Pub Date : 2026-03-02eCollection Date: 2026-01-01DOI: 10.3389/fspor.2026.1649549
Klara Komici, Antonio Bianco, Alessandra Cuomo, Roberto Bianco, Maddalena Illario, Germano Guerra, Antonio Paoli, Federico Schena, Guido Iaccarino
Exercise training represents a cornerstone therapeutic intervention for managing chronic health conditions, yet its practical implementation in clinical settings remains suboptimal due to challenges in individualization and safety considerations across diverse patient populations. This narrative review provides practical guidelines for exercise prescription in outpatients with chronic conditions, grounded in recent international recommendations and current scientific evidence. Practical considerations for exercise prescription are addressed across various chronic conditions including cardiovascular disease, heart failure, diabetes, and cancer, with particular emphasis on pre-exercise evaluation in patients with hypertension-related organ damage, decompensated heart failure, and frailty. Exercise prescription should be personalized and adapted to individual health status through gradual and progressive incremental physical activity programs designed to optimize health outcomes while minimizing risks. Social, psychological, environmental factors, and technology integration represent important determinants of adherence that warrant systematic consideration. The successful translation of exercise prescriptions into effective training programs requires dedicated clinical facilities staffed by specialized professionals who can bridge the gap between prescription and implementation.
{"title":"Practical guidelines for exercise prescription in different clinical populations.","authors":"Klara Komici, Antonio Bianco, Alessandra Cuomo, Roberto Bianco, Maddalena Illario, Germano Guerra, Antonio Paoli, Federico Schena, Guido Iaccarino","doi":"10.3389/fspor.2026.1649549","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3389/fspor.2026.1649549","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Exercise training represents a cornerstone therapeutic intervention for managing chronic health conditions, yet its practical implementation in clinical settings remains suboptimal due to challenges in individualization and safety considerations across diverse patient populations. This narrative review provides practical guidelines for exercise prescription in outpatients with chronic conditions, grounded in recent international recommendations and current scientific evidence. Practical considerations for exercise prescription are addressed across various chronic conditions including cardiovascular disease, heart failure, diabetes, and cancer, with particular emphasis on pre-exercise evaluation in patients with hypertension-related organ damage, decompensated heart failure, and frailty. Exercise prescription should be personalized and adapted to individual health status through gradual and progressive incremental physical activity programs designed to optimize health outcomes while minimizing risks. Social, psychological, environmental factors, and technology integration represent important determinants of adherence that warrant systematic consideration. The successful translation of exercise prescriptions into effective training programs requires dedicated clinical facilities staffed by specialized professionals who can bridge the gap between prescription and implementation.</p>","PeriodicalId":12716,"journal":{"name":"Frontiers in Sports and Active Living","volume":"8 ","pages":"1649549"},"PeriodicalIF":2.6,"publicationDate":"2026-03-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12990137/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147473435","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-03-02eCollection Date: 2026-01-01DOI: 10.3389/fspor.2026.1733470
Nidhal Jebabli, Wissem Dhahbi, Manar Boujabli, Mariem Khlifi, Nejmeddine Ouerghi, Anissa Bouassida, Abderraouf Ben Abderrahman, Roland van den Tillaar
Introduction: There is a lack of systematic mechanism regarding the single and combined effect of listening to music with other strategies on the physical and psychophysiological performance of combat sport athletes. This systematic review and meta-analysis examined the single and combined effects of musical interventions on the technical, physical, physiological, and psychological performance of combat sports athletes, while identifying possible synergistic ergogenic strategies with music.
Methods: A systematic search was conducted across five electronic databases (PubMed/MEDLINE, Web of Science, Scopus, SPORTDiscus, and ScienceDirect) following PRISMA guidelines. Methodological quality was assessed using the PEDro scale. We performed a meta-analysis addressing physical, physiological and psychological function.
Results: Fifteen studies met the inclusion criteria, with a total of 1,456 participants. Music-only interventions demonstrated a small beneficial effect (d = 0.19, 95% CI: 0.02-0.36, p = 0.021). Subgroup analyses revealed psychological outcomes showed the strongest response (d = 0.52, p = 0.011), while physical performance effects were variable (d = 0.18, p = 0.583) and physiological measures showed minimal impact (d = 0.05, p = 0.921). Combined interventions demonstrated substantially larger effects than music alone (d = 0.93 vs. d = 0.19), with music and caffeine showing the greatest synergistic benefit (d = 1.24).
