Frontiers in Sports and Active Living最新文献

Skeletal muscle injuries, whether acute or chronic, are a major clinical challenge due to their high incidence, persistent pain, and risk of functional impairment. While pharmacological interventions like NSAIDs and opioids remain mainstays for pain management, their prolonged use is limited by adverse effects and potential interference with muscle regeneration. Emerging evidence underscores the importance of balanced inflammatory responses in tissue repair, highlighting the need for alternative strategies. Manual therapy and exercise therapy modulate nociceptive signaling through biomechanical, biochemical, and neurocognitive mechanisms, including inhibition of central sensitization and activation of descending analgesic pathways, while advanced tissue engineering approaches (3D bioprinting, exosome therapy, and genetic engineering) directly target inflammation, enhance vascular and neuromuscular regeneration, and restore structural integrity of injured muscle. This review synthesizes current knowledge on the mechanisms underlying acute and chronic muscle injury-associated pain, emphasizing the roles of peripheral sensitization, neuroinflammation, and maladaptive central plasticity, and further delineates how specific non-pharmacological interventions are mechanistically tailored to counteract these processes.

Introduction: This study examined muscular and cardiovascular responses to light-intensity aerobic exercise with different blood flow restriction (BFR) protocols.

Methods: Ten males performed four protocols on the cycle ergometer: low-intensity exercise with no BFR (LIE), LIE with continuous BFR (CONT-BFR), LIE with intermittent BFR (INT-BFR), and high-intensity exercise (HIE). Each protocol consisted of five 2-min work intervals (INT) at 35% of peak work rate for LIE, CONT-BFR, and INT-BFR and 70% of peak work rate for HIE. During CONT-BFR, cuffs were inflated to 60% of arterial occlusion pressure (AOP) at the start of INT 1 and remained inflated until the end of INT 5. During INT-BFR, cuffs were inflated to 60% of AOP during INTs and deflated during recovery intervals. Tissue oxygen saturation (StO₂) and rate pressure product (RPP) were measured to assess hypoxic stimulus and myocardial work, respectively.

Results: StO₂ response was similar between CONT-BFR (-23.2 ± 12.4 change from baseline arbitrary units ΔBSL AU), INT-BFR (-23.1 ± 13.1 ΔBSL AU), and HIE (-26.1 ± 13.1 ΔBSL AU); StO₂ response was the smallest in LIE (-2.8 ± 13.0 ΔBSL AU). RPP was not different between CONT-BFR (20,872.8 ± 2,393.3 mmHg·bpm) and INT-BFR (21,056.7 ± 2,701.5 mmHg·bpm), but both were lower than HIE (30,760.2 ± 1,729.1 mmHg·bpm). RPP during LIE (17,893.2 ± 2,202.6 mmHg·bpm) was lower than all protocols.

Discussion: There were no differences in hypoxic stress or myocardial work between BFR conditions. BFR conditions, regardless of restriction protocol, produced similar hypoxic stimulus with lower cardiac work compared to HIE; BFR protocol could be an alternative to HIE.

Despite increasing support for Paralympic athletes in Canada, concerns have been raised about their limited involvement in leadership positions within the National Sport Federations (NSFs) that govern Paralympic sports in Canada. We sought to determine the representation of retired para athletes in leadership roles across Canadian NSFs, and identify strategies, facilitators and barriers to retaining para athlete expertise in these roles. An electronic survey was distributed via email to all 27 NSFs representing Canada's summer and winter Paralympic sports and total of 18 NSFs participated. Representation across all roles was found to be low, ranging from 5.29% in leadership positions, such as boards and committees, to 0.29% in classifier roles. Open-ended responses highlighted strategies for increasing para athlete inclusion in leadership roles after retirement from competition. Seven NSFs reported using formal and informal inclusion strategies. 10 NSFs relied solely on informal or reported no strategies. The most reported facilitator of inclusion was active recruitment, with ongoing communication between NSF leaders and retiring athletes. Conversely, the most reported barrier was the lack of representation of retired para athletes in leadership roles, which contributed to limited awareness of available opportunities. Currently, para sport in Canada is predominantly led and driven by non-disabled individuals, rather than the disabled individuals they purport to represent.

