Journal of Functional Morphology and Kinesiology最新文献

Brazilian jiu-jitsu engagement has been found to positively impact psychological variables in children, adolescents, and adult athletes. Psychological variabilities have previously been shown among belt ranks in Brazilian jiu-jitsu athletes. Background/Objectives: This study aimed to explore the differences in mental strength, resilience, grit, self-efficacy, self-control, aggression, life satisfaction, and mental health disorders among the Brazilian jiu-jitsu belt ranks. Methods: A sample of 420 Brazilian jiu-jitsu athletes (78.8% male), including 121 white belts, 118 blue belts, 78 purple belts, 46 brown belts, and 57 black belts, between 18 and 60 years of age, completed the Mental Strength Scale, Brief Resilience Scale, Grit Scale, General Self-Efficacy Scale, Brief Self-Control Scale, Brief Aggression Questionnaire, Satisfaction with Life Scale, and Mental Health Disorders Screening Instrument for Athletes. Results: Results showed that Brazilian jiu-jitsu black belts presented significantly higher mental strength, resilience, self-efficacy, self-control, life satisfaction, and lower mental health disorders than white belts. No significant differences were found between white and black belts in aggression (total, physical aggression, anger, verbal aggression, and hostility). Brazilian jiu-jitsu training experience positively correlated (small effect) with mental strength, resilience, grit, self-efficacy, self-control, physical and verbal aggression, and life satisfaction. Conclusions: In conclusion, the results are suggestive that Brazilian jiu-jitsu black belts are generally more likely to present higher mental strength, resilience, grit, self-efficacy, self-control, life satisfaction, and better mental health than white belts, with no differences in aggression. More experienced Brazilian jiu-jitsu athletes were more likely to present higher mental strength, resilience, grit, self-efficacy, self-control, physical and verbal aggression, and life satisfaction than less experienced athletes. Future studies are encouraged to investigate whether the effects found in the current study would remain after controlling for the athlete's age.

Background/Aims: Table tennis performance is influenced by various factors such as technique, tactics, and fitness. Additionally, many shots are executed at high speeds, developing significant levels of explosive strength in the lower extremities. This study aimed to assess the jump capacity and the elasticity index of the lower limbs among young table tennis players based on sex. Additionally, this study assessed leg asymmetries between the dominant and non-dominant limbs during jump tests. Methods: A total of 40 players (20 boys and 20 girls), aged 16-18 years, participated in the study. Vertical countermovement jump, squat jump, and horizontal jump tests were conducted to evaluate both vertical and horizontal jumping capacities, as well as leg asymmetries between the dominant and non-dominant limbs. Results: Differences were observed in both vertical and horizontal jumps, with male players achieving better results in all jumping capacities. However, female players obtained better values in elastic index. Additionally, significant differences were found between dominant and non-dominant legs in both male and female players. Conclusions: Considering that explosive strength is one of the most essential physical capacities in this sport, this information could prove valuable for talent identification, the design of training programs, and the optimization of physical performance monitoring systems in table tennis.

Purpose: This study aimed to evaluate neuromuscular control and muscle activation patterns in individuals following anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction, compared to healthy controls. Methods: A cross-sectional comparative study was conducted following STROBE guidelines, including 16 participants (ACL group: n = 9; control group: n = 7). Participants performed the single-leg squat (SLS) test and the single-leg drop landing (SLDL) test. Neuromuscular control was assessed using the Qualitative Analysis of Single-Leg Loading Score (QASLS), while gluteus medius and vastus medialis activation were recorded using surface electromyography. Results: The ACL group showed significantly higher QASLSs in the SLS test (p = 0.0113), indicating poorer movement quality, while no difference was found in the SLDL test (p = 0.5484). Gluteus medius activation was lower in the ACL group during the SLS test (p = 0.0564), and vastus medialis activation was higher but not significantly different (p = 0.095). Conclusions: These findings highlight persistent neuromuscular deficits post-ACL-reconstruction, particularly in SLS tasks, reinforcing the need for targeted rehabilitation strategies focusing on hip stabilization and quadriceps motor control to optimize movement quality and reduce reinjury risk.