Conclusion: Music interventions alone produce small beneficial effects on combat sport performance, with strongest impacts on psychological outcomes. However, combined interventions demonstrate superior efficacy, particularly music and caffeine supplementation, suggesting multimodal approaches optimize performance enhancement in combat sports.
关于音乐与其他策略对搏击运动运动员身体和心理生理表现的单一或联合影响,目前缺乏系统的机制。这项系统回顾和荟萃分析研究了音乐干预对格斗运动运动员的技术、身体、生理和心理表现的单一和综合影响,同时确定了音乐可能的协同作用策略。方法:按照PRISMA指南,对5个电子数据库(PubMed/MEDLINE、Web of Science、Scopus、SPORTDiscus和ScienceDirect)进行系统检索。采用PEDro量表评估方法学质量。我们对身体、生理和心理功能进行了荟萃分析。结果:15项研究符合纳入标准,共1456名受试者。仅音乐干预显示出小的有益效果(d = 0.19, 95% CI: 0.02-0.36, p = 0.021)。亚组分析显示,心理结果的影响最大(d = 0.52, p = 0.011),而身体表现的影响是可变的(d = 0.18, p = 0.583),生理指标的影响最小(d = 0.05, p = 0.921)。联合干预显示出比单独音乐更大的效果(d = 0.93 vs. d = 0.19),音乐和咖啡因显示出最大的协同效益(d = 1.24)。结论:单纯的音乐干预对格斗运动成绩的影响很小,但对心理结果的影响最大。然而,联合干预显示出更好的效果,特别是音乐和咖啡因的补充,这表明多模式方法可以优化搏击运动的表现。系统评价注册:https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/view/CRD420251073337,标识符CRD420251073337。
{"title":"Effects of the single and combined effect of music and other strategies on combat sport performance: a systematic review and meta-analysis.","authors":"Nidhal Jebabli, Wissem Dhahbi, Manar Boujabli, Mariem Khlifi, Nejmeddine Ouerghi, Anissa Bouassida, Abderraouf Ben Abderrahman, Roland van den Tillaar","doi":"10.3389/fspor.2026.1733470","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3389/fspor.2026.1733470","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>There is a lack of systematic mechanism regarding the single and combined effect of listening to music with other strategies on the physical and psychophysiological performance of combat sport athletes. This systematic review and meta-analysis examined the single and combined effects of musical interventions on the technical, physical, physiological, and psychological performance of combat sports athletes, while identifying possible synergistic ergogenic strategies with music.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A systematic search was conducted across five electronic databases (PubMed/MEDLINE, Web of Science, Scopus, SPORTDiscus, and ScienceDirect) following PRISMA guidelines. Methodological quality was assessed using the PEDro scale. We performed a meta-analysis addressing physical, physiological and psychological function.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Fifteen studies met the inclusion criteria, with a total of 1,456 participants. Music-only interventions demonstrated a small beneficial effect (<i>d</i> = 0.19, 95% CI: 0.02-0.36, <i>p</i> = 0.021). Subgroup analyses revealed psychological outcomes showed the strongest response (<i>d</i> = 0.52, <i>p</i> = 0.011), while physical performance effects were variable (<i>d</i> = 0.18, <i>p</i> = 0.583) and physiological measures showed minimal impact (<i>d</i> = 0.05, <i>p</i> = 0.921). Combined interventions demonstrated substantially larger effects than music alone (<i>d</i> = 0.93 vs. <i>d</i> = 0.19), with music and caffeine showing the greatest synergistic benefit (<i>d</i> = 1.24).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Music interventions alone produce small beneficial effects on combat sport performance, with strongest impacts on psychological outcomes. However, combined interventions demonstrate superior efficacy, particularly music and caffeine supplementation, suggesting multimodal approaches optimize performance enhancement in combat sports.</p><p><strong>Systematic review registration: </strong>https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/PROSPERO/view/CRD420251073337, identifier CRD420251073337.</p>","PeriodicalId":12716,"journal":{"name":"Frontiers in Sports and Active Living","volume":"8 ","pages":"1733470"},"PeriodicalIF":2.6,"publicationDate":"2026-03-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12989839/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147473360","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-03-02eCollection Date: 2026-01-01DOI: 10.3389/fspor.2026.1719378
Ming Yanzhen, Rao Yunhua, Chen Song, Zeng Heqiong, Yang Zufang, Alan Wang
Purpose: Unilateral neglect affects up to 80% of right hemisphere stroke survivors and poses a significant barrier to rehabilitation. It is a strong predictor of poor prognosis and leads to prolonged hospital stays, yet no established treatment currently exists.
