José E Teixeira, Samuel Encarnação, Luís Branquinho, Ryland Morgans, Pedro Afonso, João Rocha, Francisco Graça, Tiago M Barbosa, António M Monteiro, Ricardo Ferraz, Pedro Forte
The aim of this study was to test a machine learning (ML) model to predict high-intensity actions and body impacts during youth football training. Sixty under-15, -17, and -19 sub-elite Portuguese football players were monitored over a 6-week period. External training load data were collected from the target variables of accelerations (ACCs), decelerations (DECs), and dynamic stress load (DSL) using an 18 Hz global positioning system (GPS). Additionally, we monitored the perceived exertion and biological characteristics using total quality recovery (TQR), rating of perceived exertion (RPE), session RPE (sRPE), chronological age, maturation offset (MO), and age at peak height velocity (APHV). The ML model was computed by a feature selection process with a linear regression forecast and bootstrap method. The predictive analysis revealed that the players' MO demonstrated varying degrees of effectiveness in predicting their DEC and ACC across different ranges of IQR. After predictive analysis, the following performance values were observed: DEC (x¯predicted = 41, β = 3.24, intercept = 37.0), lower IQR (IQRpredicted = 36.6, β = 3.24, intercept = 37.0), and upper IQR (IQRpredicted = 46 decelerations, β = 3.24, intercept = 37.0). The player's MO also demonstrated the ability to predict their upper IQR (IQRpredicted = 51, β = 3.8, intercept = 40.62), lower IQR (IQRpredicted = 40, β = 3.8, intercept = 40.62), and ACC (x¯predicted = 46 accelerations, β = 3.8, intercept = 40.62). The ML model showed poor performance in predicting the players' ACC and DEC using MO (MSE = 2.47-4.76; RMSE = 1.57-2.18: R2 = -0.78-0.02). Maturational concerns are prevalent in football performance and should be regularly checked, as the current ML model treated MO as the sole variable for ACC, DEC, and DSL. Applying ML models to assess automated tracking data can be an effective strategy, particularly in the context of forecasting peak ACC, DEC, and bodily effects in sub-elite youth football training.
{"title":"Data Mining Paths for Standard Weekly Training Load in Sub-Elite Young Football Players: A Machine Learning Approach.","authors":"José E Teixeira, Samuel Encarnação, Luís Branquinho, Ryland Morgans, Pedro Afonso, João Rocha, Francisco Graça, Tiago M Barbosa, António M Monteiro, Ricardo Ferraz, Pedro Forte","doi":"10.3390/jfmk9030114","DOIUrl":"10.3390/jfmk9030114","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The aim of this study was to test a machine learning (ML) model to predict high-intensity actions and body impacts during youth football training. Sixty under-15, -17, and -19 sub-elite Portuguese football players were monitored over a 6-week period. External training load data were collected from the target variables of accelerations (ACCs), decelerations (DECs), and dynamic stress load (DSL) using an 18 Hz global positioning system (GPS). Additionally, we monitored the perceived exertion and biological characteristics using total quality recovery (TQR), rating of perceived exertion (RPE), session RPE (sRPE), chronological age, maturation offset (MO), and age at peak height velocity (APHV). The ML model was computed by a feature selection process with a linear regression forecast and bootstrap method. The predictive analysis revealed that the players' MO demonstrated varying degrees of effectiveness in predicting their DEC and ACC across different ranges of IQR. After predictive analysis, the following performance values were observed: DEC (x¯<sub>predicted</sub> = 41, β = 3.24, intercept = 37.0), lower IQR (IQR<sub>predicted</sub> = 36.6, β = 3.24, intercept = 37.0), and upper IQR (IQR<sub>predicted</sub> = 46 decelerations, β = 3.24, intercept = 37.0). The player's MO also demonstrated the ability to predict their upper IQR (IQR<sub>predicted</sub> = 51, β = 3.8, intercept = 40.62), lower IQR (IQR<sub>predicted</sub> = 40, β = 3.8, intercept = 40.62), and ACC (x¯<sub>predicted</sub> = 46 accelerations, β = 3.8, intercept = 40.62). The ML model showed poor performance in predicting the players' ACC and DEC using MO (MSE = 2.47-4.76; RMSE = 1.57-2.18: R<sup>2</sup> = -0.78-0.02). Maturational concerns are prevalent in football performance and should be regularly checked, as the current ML model treated MO as the sole variable for ACC, DEC, and DSL. Applying ML models to assess automated tracking data can be an effective strategy, particularly in the context of forecasting peak ACC, DEC, and bodily effects in sub-elite youth football training.</p>","PeriodicalId":16052,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Functional Morphology and Kinesiology","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":2.6,"publicationDate":"2024-06-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11270353/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141759150","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}
