Frontiers in Sports and Active Living最新文献

Background: Physical exercise (PE) plays a critical role in the rehabilitation of individuals with spinal cord injury (SCI), yet global scientific production in this field shows heterogeneous distribution across themes and collaboration networks. Scientometric analyses can clarify research evolution, collaborative structures, and thematic priorities. This study aimed to provide a comprehensive mapping of two decades of scientific output on physical exercise and SCI.

Methods: Original research articles published between 2004 and 2024 were retrieved from Web of Science, PubMed, and Scopus using a standardized search strategy. Reviews, meta-analyses, editorials, letters, and conference abstracts, and gray literature, as well as out-of-scope studies were excluded. Data were analyzed with Bibliometrix (v4.1.3), VOSviewer (v1.0.0), and Microsoft Excel®.

Results: A total of 692 original articles were included. The field exhibited a modest average annual growth rate (1.31%), with a publication peak in 2021 (n = 59), followed by a decline from 2022 onward. Keyword co-occurrence and conceptual structure analyses identified five dominant thematic axes: (i) physical and functional performance, (ii) physiological responses, (iii) clinical rehabilitation, (iv) assistive engineering and biomechanics, and (v) metabolism and health. Psychosocial dimensions and assistive technology-focused research accounted for less than 5% of the thematic network, indicating limited representation.

Conclusion: Despite sustained scientific activity, the quantitative structure of the literature indicating persistent asymmetries in thematic representation. Notably, psychosocial outcomes, assistive technology applications, and the integration of functional and metabolic perspectives remain underexplored. These findings highlight clear research gaps and underscore the need for more interdisciplinary approaches and broader geographic participation to advance evidence-based exercise interventions for individuals with SCI.

Heart rate variability (HRV) is most often used as a standalone, without integration of complementary data. Yet these data are at our fingertips, and a revolution might be just around the corner. This perspective article gives insight on how integrating accelerometery and continuous blood pressure and extracting ventilatory variables may improve the use of HRV, taking it to a whole new level for elite and recreational sports, assessing fatigue, and intensity domains. Also, the use of mass data could lead to seamless measurements as precise and relevant as in elite sports, which could be made available to the public for health assessment and follow-up.

Introduction: This systematic review investigates sports supplementation research from a social science perspective, focusing on the period from 2014 to 2024. Given the absence of a standard definition and shared taxonomy, the article explores the intricate interrelations among nutritional, psychological, commercial, cultural, historical, and sociological dimensions that constitute this field.

Methods: A systematic review methodology was employed in accordance with the PRISMA protocol. Initially, 440 articles were screened, leading to a final selection of 56 relevant papers distributed across five central themes.

Results: The analysis revealed complex interrelations among various dimensions, including nutritional, psychological, commercial, cultural, historical, and sociological factors. The five identified themes are as follows: Attitudes towards Supplements and Doping (N = 18): This theme explores psychosocial influences on substance use. Gateway to Doping (N = 9): It highlights the progression from initial supplement use to the adoption of prohibited substances. Networks and Key Actors (N = 8): This aspect maps the social and professional interactions that influence athletes' decisions regarding supplementation. The Grey Area of Supplementation (N = 12): It addresses underrepresented populations and scientific uncertainties surrounding supplementation. Conceptual Ambiguity (N = 9): This theme confronts the ongoing lack of universal definitions and classifications in the field.

Discussion: The findings support a dual taxonomy for classifying supplements into functional foods, individual nutrients, ergogenic supplements, and multi-ingredient products. Furthermore, they establish a hierarchy of scientific evidence, positioning randomised controlled trials as the "gold standard." This research underscores how contemporary diets integrate cultural traditions, scientific advancements, and technological developments, while emphasising critical dualities: health vs. energy metabolism, risk vs. benefit, and safety vs. effectiveness.

Background: Effective training load (TL) management is crucial for optimizing performance, especially in elite team sports, where congested schedules (≥ two matches a week) are common and can lead to fatigue accumulation. Understanding inter-individual variations in workload is a key to tailor training strategies. This study aimed to analyze inter-individual differences in accumulated TL in elite handball players over a macrocycle of 6 months with special regards to congested schedules.

Methods: Fifteen professional players from the first German Handball League were monitored between July and December 2023. External (ACCLOAD, Kinexon, Munich) and internal load measures (sRPE) were recorded across 24 matches and 67 training sessions, The weekly workload accumulated during matches and training was analyzed descriptively. ANOVAs were performed to analyze the impact of the factor "week congestion".