Methods: We propose an innovative approach, NeuroNavAR, a novel treatment method that utilizes neural network models to train the human nervous system under the guidance of augmented reality (AR). This method focuses on an AR-enhanced smart training program specifically for post-stroke spatial neglect. While the current implementation runs on a GPU server for technical validation, the application is designed for future deployment on Android and iOS devices. It employs image processing algorithms to identify real-world objects, such as clocks and chairs, segment their contours, and generate virtual bee patterns. These virtual bees navigate along the contours of the objects, and patients are encouraged to follow the bee patterns, receiving rewards upon completing a cycle. If patients fail to complete the cycle, virtual birds are introduced into their field of view to guide them back to the bee patterns, thereby enhancing engagement.
Results: This study reports only on the technical feasibility of the system. No clinical, behavioral, or usability data were collected. On a test dataset comprising 537 indoor images from the ADE20K dataset (accessed June 2024), the segmentation achieved a mean Intersection over Union (IoU) of 76.70% (SD = 8.2%) and an accuracy of 88.51% (SD = 4.7%).
Conclusion: The NeuroNavAR program represents a preclinical engineering feasibility study that provides a more intuitive and user-friendly training experience compared to traditional rehabilitation methods. Its innovative use of augmented reality and real-time feedback is designed to support, but has not yet demonstrated, improved rehabilitation outcomes for patients with unilateral spatial neglect. Clinical validation is planned for 2026.
{"title":"Exploring the potential of augmented reality in rehabilitation: a novel approach for post-stroke unilateral neglect.","authors":"Ming Yanzhen, Rao Yunhua, Chen Song, Zeng Heqiong, Yang Zufang, Alan Wang","doi":"10.3389/fspor.2026.1719378","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3389/fspor.2026.1719378","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Purpose: </strong>Unilateral neglect affects up to 80% of right hemisphere stroke survivors and poses a significant barrier to rehabilitation. It is a strong predictor of poor prognosis and leads to prolonged hospital stays, yet no established treatment currently exists.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>We propose an innovative approach, NeuroNavAR, a novel treatment method that utilizes neural network models to train the human nervous system under the guidance of augmented reality (AR). This method focuses on an AR-enhanced smart training program specifically for post-stroke spatial neglect. While the current implementation runs on a GPU server for technical validation, the application is designed for future deployment on Android and iOS devices. It employs image processing algorithms to identify real-world objects, such as clocks and chairs, segment their contours, and generate virtual bee patterns. These virtual bees navigate along the contours of the objects, and patients are encouraged to follow the bee patterns, receiving rewards upon completing a cycle. If patients fail to complete the cycle, virtual birds are introduced into their field of view to guide them back to the bee patterns, thereby enhancing engagement.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>This study reports only on the technical feasibility of the system. No clinical, behavioral, or usability data were collected. On a test dataset comprising 537 indoor images from the ADE20K dataset (accessed June 2024), the segmentation achieved a mean Intersection over Union (IoU) of 76.70% (SD = 8.2%) and an accuracy of 88.51% (SD = 4.7%).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The NeuroNavAR program represents a preclinical engineering feasibility study that provides a more intuitive and user-friendly training experience compared to traditional rehabilitation methods. Its innovative use of augmented reality and real-time feedback is designed to support, but has not yet demonstrated, improved rehabilitation outcomes for patients with unilateral spatial neglect. Clinical validation is planned for 2026.</p>","PeriodicalId":12716,"journal":{"name":"Frontiers in Sports and Active Living","volume":"8 ","pages":"1719378"},"PeriodicalIF":2.6,"publicationDate":"2026-03-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12989549/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147473449","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
In response to the educational demands of the 21st century, Physical Education (PE) has evolved toward a more comprehensive model, requiring innovative approaches from teachers. Educational sport remains essential; however, excessive competitiveness in some traditional sports often fails to motivate students. For this reason, the adoption of Alternative Sports (AS), such as Cornerball, is proposed. Cornerball, a playful-sporting variant, combines elements of wall and rebound sports with a divided court. It is played in mixed-gender pairs within a 90-degree corner divided by a net at the center, with players alternating participation on each hit. This novel approach seeks to enhance student motivation, promote physical activity, and convey values in an engaging manner. The main objective of this paper is to design a didactic proposal for the implementation of Cornerball in PE classes. Its potential to foster active participation, coeducation, sports values, cooperation, and healthy lifestyle habits is highlighted. This new alternative sport emerges as an attractive and challenging option, contributing significantly to the evolution of Physical Education toward a more holistic and motivating approach.