Markus Olinto, Victor César Lins, Gabriel Rocha, Marco Aurélio Dourado, Maurilio Dutra
Bioelectrical impedance (BIA) and ultrasound (US) have become popular for estimating body fat percentage (BF%) due to their low cost and clinical convenience. However, the agreement of these devices with the gold-standard method still requires investigation. The aim was to analyze the agreement between a gold-standard %BF assessment method with BIA and US devices. Twenty-three men (aged 30.1 ± 7.7 years, weighing 82.5 ± 14.9 kg, 1.77 ± 0.05 m tall) underwent dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA), BIA (tetrapolar) and US (three-site method) %BF assessments. Pearson and concordance correlations were analyzed. A T-test was used to compare the means of the methods, and Bland-Altman plots analyzed agreement and proportional bias. Alpha was set at <0.05. The Pearson coefficients of BIA and US with DXA were high (BIA = 0.94; US = 0.89; both p < 0.001). The concordance coefficient was high for BIA (0.80) and moderate for US (0.49). The BF% measured by BIA (24.5 ± 7.5) and US (19.4 ± 7.0) was on average 4.4% and 9.6% lower than DXA (29.0 + 8.5%), respectively (p < 0.001). Lower and upper agreement limits between DXA and BIA were -1.45 and 10.31, while between DXA and US, they were 2.01 and 17.14, respectively. There was a tendency of both BIA (p = 0.09) and US (p = 0.057) to present proportional bias and underestimate BF%. Despite the correlation, the mean differences between the methods were significant, and the agreement limits were very wide. This indicates that BIA and US, as measured in this study, have limited potential to accurately measure %BF compared to DXA, especially in individuals with higher body fat.
{"title":"Practical but Inaccurate? A-Mode Ultrasound and Bioelectrical Impedance Underestimate Body Fat Percentage Compared to Dual-Energy X-ray Absorptiometry in Male College Students.","authors":"Markus Olinto, Victor César Lins, Gabriel Rocha, Marco Aurélio Dourado, Maurilio Dutra","doi":"10.3390/jfmk9030113","DOIUrl":"10.3390/jfmk9030113","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Bioelectrical impedance (BIA) and ultrasound (US) have become popular for estimating body fat percentage (BF%) due to their low cost and clinical convenience. However, the agreement of these devices with the gold-standard method still requires investigation. The aim was to analyze the agreement between a gold-standard %BF assessment method with BIA and US devices. Twenty-three men (aged 30.1 ± 7.7 years, weighing 82.5 ± 14.9 kg, 1.77 ± 0.05 m tall) underwent dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA), BIA (tetrapolar) and US (three-site method) %BF assessments. Pearson and concordance correlations were analyzed. A <i>T</i>-test was used to compare the means of the methods, and Bland-Altman plots analyzed agreement and proportional bias. Alpha was set at <0.05. The Pearson coefficients of BIA and US with DXA were high (BIA = 0.94; US = 0.89; both <i>p</i> < 0.001). The concordance coefficient was high for BIA (0.80) and moderate for US (0.49). The BF% measured by BIA (24.5 ± 7.5) and US (19.4 ± 7.0) was on average 4.4% and 9.6% lower than DXA (29.0 + 8.5%), respectively (<i>p</i> < 0.001). Lower and upper agreement limits between DXA and BIA were -1.45 and 10.31, while between DXA and US, they were 2.01 and 17.14, respectively. There was a tendency of both BIA (<i>p</i> = 0.09) and US (<i>p</i> = 0.057) to present proportional bias and underestimate BF%. Despite the correlation, the mean differences between the methods were significant, and the agreement limits were very wide. This indicates that BIA and US, as measured in this study, have limited potential to accurately measure %BF compared to DXA, especially in individuals with higher body fat.</p>","PeriodicalId":16052,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Functional Morphology and Kinesiology","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":2.6,"publicationDate":"2024-06-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11270340/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141759182","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}
