0.99, 95% CrI: -1.91 to -0.06) at optimal doses of 500 METs-min/week and 150 METs-min/week, respectively. Mixed exercise significantly improved inhibitory control accuracy (SMD = 0.52, 95% CrI: 0.21 to 0.82) at an optimal dose of 1500 METs-min/week. The certainty of evidence varied, with moderate confidence for some outcomes and low to very low confidence for others. These findings highlight the importance of structured PA interventions optimized according to the most effective PA modality and dosage thresholds for improving specific executive function components. Such tailored PA programs may provide a more effective approach for enhancing cognitive development in children and adolescents.

Physical activity levels significantly declined within 3months post-discharge among children and adolescents with heart disease. Factors including intention, intention-behavior gap, self-efficacy, and Kinesiophobia significantly influenced their behavior, while the role of parental support increased after 3months. Therefore, enhancing intention and self-efficacy while reducing Kinesiophobia is essential to promote physical activity during the early post-discharge period. Family support must be reinforced during home rehabilitation to maintain physical activity continuity and improve long-term outcomes. • Regular physical activity is essential for the rehabilitation of children and adolescents with heart disease; however, current evidence consistently demonstrates that their physical activity levels are suboptimal, contributing to unfavorable long-term outcomes. • Known determinants of physical activity in this population encompass both familial factors and individual-level factors. Nevertheless, these identified factors account for less than 15% of the variance in physical activity behavior. •A significant intention-behavior gap exists in this population and represents a distinct barrier to physical activity; however, baselinephysical activity is not a significant predictor of whether individuals will enter the intention-behavior gap group. •Kinesiophobia is a prominent and independent barrier to physical activity among children and adolescents with heart disease,whereas parental support serves as a key and stable facilitator, exhibiting a strengthening protective effect against the characteristicpost-discharge decline in physical activity.

Gross motor coordination is a fundamental component of children's physical development and motor skill acquisition, closely associated with physical fitness, cognitive function, and overall health. This study aimed to examine the influence of physical fitness, basic coordination, and executive function (EF) on gross motor coordination, and to evaluate the predictive performance of machine learning models compared with traditional multiple linear regression (MLR). A total of 167 children (85 boys and 82 girls), aged 9-10 years, participated in the study. Gross motor coordination was assessed using the Körperkoordinationtest für Kinder (KTK). Physical fitness (e.g., 50 m sprint, standing long jump, sit-ups), basic coordination (e.g., kinesthetic differentiation, spatial orientation, balance), and EF (e.g., inhibitory control, working memory) were measured as predictors. Model performance was evaluated using R2, root mean square error (RMSE), and mean absolute error (MAE). SHapley Additive exPlanations (SHAP) were applied to interpret the best-performing model and analyze feature importance and nonlinear effects. Among the models, Random Forest Regression (RFR) achieved the highest performance (R 2 = 0.533, RMSE = 6.075, MAE = 4.850). SHAP analysis revealed that spatial orientation, body mass index (BMI), dynamic balance, standing long jump, and closed-eye balance were the most important predictors, with spatial orientation, BMI, and closed-eye balance showing notable nonlinear effects. EF contributed minimally to prediction. Spatial-body integration, physical fitness, and postural control are primary determinants of gross motor coordination in children, while cognitive regulation plays a secondary role. Training programs aiming to enhance gross motor coordination should emphasize spatial orientation, body weight management, balance, and lower-limb strength.

Osteoporosis and osteopenia are common skeletal diseases in middle-aged and elderly individuals, characterized by reduced bone mineral density (BMD), microstructural deterioration, and increased fragility, significantly raising the risk of pathological fractures and mortality. Tai Chi, a traditional Chinese exercise, has gained increasing attention for its potential benefits in managing osteoporosis and osteopenia due to its gentle movements, moderate intensity, and adaptability to various populations. Studies have demonstrated that Tai Chi may significantly improve BMD in critical areas such as the lumbar spine and hip. However, existing research on the effects of Tai Chi on osteoporosis and osteopenia in middle-aged and elderly people remains inconclusive. We aim to evaluate the effects of Tai Chi exercise on BMD in middle-aged and elderly individuals with osteoporosis or osteopenia through a systematic review and meta-analysis. A comprehensive literature search was conducted across 7 databases (PubMed, Web of Science, EMBASE, Cochrane, Wanfang Database, VIP Database, and CNKI) up to February 16, 2025. A total of 19 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) met the inclusion criteria. Overall, Tai Chi significantly improved BMD in key skeletal regions, including: lumbar spine (L2-L4) (WMD = 0.05g/cm2, 95% CI 0.02 to 0.08, p = 0.0003), femoral neck (WMD = 0.05g/cm2, 95% CI 0.02 to 0.08, p = 0.001), greater trochanter (WMD = 0.05g/cm2, 95% CI 0.02 to 0.08, p = 0.002), and Ward's triangle (WMD = 0.04, 95% CI 0.02 to 0.06, p < 0.0001). Subgroup analysis indicated that Tai Chi practice for more than 24weeks significantly improved BMD in the lumbar spine (L2-L4) (WMD = 0.05, 95% CI 0.02 to 0.07, p < 0.0001), femoral neck (WMD = 0.03, 95% CI 0.02 to 0.04, p < 0.0001), greater trochanter (WMD = 0.04, 95% CI 0.02 to 0.06, p = 0.0003), and Ward's triangle (WMD = 0.04, 95% CI 0.02 to 0.07, p < 0.0001). Furthermore, less than 200min per week of Tai Chi had a positive effect on BMD in these key areas: lumbar spine(L2-L4) (WMD = 0.04, 95% CI 0.01 to 0.07, p = 0.006), femoral neck (WMD = 0.03, 95% CI 0.01 to 0.05, p = 0.007), greater trochanter (WMD = 0.06, 95% CI 0.03 to 0.09, p < 0.0001), and Ward's triangle (WMD = 0.05, 95% CI 0.02 to 0.07, p < 0.0001). Long-term Tai Chi exercise significantly improves BMD in individuals with osteoporosis and osteopenia. A regimen of more than 24weeks with a total weekly exercise time of 120-200min is recommended for optimal effect.