Introduction: In running, female runners show higher overuse-injury rates, partly due to sex-specific anatomy and biomechanics. Pelvic motion is central to lower-limb kinematics, however, female-specific responses are underexamined. This study tested how running speed, incline, and fatigue influence pelvic rotation, tilt, and obliquity in recreational female runners.

Methods: Twenty-two females completed treadmill trials at 10, 12, and 14 km/h on level ground and at 10 km/h with 5% and 10% inclines, before and after a 30-minute run at 80% heart-rate reserve to induce moderate fatigue. A 3D motion-capture system recorded pelvic rotation, tilt, and obliquity at heel-strike, toe-off, peak values, and ranges of motion. Linear mixed-effects models assessed main and interaction effects; asymmetry was quantified via symmetry index between left and right gait cycles.

Results: Higher speeds increased peak pelvic rotation, tilt, and obliquity, and enlarged rotation and obliquity range of motion. A 10% incline raised peak pelvic obliquity and rotation and increased range of motion for rotation, tilt, and obliquity; a 5% incline had no measurable effect. Fatigue increased peak pelvic rotation and range of motion for rotation and tilt. A fatigue × 10% incline interaction showed that incline-related increases in tilt range of motion observed when fresh were reduced under fatigue. Pelvic tilt asymmetry rose with speed.

Discussion: Speed, incline, and fatigue each modulate pelvic kinematics in recreational female runners, with effect sizes often exceeding reports from mixed-sex samples. Notably, greater frontal-plane motion at higher speeds and increased transverse-plane motion with incline and fatigue may heighten loads on the iliotibial band, hamstrings, or lumbar spine.

Introduction: Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries represent the most prevalent type of knee injury, with surgical reconstruction being the prevailing treatment modality. However, postoperative pain and muscle weakness are common occurrences. Blood flow restriction (BFR) training has demonstrated potential in enhancing muscle adaptation and reducing pain; nevertheless, its efficacy in the early postoperative period following ACL reconstruction remains to be determined. The present study investigates whether the incorporation of BFR into low-load strength training confers additional clinical benefits in comparison to low-load exercise alone.

Methods: A total of 30 patients (24 male, 6 female) with a mean age of 32.3 (± 12.4) years were included in the study. All patients had undergone primary ACL reconstruction with a semitendinosus graft and standardized fixation techniques. They were randomised to receive either low-load strength training with (LL-BFR) or without BFR (LL). The interventions consisted of four sets of leg press exercises (30 repetitions for the first set, 15 for subsequent sets) performed twice a week for four weeks, starting four weeks postoperatively, as an adjunct to standard rehabilitation protocols. The primary outcome measure was pain perception, which was assessed by pressure pain thresholds (PPT) and a visual analogue scale (VAS) for knee pain at rest and during a functional stair-climbing test. We further included strength and functional measurements.

Results: Mixed linear models were employed for the statistical analysis. No statistically significant differences between groups were observed for the primary or secondary outcome measures. Only, significant time effects were found for both groups for subjective pain (rest p < 0.001, stairs p = 0.003); maximum strength (p = 0.002); active (ext. p = 0.035, flex. p < 0.001) and passive range of motion (ROM) (ext. p = 0.029, flex. p < 0.001) on the affected side and International Knee Documentation Committee (IDKC) scores (p < 0.001).

Discussion: The present study shows that a combination of BFR and low-load strength training does not provide additional clinical benefits to low-load training alone in the early postoperative phase, following ACL reconstruction in our study group. Further research is required to explore the potential efficacy of BFR in specific patient subpopulations, with different training loads or at later stages of rehabilitation.