Sehrish Shiraz, Chiara Salimei, Maurizio Aracri, Carlo Di Lorenzo, Pasquale Farsetti, Attilio Parisi, Ferdinando Iellamo, Giuseppe Caminiti, Marco Alfonso Perrone
As athletes pursue excellence, training techniques continue to advance, making structured physical activity an essential tool for enhancing performance. To optimize athletic performance in modern competitive sports, the balance of physical performance and mental clarity is required. This study seeks to examine the effects of High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) on cognitive and physical skills in basketball and soccer players. A 3-week HIIT protocol was incorporated based on the Wingate technique. This study included 10 soccer players and 10 basketball players with an average age of 22.79 ± 1.90 years. Participants performed pre- and post-intervention assessments. Physical proficiency was assessed using 20 m sprint, change-of-direction (COD) and dribbling tests, while cognitive skills were assessed using motion object tracking (MOT), working memory, perceptual load (PL), and attention window (AW) tests. The HIIT intervention significantly improved cognitive performance in particular; noteworthy observations were a 15% improvement in motion object tracking test scores and a 16% increase in working memory test scores for basketball players. The attention window test scores showed a 32% increase, and perceptual load test scores were 31% decreased for soccer players post-intervention. There were significant improvements in physical skills; for example, sprint times were decreased by 6%, and change-of-direction and dribbling times were reduced by 8% and 7%, respectively, indicating improved agility, speed, and ball control abilities. In conclusion, both groups performed significantly better on cognitive and physical skill tests post-HIIT intervention.
{"title":"The Effects of High-Intensity Interval Training on Cognitive and Physical Skills in Basketball and Soccer Players.","authors":"Sehrish Shiraz, Chiara Salimei, Maurizio Aracri, Carlo Di Lorenzo, Pasquale Farsetti, Attilio Parisi, Ferdinando Iellamo, Giuseppe Caminiti, Marco Alfonso Perrone","doi":"10.3390/jfmk9030112","DOIUrl":"10.3390/jfmk9030112","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>As athletes pursue excellence, training techniques continue to advance, making structured physical activity an essential tool for enhancing performance. To optimize athletic performance in modern competitive sports, the balance of physical performance and mental clarity is required. This study seeks to examine the effects of High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) on cognitive and physical skills in basketball and soccer players. A 3-week HIIT protocol was incorporated based on the Wingate technique. This study included 10 soccer players and 10 basketball players with an average age of 22.79 ± 1.90 years. Participants performed pre- and post-intervention assessments. Physical proficiency was assessed using 20 m sprint, change-of-direction (COD) and dribbling tests, while cognitive skills were assessed using motion object tracking (MOT), working memory, perceptual load (PL), and attention window (AW) tests. The HIIT intervention significantly improved cognitive performance in particular; noteworthy observations were a 15% improvement in motion object tracking test scores and a 16% increase in working memory test scores for basketball players. The attention window test scores showed a 32% increase, and perceptual load test scores were 31% decreased for soccer players post-intervention. There were significant improvements in physical skills; for example, sprint times were decreased by 6%, and change-of-direction and dribbling times were reduced by 8% and 7%, respectively, indicating improved agility, speed, and ball control abilities. In conclusion, both groups performed significantly better on cognitive and physical skill tests post-HIIT intervention.</p>","PeriodicalId":16052,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Functional Morphology and Kinesiology","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":2.6,"publicationDate":"2024-06-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11270406/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141759183","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}