{"title":"Teaching cornerball: a didactic proposal based on the sport education model.","authors":"Pelayo Diez-Fernández, Alberto Rodríguez-Cayetano, Sandra Gutiérrez-Gutiérrez, Martín Barcala-Furelos, Iván González-Gutiérrez, Brais Ruibal-Lista, Sergio López-García","doi":"10.3389/fspor.2026.1784916","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3389/fspor.2026.1784916","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>In response to the educational demands of the 21st century, Physical Education (PE) has evolved toward a more comprehensive model, requiring innovative approaches from teachers. Educational sport remains essential; however, excessive competitiveness in some traditional sports often fails to motivate students. For this reason, the adoption of Alternative Sports (AS), such as Cornerball, is proposed. Cornerball, a playful-sporting variant, combines elements of wall and rebound sports with a divided court. It is played in mixed-gender pairs within a 90-degree corner divided by a net at the center, with players alternating participation on each hit. This novel approach seeks to enhance student motivation, promote physical activity, and convey values in an engaging manner. The main objective of this paper is to design a didactic proposal for the implementation of Cornerball in PE classes. Its potential to foster active participation, coeducation, sports values, cooperation, and healthy lifestyle habits is highlighted. This new alternative sport emerges as an attractive and challenging option, contributing significantly to the evolution of Physical Education toward a more holistic and motivating approach.</p>","PeriodicalId":12716,"journal":{"name":"Frontiers in Sports and Active Living","volume":"8 ","pages":"1784916"},"PeriodicalIF":2.6,"publicationDate":"2026-03-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12989537/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147473526","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-03-02eCollection Date: 2026-01-01DOI: 10.3389/fspor.2026.1717266
Ana Blanco-Ayala, Angela Magnanini, Daniel Medina-Rebollo, Jesús Fernández-Gavira
Introduction/objective: This study aimed to validate a semi-structured qualitative interview developed to examine how physical activity in urban public spaces contributes to processes of social inclusion and acculturation among immigrant women.
Methods: A mixed-method validation process was carried out with the participation of five experts in social sciences, sport studies, and qualitative research. The evaluation combined quantitative measures - using Aiken's V and the Content Validity Coefficient (CVC) - with qualitative assessments. Experts also provided detailed feedback regarding the clarity, coherence, cultural sensitivity, and thematic balance of the proposed items.
Results: The quantitative analysis showed high levels of content validity, with mean values of Aiken's V = 0.89 and CVC = 0.88, confirming strong agreement on the relevance and clarity of the items. Qualitative feedback highlighted the need for adjustments in wording, reorganization of sections, and the inclusion of items addressing family context, migration trajectories, and gender-related perceptions. Following these recommendations, the interview was expanded from 44 to 54 items, structured across ten thematic sections.
Discussion/conclusion: The resulting instrument offers a useful and flexible methodological tool to investigate the experiences of immigrant women in relation to physical activity and participation in urban public spaces, while incorporating dimensions of social inclusion, acculturation, and gender. Its capacity for adaptation makes it valuable for future studies related to these topics across diverse contexts.