Results: Analysis revealed substantial inter-individual differences in accumulated load, with coefficients of variation (CV) ranging from .14 to .27 depending on the measure (ACCLOAD, sRPE). Higher variation was observed during matches than during training, particularly in congested weeks. While no significant effect of week congestion was found for absolute weekly load, inter-individual variation increased in congested weeks. Case comparisons between backcourt and wing players highlighted discrepancies in load accumulation due to differences in playing time and role.

Conclusion: These findings underscore the importance of monitoring individual TLs to optimize player performance and minimize fatigue particularly in congested schedules. Coaches should consider compensatory training to address these discrepancies. Our research provides valuable insights into load accumulation in elite team handball, emphasizing the need for personalized approaches to balance performance demands and recovery.

Background: Exercise is an effective treatment for asthma, but there is still ongoing debate regarding the most beneficial form of exercise. This study used data from randomized controlled trials to compare and rank the types of exercise that improve asthma-related quality of life (QOL) in patients [total score and four subdomain scores (symptoms, activity limitations, emotional functions, and environmental stimulants)].

Method: This study was meticulously conducted using a rigorous methodology. We included randomized controlled trials of 10 types (two major categories: single-mode exercise and comprehensive-mode exercise) of exercise for the interventional treatment of asthmatics (≥16 years old). The effect size measures were standardized mean differences (SMDs) with 95% credible intervals (CrIs). The confidence of evidence was examined using Confidence in network meta-analysis. The study protocol has been registered with PROSPERO under registration number CRD420251110553.

Result: We identified 1,237 citations based on 35 studies involving 3,946 participants. Compared with the control group, all comprehensive-mode exercises (yoga, aerobic combined with breathing or resistance exercise) significantly improved the total score of asthma-related QOL (and four subdomain scores) among participants, and the SMDs [95% Credible Interval (CrI)] ranged between 2.26 (1.63 to 2.90) for Yoga to 1.06 (0.01 to 2.11) for high-intensity interval training (HIIT). Notably, HIIT demonstrated promising trends in improving asthma-related QOL compared to moderate-intensity aerobic exercises (P-score = 0.58). While Buteyko (P-score = 0.48) ranked first among various breathing exercises, the differences in efficacy between these methods were mostly small or uncertain. exercise prescription were significant factors affecting the network meta-analysis results.

Conclusion: Various comprehensive exercise modes are the best way to improve asthma-related QOL in patients. The exercise period will affect the effectiveness of the rehabilitation program.

Systematic review registration: https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/view/CRD420251110553, PROSPERO CRD420251110553.

Introduction: Squatting is an important activity of daily living which can be particularly useful in the management of Femoroacetabular Impingement Syndrome (FAIS). However, double-leg squat protocols can vary significantly, potentially impacting biomechanical outcomes. A squat with a "hold" before the ascent phase represents one variation which increases muscular endurance demands and may elucidate such impacts. The purpose of this study was to identify biomechanical differences between a traditional squat (TSquat) and squat with a hold (HSquat) in adolescents and young adults with pre-operative FAIS.

Methods: Participants (N = 46; 35 females; 16.5 ± 1.7 years) undergoing primary unilateral hip preservation surgery for FAIS completed two squat types assessed via 3D motion analysis. The TSquat was performed with descent immediately followed by ascent. The HSquat included a three second pause at participants' lowest comfortable position. Joint range of motion, moments, powers, and squat depth in participants' pre-operative limb were compared between each technique.

Results: Participants squatted lower in the TSquat than the HSquat (42.6% ± 12.8% vs. 36.0% ± 13.0%, p < 0.001). Maximum hip, knee, and ankle flexion were greater in the TSquat (mean difference: 4.2 ± 0.7°, 10.2 ± 1.2°, 1.4 ± 0.1°, respectively; p < 0.05). Peak sagittal moment at the hip/knee (mean difference: 0.10 ± 0.05 Nm/kg, 0.09 ± 0.08 Nm/kg, respectively; p < 0.001) and peak power generation at the knee (mean difference: 0.40 ± 0.16 W/kg; p = 0.001) were also greater in the TSquat.

Discussion: Participants with FAIS squatted to a shallower depth during the HSquat compared to the TSquat and displayed altered biomechanics, accordingly. Given these findings, greater standardization of squatting techniques is warranted as technique variations may affect outcomes, and researchers must consider potential adjustments made by those with FAIS in their natural squat movement.

