Purpose The aim of this study was to determine the influence of some strength and power dimensions on success in athletic throwing disciplines. Methods The research was performed on a sample of kinesiology students (<i>n</i> = 38). The sample of variables was derived from 12 tests for evaluating power and strength, and three tests for evaluating athletic achievements in throwing (discus, javelin and shot put). Testing included bench press, deadlift, pull-ups, standing long jump, Sargent jump test, triple jump, and 5-, 10-, and 20-metre sprints. Results The indicator values of metric characteristics show that the applied motor tests, such as the standing long jump (ICC = 0.91) and the 5-metre sprint (ICC = 0.86), exhibited high reliability, good homogeneity, and a normal data distribution. The impact of the predictor variables on success in throwing disciplines was determined using classical regression analysis. For the shot put, strength significantly influenced performance in the early learning stages, with a β coefficient of 0.44 (p = 0.03) during initial measurements, increasing to 0.55 (<i>p</i> < 0.01) in the final phase. In contrast, power became more relevant in the later stages for javelin (β = –0.31, <i>p</i> < 0.05) and discus throwing (β = 0.49, <i>p</i> < 0.01), underscoring the evolving importance of explosive power in these disciplines as athletes refine their techniques. Conclusions These findings highlight the importance of tailored training protocols that address the unique demands of each discipline, providing valuable guidance for coaches and athletes in optimising throwing performance.

PurposeCervical radiculopathy (CR) is frequently associated with myofascial trigger points. Myofascial release (MFR) restores tissue extensibility and reduces symptoms. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of gross MFR on pain and function in patients with CR.MethodsForty patients with CR were allocated to two equal groups; the study group: which received gross MFR combined with a selected, designed program, and the control group: which received the selected, designed program. The patients were assessed using the neck disability index (NDI), Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (DASH) questionnaire, cervical range of motion (CROM) measured by goniometer, and Visual Analogue Scale for Pain (VAS-P).ResultsThe study group showed a significant decrease in the NDI (<i>p</i> = 0.001), quick DASH (<i>p</i> = 0.001), and VAS (<i>p</i> = 0.001) post-treatment compared with that of the control group. Also, there was a significant increase in CROM of the study group compared with that of the control group post-treatment (<i>p</i> = 0.001).ConclusionsGross MFR using a gross stretch of the posterior cervical musculature and upper quarter (arm pull technique) had significantly improved outcomes in the rehabilitation of CR patients.

Motor competence (MC) refers to the ability to execute a range of motor tasks, including the coordination and control necessary to perform everyday activities effectively. Interest in MC has grown over the past two decades, as reflected in an increasing number of publications on the topic. However, there is still no consensus on how to assess MC, with various test batteries available. A single test is insufficient for evaluating MC, as it encompasses a set of fundamental skills essential for daily life. These skills are typically categorised into fundamental movement skills, although discrepancies exist in their definitions. Some frameworks recognise two components – locomotor and manipulative skills – while others include a third component: stability skills. This review aims to analyse why, when and how MC should be assessed in children and adolescents. It was observed that MC assessments are essential at a young age, with physical education classes providing an ideal context for their implementation. Such assessments promote sports participation, aid in talent identification and highlight the positive correlation between MC and lifelong physical activity. Selecting an appropriate test battery requires careful consideration of the evaluator’s objectives, participant age, required materials and the three pillars of fundamental movement skills: locomotor, stabilising and manipulative skills. Future research should refine the concept of MC and ensure that the validity of test batteries is rigorously examined. Additionally, using the same test battery across identical subjects and evaluating ecological validity will enhance the sensitivity and applicability of assessments, facilitating their use for both characterisation and intervention.