{"title":"Design and validation of a qualitative interview for the study of the role of physical activity in urban public spaces in the social inclusion of immigrant women (Spanish version).","authors":"Ana Blanco-Ayala, Angela Magnanini, Daniel Medina-Rebollo, Jesús Fernández-Gavira","doi":"10.3389/fspor.2026.1717266","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3389/fspor.2026.1717266","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction/objective: </strong>This study aimed to validate a semi-structured qualitative interview developed to examine how physical activity in urban public spaces contributes to processes of social inclusion and acculturation among immigrant women.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A mixed-method validation process was carried out with the participation of five experts in social sciences, sport studies, and qualitative research. The evaluation combined quantitative measures - using Aiken's V and the Content Validity Coefficient (CVC) - with qualitative assessments. Experts also provided detailed feedback regarding the clarity, coherence, cultural sensitivity, and thematic balance of the proposed items.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The quantitative analysis showed high levels of content validity, with mean values of Aiken's V = 0.89 and CVC = 0.88, confirming strong agreement on the relevance and clarity of the items. Qualitative feedback highlighted the need for adjustments in wording, reorganization of sections, and the inclusion of items addressing family context, migration trajectories, and gender-related perceptions. Following these recommendations, the interview was expanded from 44 to 54 items, structured across ten thematic sections.</p><p><strong>Discussion/conclusion: </strong>The resulting instrument offers a useful and flexible methodological tool to investigate the experiences of immigrant women in relation to physical activity and participation in urban public spaces, while incorporating dimensions of social inclusion, acculturation, and gender. Its capacity for adaptation makes it valuable for future studies related to these topics across diverse contexts.</p>","PeriodicalId":12716,"journal":{"name":"Frontiers in Sports and Active Living","volume":"8 ","pages":"1717266"},"PeriodicalIF":2.6,"publicationDate":"2026-03-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12989535/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147473453","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-02-27eCollection Date: 2026-01-01DOI: 10.3389/fspor.2026.1745889
Alessandro Geraci, Giovanni Angelo Navarra, Antonella D'Amico, Carla La Rizza, Laura Di Domenico, Vincenzo Di Noto, Antonino Scardina, Garden Tabacchi, Marianna Bellafiore
Background: The global increase in the older adult population highlights the importance of strategies to promote healthy aging, with physical activity representing one of the most effective factor. This study explored the interplay between physical activity, cognitive functioning, emotional functioning, and psychological well-being in older adults.
Methods: An observational cross-sectional study was conducted with 178 autonomous older adults. Participants completed standardized assessments of physical activity (IPAQ), cognitive functioning (MMSE, CDT, Stroop, and Digit Span), emotional functioning (MSCEIT, meta-emotional beliefs, and emotional self-concept), and psychological well-being (PWBS).
Results: Correlation analyses revealed positive associations between physical activity and cognitive performance, particularly working memory, as well as psychological well-being, especially personal growth. Group comparisons indicated that highly active individuals reported greater personal growth compared to inactive individuals. Regarding cognition, physical activity was positively related to working memory performance, as measured by the Digit Span Task, while no significant associations emerged with broader global cognitive screening measures such as the Mini Mental State Examination or Clock Drawing Test. In addition, physical activity was positively associated with meta-emotional beliefs, defined as individuals' beliefs about the role of emotions in daily life, whereas no significant associations emerged with emotional abilities.
Conclusions: Overall, the findings suggest that physical activity is associated with specific cognitive processes and with broader psychological resources in later adulthood. These results highlight the relevance of targeted interventions aimed at promoting physical activity to support cognitive and emotional functioning, and psychological well-being in aging populations.