Sports coaching is a highly stressful profession due to the variety of responsibilities and expectations placed on coaches. The purpose of this study was to assess the sources of this stress among sports coaches in South Africa. The sample consisted of 449 sports coaches (age: 34.6 ± 6.21 years; 274 males and 175 females) who volunteered to participate in the study by responding to the Stressors in Sports Coaching Questionnaire. The results showed that the most important environmental stressors encountered by sports coaches were "condition of playing surface" (M = 4.00, SD = 0.89), "poorly planned travelling arrangements" (M = 4.45, SD = 0.80), "distraction while training and/or competing" (M = 4.46, SD = 0.81), "job insecurity" (M = 4.49, SD = 0.81), and "unsafe competition arena" (M = 4.15, SD = 0.68). The major performance-related stressors faced by sports coaches were "being blamed for poor results" (M = 4.09, SD = 0.72) and "high expectation to win" (M = 4.23, SD = 0.87). Of the task-related stressors, "performing multiple roles (selection, scouting, etc.)" (M = 3.93, SD = 0.71) and "making an important decision which later I realised was wrong" (M = 3.95, SD = 0.78) were reported as most important. These results emphasise the need for coaches to develop psychological skills to help manage the many demands of coaching and thus reduce their stress levels.

Background: Water-based exercise augments exercise-induced increases in brain blood flow, optimizing a proposed key mechanistic pathway for improved brain health. Aquatic treadmill exercise has been shown to aid gait re-education of stroke survivors, however its potential to enhance cerebrovascular function in this clinical population has not been tested. This pilot study aimed to examine the feasibility and preliminary efficacy of a 4-week aquatic treadmill (ATM) training intervention on cerebrovascular responsiveness and gait function in stroke survivors.

Methods: Six community-dwelling stroke survivors (58 ± 11 years, 8 ± 11 years post stroke) completed a 4-week ATM intervention, consisting of 20-30 min sessions, 3 times/week. Pre- and post-intervention measures were taken of cerebrovascular reactivity (CVR), indexed via changes in middle cerebral artery blood velocity (MCAv) to a hypercapnic (5% CO₂ in air) stimulus. Changes in mobility were assessed via 10-metre walk, Timed-Up-And-Go, and 6-minute walk (6MW) tests.

Results: Adherence to the intervention was excellent, with 70 of the 72 (97%) available training sessions completed by participants. CVR increased on average by 44% (95% CI: ±58%; 2.8%-4.0%ΔMCAv/mm Hg ΔPETCO₂) in the stroke-affected hemisphere and 48% (95% CI: ±41%; 3.0%-4.5%ΔMCAv/mm Hg ΔPETCO₂) in the unaffected hemisphere post intervention, although changes did not reach statistical significance (p = 0.218; Friedman's test). Within-group gait improvements were seen in speed and distance, with some changes above clinically meaningful thresholds; although this was not uniformly evident.

Conclusion: This pilot study established ATM training as a feasible option for some patients in stroke rehabilitation. Despite the limited sample size, the study demonstrated promising enhancements in cerebrovascular function, with preliminary evidence suggesting concurrent improvements in gait performance. Well-designed, larger studies are warranted.

Introduction: Historical training methodologies in endurance running provide valuable insights for contemporary sports science. Mihály Iglói's interval-based system, highly influential between the 1950s and 1970s, produced numerous world records yet remains only partially understood. This study reconstructs Iglói's approach through historical sources, contextualizes it within modern theory, and evaluates its relevance to current elite distance running practices.

Methods: A narrative approach was applied, combining Hungarian and English archival sources with a comparative review of contemporary peer-reviewed literature on international-level distance running training. Data synthesis identified continuities, divergences, and adaptable elements of Iglói's methodology.

Results: Iglói advanced Gerschler's intervals into a complex, high volume system with up to 13 interval sessions per week. Training was primarily based on effort-based short repetitions (100-400 m), complemented by race-specific longer repetitions (600-1200 m). Sessions were organized into sets and sub-sets, interspersed with active recoveries and shakedown strides, while particular emphasis was placed on running form. The system was flexible and individualized, adapting to athletes' goals and event demands. Under this framework, athletes achieved 31 world records and numerous national titles.