Background: The overhead squat movement involves various bodily structures, but the interaction with three-dimensional elastic resistance along the kinetic chain approach requires further understanding. Objectives: We aim to describe and compare scapular and trunk kinematics during an overhead squat under different external resistance conditions. Methods: The three-dimensional shoulder and trunk kinematics of 19 male participants were captured at 15-degree intervals, from 30 to 120 degrees, during the overhead squat movement and analyzed by phase. Results: Scapular posterior tilt was significantly affected by resistance during the UNLOAD phase (p = 0.005, η²ₚ = 0.26). Significant resistance-by-arm elevation interactions were found for scapular upward rotation during the LOAD phase (p = 0.003, η²ₚ = 0.19) and UNLOAD phase (p < 0.001, η²ₚ = 0.24); for scapular internal rotation during both the LOAD (p < 0.001, η²ₚ = 0.37) and UNLOAD phases (p = 0.006, η² = 0.19); and for scapular posterior tilt during both the LOAD (p = 0.003, η²ₚ = 0.26) and the UNLOAD phases (p = 0.006, η²ₚ = 0.21). Trunk flexion/extension showed a significant effect on resistance during the LOAD phase (p = 0.008, η²ₚ = 0.24). Conclusions: Increasing resistance through elastic resistance significantly improves scapular kinematics via the trunk during arm elevation. This underscores the potential of the overhead squat movement as a valuable tool for assessing and treating scapular and trunk dysfunction.

Background: Aging is associated with a decline in both motor and sensory functions that destabilizes posture, increasing the risk of falls. Dynamic standing balance is strongly linked to fall risk in older adults. Sensory information from the soles and trunk is essential for balance control. Few studies have demonstrated the efficacy of targeted sensory training on balance improvement. Objectives: To assess vibratory sensation function in the trunk and sole using a vibration device and evaluate the effects of trunk and sole tactile sensation training on dynamic standing balance performance in older adults. Methods: In this randomized controlled trial, eighteen older adults were randomly assigned to three groups: control (n = 8, mean age 66.6 ± 3.4), trunk training (n = 5, mean age 71.0 ± 1.9), and sole training (n = 5, mean age 66.4 ± 3.6). The training lasted for 10 weeks, utilizing vibratory stimulation at 128 Hz through tuning forks for 15 min during each session, conducted three times a week. The primary outcomes were vibratory sensitivity, assessed with a belt-fitted device on the trunk and a plate equipped with vibrators on the soles, and dynamic balance, evaluated through force plate testing that measured limits of stability (LoS) in multiple directions. Results: Correct response rates for trunk vibratory stimulation significantly improved in the trunk training group (p < 0.05). The rate of two-stimuli discrimination improved in both training groups. Significant advancements in balance metrics were observed in the trunk and sole training groups when compared to the control group, especially regarding anterior-posterior tilts (p < 0.05). A positive correlation was identified between two-point vibratory discrimination and LoS test performance. Conclusions: Sensory training of the trunk and sole enhances balance performance in older adults, suggesting potential benefits for fall prevention. Future studies should assess long-term effects and explore optimal training duration with larger sample sizes.

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship of any error (delta; ∆) between the image of one's own walking rhythm and the actual walking rhythm and physical activity, as a new motor imagery assessment.

Methods: The subjects were classified into two groups: a high activity group (HA-Group) having high physical activity with less than four hours of sitting time per day, and a low activity group (LA-Group) having low physical activity with more than four hours of daily sitting time. Visual rhythm, auditory rhythm, mental comfortable walking rhythm, and mental maximum walking rhythm were used to assess new motor imagery. Their beats per minute were measured and any error (delta; ∆) from the actual rhythm was calculated: ∆ visual rhythm, ∆ auditory rhythm, ∆ mental normal gait rhythm, and ∆ mental maximal gait rhythm.

Results: When comparing the two groups, the HA-Group had significantly higher ∆ visual rhythm, lower ∆ auditory rhythm, higher ∆ mental comfortable walking rhythm, and lower ∆ mental maximum walking rhythm ability than the LA-Group. Furthermore, in an ANCOVA with age, ∆visual rhythm, and ∆auditory rhythm as adjustment factors, the HA-Group had significantly lower ∆mental maximum walking rhythm than the LA-Group.

Conclusions: These results showed that the rhythmic assessment of the imagery of maximum walking was associated with stationery time. It is possible that the more inaccurate the imagery of maximum walking, the longer the sitting or lying time.

Background: The term tendinopathy commonly describes a series of alterations in the tendon, leading in functional impairment and pain, treated with several approaches, including exercises, physical agents, and injection therapies. Among the latter, autologous tenocyte injection (ATI) involves harvesting tenocytes from a healthy tendon of the patients and then isolating the tenocytes and culturing for 4-5 weeks. To date, there is still a lack of consensus about the efficacy of ATI in improving pain and function; therefore, the present review aimed to assess the role of ATI in the treatment of chronic tendinopathies. Methods: Two authors conducted a comprehensive search across PubMed Medline, Web of Science, Scopus, Cochrane Library, and Google Scholar (PROSPERO: CRD42024565211). From 174 articles, we finally included 5 articles. Results: The main effect obtained was the pain relief and, consequently, the improvement of patients' quality of life. The clinical improvement is also evident at MRI in which it is possible to see a progressive reduction with a general disappearance of the T2 signal hyperintensity between 4 months and 1 year. All the articles agree on the safety of ATI in chronic tendinopathies. Conclusions: ATI might represent a safe and valuable option in the management of chronic tendinopathies as a second line treatment in the case of resistant tendinopathies, with a minimal risk of side effects.