{"title":"The interplay between cognitive, affective, and physical activity correlates in older adults.","authors":"Alessandro Geraci, Giovanni Angelo Navarra, Antonella D'Amico, Carla La Rizza, Laura Di Domenico, Vincenzo Di Noto, Antonino Scardina, Garden Tabacchi, Marianna Bellafiore","doi":"10.3389/fspor.2026.1745889","DOIUrl":"10.3389/fspor.2026.1745889","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>The global increase in the older adult population highlights the importance of strategies to promote healthy aging, with physical activity representing one of the most effective factor. This study explored the interplay between physical activity, cognitive functioning, emotional functioning, and psychological well-being in older adults.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>An observational cross-sectional study was conducted with 178 autonomous older adults. Participants completed standardized assessments of physical activity (IPAQ), cognitive functioning (MMSE, CDT, Stroop, and Digit Span), emotional functioning (MSCEIT, meta-emotional beliefs, and emotional self-concept), and psychological well-being (PWBS).</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Correlation analyses revealed positive associations between physical activity and cognitive performance, particularly working memory, as well as psychological well-being, especially personal growth. Group comparisons indicated that highly active individuals reported greater personal growth compared to inactive individuals. Regarding cognition, physical activity was positively related to working memory performance, as measured by the Digit Span Task, while no significant associations emerged with broader global cognitive screening measures such as the Mini Mental State Examination or Clock Drawing Test. In addition, physical activity was positively associated with meta-emotional beliefs, defined as individuals' beliefs about the role of emotions in daily life, whereas no significant associations emerged with emotional abilities.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Overall, the findings suggest that physical activity is associated with specific cognitive processes and with broader psychological resources in later adulthood. These results highlight the relevance of targeted interventions aimed at promoting physical activity to support cognitive and emotional functioning, and psychological well-being in aging populations.</p>","PeriodicalId":12716,"journal":{"name":"Frontiers in Sports and Active Living","volume":"8 ","pages":"1745889"},"PeriodicalIF":2.6,"publicationDate":"2026-02-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12982361/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147463074","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-02-27eCollection Date: 2026-01-01DOI: 10.3389/fspor.2026.1717594
Senda Sammoud, Yassine Negra, Raja Bouguezzi, Aaron Uthoff, Jason Moran, Helmi Chaabene
Introduction: This study aimed to examine the effects of combined Nordic Hamstring and Reverse Nordic exercises on measures of physical fitness in prepubertal male soccer players.
Methods: The eccentric training program lasted 8 weeks, with two sessions per week, each lasting approximately 20 min and performed immediately after the warm-up of regular soccer training. A total of 34 prepubertal male soccer players were recruited and randomly assigned at the group level to either the eccentric training group (n = 17; age = 12.44 ± 0.24 years, maturity offset = -1.27 ± 0.28) or the active control group (n = 17; age = 12.40 ± 0.22 years, maturity offset = -1.15 ± 0.35). Physical fitness was assessed through measures of linear sprint performance (10 & 20 m), change of direction (505 test), agility (Y-shaped agility test), and vertical (countermovement jump) and horizontal jump performance (standing long jump).
Results and discussion: The findings showed moderate group-by-time interactions for all fitness measures [effect size (d) = 0.62-1.16]. Post hoc analyses revealed small-to-moderate improvements in the eccentric training group across all performance measures (d = 0.31-1.18), while no significant changes were observed in the control group for any fitness measure. In conclusion, our findings support the effectiveness, practicality, and safety (no injuries reported) of the eccentric training program for improving physical fitness in prepubertal male soccer players.
{"title":"Exploring the effects of combined Nordic and reverse Nordic hamstring exercises on physical fitness in prepubertal male soccer players.","authors":"Senda Sammoud, Yassine Negra, Raja Bouguezzi, Aaron Uthoff, Jason Moran, Helmi Chaabene","doi":"10.3389/fspor.2026.1717594","DOIUrl":"10.3389/fspor.2026.1717594","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>This study aimed to examine the effects of combined Nordic Hamstring and Reverse Nordic exercises on measures of physical fitness in prepubertal male soccer players.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>The eccentric training program lasted 8 weeks, with two sessions per week, each lasting approximately 20 min and performed immediately after the warm-up of regular soccer training. A total of 34 prepubertal male soccer players were recruited and randomly assigned at the group level to either the eccentric training group (<i>n</i> = 17; age = 12.44 ± 0.24 years, maturity offset = -1.27 ± 0.28) or the active control group (<i>n</i> = 17; age = 12.40 ± 0.22 years, maturity offset = -1.15 ± 0.35). Physical fitness was assessed through measures of linear sprint performance (10 & 20 m), change of direction (505 test), agility (Y-shaped agility test), and vertical (countermovement jump) and horizontal jump performance (standing long jump).