PurposeThe objective of the present manuscript was to analyse the flow of play in high-level women’s volleyball by sequencing game complexes per set.MethodsThe sample analysed 135 matches played in the 2021/2022 Brazilian Women’s Superliga, with the number of matches analysed ranging from 14 and 25 matches for all teams participating in the championship. Eigenvector Centrality and Social Network Analysis conducted the connectivity and specificity of relationships as, and inferential analysis was performed using the chi-square test with a Monte Carlo correction.ResultsThe results showed that the highest eigenvalues were for the continuity effect, except for complex 0. Regarding the continuity effect, the eigenvalues in the first four sets were higher for complexes III, IV, and V. In the fifth set, the highest eigenvalues were close between complexes II, III, IV, and V for the continuity effect. Furthermore, the results indicated that there was no association between the sequencing of game complexes and the set played (χ² = 2470.01 and = 0.34, <i>p</i> = 0.272), nor between the number of complexes and the set played (χ² = 17.63 and = 0.03, <i>p</i> = 0.346).ConclusionsIn conclusion, women’s volleyball presents gameplay strategies to sustain play, promoting game continuity, regardless of the set played. The number of game complexes required to secure a point varies between two and three game complexes. Coaches should consider the dynamics in women’s volleyball matches, preparing teams for less risky and more continuous play.

PurposeThe goal of this pilot study was to compare and evaluate the efficacy of extracorporeal shock wave therapy (ESWT) and dexamethasone sodium phosphate (DEX-P) iontophoresis in patients who have unilateral symptomatic knee OA (KOA).MethodsPre-post single-blind randomised experimental trial. The therapeutic program was performed twice per week for 4 weeks. Sixty patients with unilateral symptomatic KOA were randomly divided into three groups. Intensity of pain, pressure threshold for pain, knee function, and knee range of motion (ROM) were measured before and after therapy in all three groups.ResultsThe improvement in the shock wave group was significantly greater than the iontophoresis group.ConclusionsESWT has a superior therapeutic effect in patients with symptomatic KOA.

PurposeThis study aimed to verify participation and performance in all road and trail-based races in Switzerland over two decades (1999–2019).MethodsThis is a secondary data-based study. We used 1,149,182 race records (788,818 from men and 360,364 from women) from 407,944 unique finishers of the 5 km, 10 km, half-marathon, marathon, and ultra-marathon races in Switzerland, between 1999 and 2019. Data included the athletes’ genders, ages, race distances, and types of races (road or trail). The mento- women ratio was calculated and box plots were used to present differences according to gender, age groups, and race distances in both terrains. Differences between the groups were calculated.ResultsThe men-to-women ratio has generally decreased in all race distances over the years. Runners competing in roadbased races were faster than those in a trail run in all distances. Men had faster finish times than women independent of age, except those competing in 10 km trail races. In road-based races, the men-to-women ratio was higher among older marathoners, while for trail runs, a higher men-to-women ratio was shown for older half-marathoners and participants in 10 km races. For 5 km, 10 km, half-marathon, and ultra-marathon races, a decrease in running speed differences was shown until the age of 50 years.ConclusionsIn Switzerland, most of the runners competed in road-based races, but the interest in trail running has increased. The men-to-women ratio declined over time, which could show an increase in the interest of women to participate in endurance activities.

PurposeThe current study aimed to examine the acute effect of physioball wall squat training on knee joint active reposition senses and isokinetic parameters of knee flexion and extension in sedentary collegiate female students.MethodsAn experimental study was conducted with sixty sedentary female college students aged between 18 to 25 who were divided into two groups. The experimental group of 30 participants performed Swiss ball wall squats, spanning three sets of 12 repetitions each, with 30-second rest intervals between sets. The control group of 30 participants stood with a Swiss ball positioned behind their backs, replicating the same parameters as the experimental group but without squatting. The isokinetic 4 Pro device measured active knee joint repositioning senses and isokinetic parameters of knee flexion and extension.ResultsThe findings revealed notable improvements in active knee repositioning senses and all isokinetic parameters of knee flexion and extension (<i>p</i> < 0.05) in the experimental group post-training when compared to the control group. There were also significant differences detected between pre- and post-Swiss ball training intervention in the experimental group for all variables (<i>p</i> < 0.05).ConclusionsThese results suggest that Swiss ball wall squat training could enhance knee joint position senses and isokinetic parameters, potentially reducing knee injuries in sedentary individuals.