Introduction: Childhood obesity has reached critical levels in Chile, particularly among preschoolers from low-income families who face barriers to nutritious food and physical activity. Early interventions are essential to mitigate long-term health risks. This study evaluates the Chile Active Intervention, a community-based program promoting physical activity and healthy eating among preschoolers attending public daycare centers in Antofagasta, Santiago, and Temuco. Objective: To assess the effectiveness of a structured intervention in improving physical activity levels, dietary habits, and obesity-related risk factors in children aged 3 to 5 years old. Methods: A quasi-experimental design was implemented with intervention and control groups, including 1204 children from public daycare centers. The intervention-comprised educator training on healthy eating structured physical activity sessions tailored for young children and family engagement through "Healthy Days" events. Pre- and post-intervention assessments measured anthropometric variables, body composition, physical activity, and dietary intake. Results: The intervention led to positive changes in weight-for-height Z-scores, body fat percentage, and skinfold thickness, particularly among high-risk children. Physical activity assessments showed reduced sedentary time and increased active play. Dietary improvements included higher fruit and vegetable consumption and reduced ultra-processed food intake. Conclusions: This study demonstrates that early, community-based interventions can effectively improve health behaviors in preschoolers. The program's scalability across Chile is promising, with parental involvement and institutional support being key to sustaining impact. Long-term evaluations are recommended to assess its lasting effects on childhood health outcomes.

Background/Objectives: Shoulder pain is one of the most common injuries among athletes who perform overhead movements. The Athletic Shoulder Test (ASH) has been validated to measure isometric shoulder strength in rugby and baseball players but has not yet been applied to swimmers, where the prevalence of shoulder pathologies reaches up to 91%. The present study aims to validate the ASH and Inverse Athletic Shoulder Test (iASH) in swimmers and establish general values for both tests. Methods: A total of 21 swimmers from the Galician and Asturian Swimming Federation were evaluated using the ASH and iASH tests, measuring strength in three positions (180°, 135°, and 90°). Relative reliability was analysed using the Intraclass Correlation Coefficient (ICC), absolute reliability was assessed through the Standard Error of Measurement (SEM) and Minimal Detectable Change at 90% confidence (MDC90), and variability was determined using the Coefficient of Variation (CV%), applying statistical tests such as Wilcoxon. Results: The ASH and iASH tests demonstrated excellent reliability (ICC = 0.9) across all positions, with acceptable variability (CV% < 35%). No statistically significant differences were found between the preferred and non-preferred side (p > 0.05), except in the iASH test at 180°, where a difference was observed (p = 0.007). The SEM values ranged from 4.39 to 7.39 N, while the MDC90 varied between 10.22 and 17.19 N, ensuring the tests' sensitivity in detecting real changes in shoulder strength. Conclusions: The ASH and iASH tests are reliable tools for assessing shoulder strength in swimmers and can be used to monitor muscular imbalances and prevent injuries. The symmetry in strength between both sides supports their applicability in preventive programmes.

Background/Objectives: Foam rolling is a new and emergent recovery tool in sports. The aim of this study seeks to compare the acute effects of foam rolling and passive rest on recovery markers in CrossFit athletes following a high-intensity workout. Methods: A quasi-experimental crossover study design was completed with 14 amateur CrossFit athletes. Participants completed the FRAN CrossFit WOD and then completed a recovery protocol including either a foam roller or passive rest. Heart rate, blood lactate, and perceived exertion were collected at three time points (pre-workout, post-WOD, and post-recovery). Results: The foam rolling group had no significant differences from the passive rest group on recovery markers. Blood lactate increased significantly post-WOD in both groups, yet there was no significant difference in blood lactate post-recovery. Perceived exertion and heart rate had a similar pattern to blood lactate. Conclusions: High-intensity training causes significant physiological changes; however, foam rolling offers no additional benefit over passive rest for lactate clearance, heart rate recovery, and perceived exertion. CrossFit athletes can choose their preferred method of recovery based on personal preference, as foam rolling neither enhances nor hinders recovery.