</p><p><strong>Results and discussion: </strong>The findings showed moderate group-by-time interactions for all fitness measures [effect size (d) = 0.62-1.16]. <i>Post hoc</i> analyses revealed small-to-moderate improvements in the eccentric training group across all performance measures (d = 0.31-1.18), while no significant changes were observed in the control group for any fitness measure. In conclusion, our findings support the effectiveness, practicality, and safety (no injuries reported) of the eccentric training program for improving physical fitness in prepubertal male soccer players.</p>","PeriodicalId":12716,"journal":{"name":"Frontiers in Sports and Active Living","volume":"8 ","pages":"1717594"},"PeriodicalIF":2.6,"publicationDate":"2026-02-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12982401/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147463133","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-02-26eCollection Date: 2026-01-01DOI: 10.3389/fspor.2026.1651135
Isaac Lockett, Cornelia Blank, Laurie Patterson, Daniel Westmattelmann, Daniela Lux, Andrea Petróczi
Despite its protective intent, the anti-doping system functions in a complex, high-stakes environment where strict liability and public scrutiny can produce unintended harms for sanctioned athletes. To date, limited insights exist into the lived experiences of individuals sanctioned for Anti-Doping Rule Violations (ADRVs) under the World Anti-Doping Code. We located twelve English-language outputs published between 2011 and 2025 containing relevant empirical data, and used descriptive and bibliometric techniques, narrative synthesis, and citational analysis to evaluate the composition, impact, and practical relevance of this emerging body of work. Through narrative synthesis, we identified five key areas of concern: (1) psychological and emotional distress; (2) social isolation and reputational damage; (3) perceived procedural injustice and institutional abandonment; (4) disruption to career and athletic identity; and (5) a sense of resolution or clarity despite adversity. Difficulty in reaching and recruiting participants was noted in most studies. Highly cited articles were referenced across diverse domains, often due to their dual focus on doping motivations and firsthand experiences with ADRV sanctions. The direct translation of existing research into anti-doping policy remains limited. Gaps in reporting standards, the underrepresentation of female athletes, and regional imbalances in the evidence base constrain a comprehensive understanding of the personal consequences of ADRV sanctions. Despite these early limitations, this review marks a critical step toward evaluating the legitimacy of anti-doping rule enforcement from the perspective of those most directly affected. The findings highlight the urgent need for future research to inform more humane, equitable, and athlete-centred regulatory practices.
{"title":"From violation to stigma: a literature review of athletes' lived experiences following anti-doping sanctions.","authors":"Isaac Lockett, Cornelia Blank, Laurie Patterson, Daniel Westmattelmann, Daniela Lux, Andrea Petróczi","doi":"10.3389/fspor.2026.1651135","DOIUrl":"10.3389/fspor.2026.1651135","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Despite its protective intent, the anti-doping system functions in a complex, high-stakes environment where strict liability and public scrutiny can produce unintended harms for sanctioned athletes. To date, limited insights exist into the lived experiences of individuals sanctioned for Anti-Doping Rule Violations (ADRVs) under the World Anti-Doping Code. We located twelve English-language outputs published between 2011 and 2025 containing relevant empirical data, and used descriptive and bibliometric techniques, narrative synthesis, and citational analysis to evaluate the composition, impact, and practical relevance of this emerging body of work. Through narrative synthesis, we identified five key areas of concern: (1) psychological and emotional distress; (2) social isolation and reputational damage; (3) perceived procedural injustice and institutional abandonment; (4) disruption to career and athletic identity; and (5) a sense of resolution or clarity despite adversity. Difficulty in reaching and recruiting participants was noted in most studies. Highly cited articles were referenced across diverse domains, often due to their dual focus on doping motivations and firsthand experiences with ADRV sanctions. The direct translation of existing research into anti-doping policy remains limited. Gaps in reporting standards, the underrepresentation of female athletes, and regional imbalances in the evidence base constrain a comprehensive understanding of the personal consequences of ADRV sanctions. Despite these early limitations, this review marks a critical step toward evaluating the legitimacy of anti-doping rule enforcement from the perspective of those most directly affected. The findings highlight the urgent need for future research to inform more humane, equitable, and athlete-centred regulatory practices.</p>","PeriodicalId":12716,"journal":{"name":"Frontiers in Sports and Active Living","volume":"8 ","pages":"1651135"},"PeriodicalIF":2.6,"publicationDate":"2026-02-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12980880/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147463208","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-02-26eCollection Date: 2026-01-01DOI: 10.3389/fspor.2026.1746624