Discussion: Contemporary distance running training again heavily focuses on controlled longer and shorter aerobic intervals for improving lactate threshold speed (vLT2). From Iglói's system, re-adaptable elements include race speed-specific but controlled short intervals for aerobic conditioning, combined with harder repetitions, alongside the use of active recoveries and "flush" or recovery sets to enhance lactate shuttle mechanisms. Equally important is the emphasis on economic running form at different parts of the race, supporting both efficiency and tactical readiness.

Background: Decreasing physical activity levels present a major public health challenge. The use of e-bikes has risen substantially over the past decade, presenting a potential solution to common barriers associated with physical activity and conventional cycling. However, the intensity of e-bike commuting in real-life settings remains unknown. This study aimed to investigate the self-selected intensity and the impact of topography on intensity during regular e-bike commuting.

Methods: In this cross-sectional study, oxygen consumption, power output, heart rate, perceived exertion, and positional data were recorded from 19 commuters [mean (standard deviation) age 41 (8) years] during their regular commutes on their own e-bikes. Data were summarized and analyzed in 10, 30, and 60 s epochs, and adjusted for the duration of the commutes. Intensity of the commutes was compared between downhill, flat, or uphill segments using linear mixed models. The intensity of physical activity was defined as light <3 metabolic equivalents (METs), moderate 3-5.9 METs, or vigorous ≥6 METs.

Results: Oxygen consumption during e-bike commuting was mean (standard deviation) 20.8 (5.0) mL/kg/min [5.9 (1.4) METs]. Depending on epoch lengths, 44%-48% of the commutes were classified as vigorous physical activity. Across epoch lengths, the mean intensity of the commutes was classified as moderate (4.6-4.8 METs) during downhill, moderate (5.5-5.9 METs) during flat, and vigorous (7.0-7.5 METs) during uphill riding (p < 0.001).

Conclusions: Our findings suggest that e-bike commuters self-selected moderate to vigorous intensities during real-life commutes, aligning with international physical activity guidelines for improving public health. Therefore, policies promoting a shift from car use to e-biking could have significant public health benefits.

This study examined the relationships among lower-limb strength, power, and horizontal ground reaction force (GRF) during change of direction (COD) tasks in elite female basketball players. Sixteen athletes completed an isometric mid-thigh pull (IMTP), a countermovement jump (CMJ), a lateral shuffle, and 180° turns. For the COD task, the turning distance was individualized based on each participant's standing height. Dual portable uniaxial force-plates were used to measure IMTP peak force and the rate of force development (RFD) over 0-200 ms (RFD₂₀₀) and 0-250 ms (RFD₂₅₀). CMJ jump height and phase-specific peak power (braking and propulsive) were also quantified, with all variables normalized to body mass. Horizontal GRFs during plant-foot contact in the COD tasks were recorded using triaxial force-plates, and both peak and mean GRF relative to body mass were analyzed. Mean horizontal GRF during both the lateral shuffle and the 180° turn showed consistent, significant positive correlations with IMTP peak force (r = 0.56-0.80, all p < 0.05). In contrast, correlations between mean horizontal GRF and IMTP RFD were limited, reaching significance only during the right lateral shuffle (RFD₂₅₀: r = 0.51, p = 0.04) and the left 180° turn (RFD₂₀₀ and RFD₂₅₀: both r = 0.68, p < 0.01). Peak horizontal GRF showed negligible associations with most IMTP or CMJ variables, except for IMTP peak force during the left 180° turn (r = 0.51, p = 0.045). Associations with CMJ metrics were modest; jump height correlated significantly with mean horizontal GRF only during the right lateral shuffle (r = 0.50, p = 0.047), whereas CMJ peak braking and propulsive power showed no significant relationships. These findings emphasize the importance of maximal isometric strength for COD performance in this population and highlight the need to select assessment indices aligned with the task-specific demands of strength and conditioning programs.