Introduction: Focal mechanical vibration is a therapeutic intervention based on oscillatory mechanical vibrations applied to specific anatomical structures. These vibrations can be generated by portable devices and transmitted to targeted muscles, joints, or tissues. Focal vibration stimulates local receptors, producing a sensory input flow that induces neural reorganization with functional effects such as improved motor performance, enhanced sensory perception, and reduced pain or discomfort. Several studies have investigated the effects of proprioceptive training (PT), particularly in improving strength and muscular endurance. Other research has reported changes in the rate of strength development. While these aspects have been well explored, neuromotor coordination abilities, which refer to the ability to organize and perform complex motor tasks effectively and efficiently, remain less well examined. In fact, this study aimed to fill this gap by examining the effects of PT on coordinative abilities, specifically through the finger tapping task.

Methods: The study involved college students who were divided into a control group and an experimental group. The assessed parameters included tapping number, movement displacement, and intertapping interval (i.e., tapping frequency).

Results: The results showed increases in endurance time and the number of taps only in the treated group, although a slight increase was also observed in the control group. These effects were recognized both acutely, lasting up to 24 h, and chronically, persisting for up to 4 weeks.

Discussion: The study contributes to the existing literature on vibration interventions and enhances our understanding of the role of focal vibration in improving motor performance.

Trail running's popularity among women is increasing, yet research addressing the unique physiological demands, performance factors, and injury patterns in this population remains limited. This scoping systematic review aimed to map the existing research landscape on female trail runners; synthesize current evidence across physiological, nutritional, injury, and performance domains; and identify critical knowledge gaps to guide future investigations. A systematic search was conducted across four major databases (EBSCO, PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science) up to December 2024. Eligible studies were original peer-reviewed articles reporting sex-specific data on female trail runners within the above domains. Methodological quality was assessed using the Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology (STROBE) checklist. Results from the 22 included studies (pooled sample ≈ 2,476 participants), predominantly published in the last decade, primarily focused on physiology and biomarkers (10 studies) and nutrition and body composition (6 studies), with fewer investigations into injuries (4 studies) or performance (3 studies). These studies indicated significant exercise-induced physiological stress and highlighted links between nutrition, body composition, and performance outcomes. However, a recurring limitation was the pervasive inconsistency in reporting participant characteristics, especially evident for key female-specific factors such as menstrual cycle status and hormonal contraceptive use, which were sparsely detailed. Furthermore, considerable heterogeneity in methodologies and the poor reporting of race characteristics and environmental conditions limited the synthesis of actionable insights. Most included studies (21 out of 22) demonstrated good methodological quality. In conclusion, while the research on female trail runners is growing, its practical application and the ability to draw robust conclusions are constrained by widespread reporting inconsistencies and a notable lack of depth in female-specific physiological data. Further progress in this field relies on the adoption of standardized reporting guidelines and a concerted effort to conduct robust, longitudinal investigations. Future studies should address hormonal influences, energy availability, effective training methodologies, and targeted injury prevention strategies tailored to female trail runners, ultimately to optimize their health, well-being, and athletic potential.

Introduction: Accurate detection of ovulation is essential for menstrual cycle-based training periodization for female athletes. Although body temperature tracking is a non-invasive method for this purpose, its reliability can vary depending on the measurement site and timing. This study aimed to compare the utility of different body temperature measurement methods and measurement times for ovulation detection.

Methods: Seventeen recreationally active women tracked one menstrual cycle (October 2023 to February 2024) using continuous intravaginal core body temperature measurement as the reference method. Additional temperature measurements (sublingual, rectal and external ear) were taken at two points in time: 6 a.m. and upon waking. Ovulation was additionally confirmed using luteinizing hormone urinary tests. The post-ovulatory temperature increase was analyzed using both the validated Vollman method and the practical "three over six" rule for the four different methods and two different time points. Agreement of the measurement methods and times was assessed via Bland-Altman plots and concordance correlation coefficients.

Results: The continuous intravaginal temperature sensor consistently identified ovulation with acceptable accuracy, detecting all ovulations and showing the largest temperature rise from follicular to luteal phase (0.31 ± 0.18 °C). Sublingual 6 a.m. measurements showed smaller temperature increases (0.17 ± 0.24 °C) and moderate agreement with the reference, whereas rectal (0.12 ± 0.21 °C) and external ear temperatures (0.22 ± 0.38 °C) exhibited higher variability and limited reliability. One cycle was confirmed as anovulatory and correctly identified by the intravaginal sensor.

Discussion: The most reliable method for detecting ovulation in physically active women is continuous intravaginal temperature measurement. If this method is not available, a trained sublingual temperature measurement at a fixed time can be an acceptable, cost-effective alternative. All methods have their limitations.