Markus Gruber, Justin Howaldt, Michael Schwenk, Lorenz Assländer, Maria Moreno-Villanueva, Maik Bieleke, Julia Schüler, Luca Ruggiero, Philipp Barzyk
Physical inactivity is a major risk factor for noncommunicable diseases and associated mortality. A high-intensity jump training has proven to be efficient in counteracting inactivity related declines in physical function during two months of bed rest. In the present study, we tested the effects of such a training program under real-life conditions. Seventy-five young adults (38 female, 23 ± 3 years) were randomly assigned to either a training or a control group. The training group underwent an 8-week jump training with 15 min of exercises, 3 days per week. Before and after the 8-week period as well as another 8 weeks later we tested jump performance in countermovement jumps (CMJ) and hops, balance performance, maximal isometric strength of leg extensor muscles, stair climb performance, gait analysis, and peak oxygen uptake in a cardiopulmonary exercise test. We observed training specific increases (8% ± 9%) in CMJ height and peak power (5% ± 7%) that were explained by an optimized movement technique. We did not observe generic improvements of balance, strength or functional performance after the training. Peak oxygen uptake showed increases for participants exhibiting low baseline levels. A low-volume high-intensity jump training program was sufficient to increase neuromuscular power and performance in the trained task. Improvements of peak oxygen uptake were restricted to participants with low aerobic capacity baseline levels. These findings suggest that such a program has the potential to induce more generic adaptations and improve the anaerobic and aerobic power of previously non-exercising individuals through a baseline-dependent tailoring of training volume.
{"title":"Effects of jump training on power, strength, balance and aerobic performance in non-exercising young adults.","authors":"Markus Gruber, Justin Howaldt, Michael Schwenk, Lorenz Assländer, Maria Moreno-Villanueva, Maik Bieleke, Julia Schüler, Luca Ruggiero, Philipp Barzyk","doi":"10.3389/fspor.2026.1746624","DOIUrl":"10.3389/fspor.2026.1746624","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Physical inactivity is a major risk factor for noncommunicable diseases and associated mortality. A high-intensity jump training has proven to be efficient in counteracting inactivity related declines in physical function during two months of bed rest. In the present study, we tested the effects of such a training program under real-life conditions. Seventy-five young adults (38 female, 23 ± 3 years) were randomly assigned to either a training or a control group. The training group underwent an 8-week jump training with 15 min of exercises, 3 days per week. Before and after the 8-week period as well as another 8 weeks later we tested jump performance in countermovement jumps (CMJ) and hops, balance performance, maximal isometric strength of leg extensor muscles, stair climb performance, gait analysis, and peak oxygen uptake in a cardiopulmonary exercise test. We observed training specific increases (8% ± 9%) in CMJ height and peak power (5% ± 7%) that were explained by an optimized movement technique. We did not observe generic improvements of balance, strength or functional performance after the training. Peak oxygen uptake showed increases for participants exhibiting low baseline levels. A low-volume high-intensity jump training program was sufficient to increase neuromuscular power and performance in the trained task. Improvements of peak oxygen uptake were restricted to participants with low aerobic capacity baseline levels. These findings suggest that such a program has the potential to induce more generic adaptations and improve the anaerobic and aerobic power of previously non-exercising individuals through a baseline-dependent tailoring of training volume.</p>","PeriodicalId":12716,"journal":{"name":"Frontiers in Sports and Active Living","volume":"8 ","pages":"1746624"},"PeriodicalIF":2.6,"publicationDate":"2026-02-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12979136/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147463128","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pub Date : 2026-02-26eCollection Date: 2026-01-01DOI: 10.3389/fspor.2026.1798453
Kirsty A Roberts, David A Low, Emma O'Donnell
{"title":"Editorial: Exercise and menopause: benefits, challenges and the transition to optimal management.","authors":"Kirsty A Roberts, David A Low, Emma O'Donnell","doi":"10.3389/fspor.2026.1798453","DOIUrl":"10.3389/fspor.2026.1798453","url":null,"abstract":"","PeriodicalId":12716,"journal":{"name":"Frontiers in Sports and Active Living","volume":"8 ","pages":"1798453"},"PeriodicalIF":2.6,"publicationDate":"2026-02-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12979468/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147463143","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}