To review the available literature on the acute and temporal effects of backpack load carriage on knee muscle force production post-walking. Data sources: The databases were PubMed, Lens, ScienceDirect, Scopus, BVS, and EBSCO. Study selection: The eligibility criteria were: sample aged between 18 and 45 years old, backpack load carriage walking, knee flexor and/ or extensor muscle strength measurement comparing post-walking with pre-walking or with no-load walking; articles that reported at least one acute response, and/or temporal response; randomised controlled trials and prospective cohort studies that have a longitudinal design that compared two or more groups, or one group with a test and re-test output described and written in English. This systematic review was conducted in accordance with the PRISMA 2020 Statement. We used the Joanna Briggs Institute Critical review tool for randomised controlled trials and prospective cohorts to assess the methodological quality of the studies. A total of 1004 records were screened, and five studies were included in the review. Data extraction: Participant details, study design, load carriage system, load carriage conditions, walking conditions, and method and instrument used to measure strength. Conclusions: The acute and temporal neuromuscular impairments are load-dependent and are independent of the intervention performed. Acute impairments seem to occur due to a decreased ability to modulate motor output rapidly and accurately, and temporal impairment by eccentric motor activity increased by the external load. Carbohydrate or whey protein accelerates the recovery of neuromuscular function after prolonged load carriage occurs in isometric strength, but not in isokinetic strength.

PurposeBalance allows multidirectional lower limb movements that improve technical football skills and reduce injury caused by match activities. This study aimed to evaluate the static and dynamic balance of preferred and nonpreferred legs during unipedal stance in young footballers and investigate correlations between the two types of balance across each parameter.MethodsForty-three youth players (mean age = 15.81 ± 1.33 years, height = 179.50 ± 6.14 cm, body mass = 69.73 ± 9.35 kg) were involved in this study. Static balance was assessed via ellipse area (EA), perimeter length (P), anterior-posterior deviation (APD), medial-lateral deviation (MLD), trunk deviation (TD), average anterior-posterior speed (AAPS), and average medial-lateral speed (AMLS). The total stability index (TSI) and trunk total deviation (TT D) dynamic parameters were also examined.ResultsNone of the static balance parameters showed significant differences between standing on the preferred and nonpreferred legs. Similarly, no meaningful distinctions were observed between the preferred and nonpreferred legs in terms of dynamic balance parameters. Overall, static and dynamic balances indicated no correlation, although minor connections were found between parameters: TT D and EA (r = 0.332; p = 0.03), TT D and MLD (r = 0.335; p = 0.02), and TT D and TD (r = 0.423; p = 0.01)ConclusionsThe balance evaluation in young football players should incorporate dynamic and static assessments because the postural control outcomes in these two tasks are independent. Participants underwent testing for both static and dynamic balance, revealing no noticeable differences between their preferred and nonpreferred legs.

PurposeThis study aims to explore disparities in locomotor metrics such as total distance (TD), high-speed running (HSR), accelerations (Acc), decelerations (Dec), and maximum speed (MS) across five soccer positions – centre defenders, fullbacks, midfielders, wingers, and forwards – during the 1-, 3-, and 5-minute match intensity periods (MIP). Additionally, it seeks to assess the difference in those locomotor metrics between the first and second halves of the match.MethodsAn observational, retrospective cohort study was undertaken with a professional team covering 32 official matches. A total of 20 soccer players participated in this study. Data were collected using a 10-Hz GNSS unit (Apex pro series, StatSports, Northern Ireland). The MIP considered different time durations (1, 3, 5 min in the 1st and the 2nd halves).ResultsSoccer players exhibited position-specific differences in locomotion, with Wingers covering the most distance and forwards showing the highest Acc and Dec. HSR was most notable in the fullbacks. The second half saw varied changes, with midfielders increasing in distance covered. ANCOVA revealed significant positional differences in TD during longer MIPs and between match halves. HSR varied across positions but only differed between halves in the 5-minute MIP. Acc and Dec displayed half-time differences, while maximal speed was consistently higher in the second half.ConclusionsThis study highlights the impact of player position and matches progression on locomotor metrics in soccer, underscoring the need for customised training and strategic adaptability to maximise performance throughout the game.