Manuel Coge, Henrique Pereira Neiva, Ana Pereira, Luís Faíl, Bruno Ribeiro, Dulce Esteves
Military personnel need physical fitness to effectively carry out operational military activities within their specific field of operation. This research investigates the effects of a 34-week training program on Angolan cadets' body composition, muscle strength, and cardiorespiratory fitness. Seventy-four volunteer recruits, aged 18 to 26 years, were monitored during their eight-month military service, following an exercise program protocol comprising 12 weeks of strength training followed by 24 weeks of endurance training. Anthropometric variables, including body mass, body mass index, and fat mass, were assessed, along with cardiorespiratory fitness (VO2max), sprint performance, countermovement jump (CMJ), medicine ball throw, push-ups, and curl-ups. The physical training protocol encompassed running sessions, strength exercises, agility drills, and flexibility exercises. The initial assessment revealed gender differences in various parameters such as body mass, body fat percentage, VO2max, sprinting, countermovement jump (CMJ), medicine ball throw, and push-ups. Following the training program, changes were observed in all variables (effect size between 0.48 and 2.33, p < 0.01) for the participants. Significant interactions (sex × time) were found in body mass (F = 5.18, p = 0.03, ηp2 = 0.06), body fat percentage (F = 5.31, p < 0.01, ηp2 = 0.14), and medicine ball throw (F = 10.84, p < 0.01, ηp2 = 0.13). Specifically, males exhibited a greater reduction in body mass (females: 2.70%, males: 3.47%, p < 0.05) and a substantial improvement in ball throwing performance (females: 7.74%, males: 11.47%, p < 0.01), while females experienced a greater reduction in fat mass (females: 5.34%, males: 3.15%, p < 0.01). The physical training regimen effectively influenced body composition, particularly in enhancing strength performance among males. The integration of exercise programs with military service led to a notable reduction in fat tissue and an increase in lean tissue. Hence, the development of tailored training protocols is imperative to enhance the physical capacity and overall health of military recruits, considering sex-specific characteristics and physical attributes.
{"title":"Effects of 34 Weeks of Military Service on Body Composition and Physical Fitness in Military Cadets of Angola.","authors":"Manuel Coge, Henrique Pereira Neiva, Ana Pereira, Luís Faíl, Bruno Ribeiro, Dulce Esteves","doi":"10.3390/jfmk9030111","DOIUrl":"10.3390/jfmk9030111","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Military personnel need physical fitness to effectively carry out operational military activities within their specific field of operation. This research investigates the effects of a 34-week training program on Angolan cadets' body composition, muscle strength, and cardiorespiratory fitness. Seventy-four volunteer recruits, aged 18 to 26 years, were monitored during their eight-month military service, following an exercise program protocol comprising 12 weeks of strength training followed by 24 weeks of endurance training. Anthropometric variables, including body mass, body mass index, and fat mass, were assessed, along with cardiorespiratory fitness (VO<sub>2</sub>max), sprint performance, countermovement jump (CMJ), medicine ball throw, push-ups, and curl-ups. The physical training protocol encompassed running sessions, strength exercises, agility drills, and flexibility exercises. The initial assessment revealed gender differences in various parameters such as body mass, body fat percentage, VO<sub>2</sub>max, sprinting, countermovement jump (CMJ), medicine ball throw, and push-ups. Following the training program, changes were observed in all variables (effect size between 0.48 and 2.33, <i>p</i> < 0.01) for the participants. Significant interactions (sex × time) were found in body mass (F = 5.18, <i>p</i> = 0.03, ηp<sup>2</sup> = 0.06), body fat percentage (F = 5.31, <i>p</i> < 0.01, ηp<sup>2</sup> = 0.14), and medicine ball throw (F = 10.84, <i>p</i> < 0.01, ηp<sup>2</sup> = 0.13). Specifically, males exhibited a greater reduction in body mass (females: 2.70%, males: 3.47%, <i>p</i> < 0.05) and a substantial improvement in ball throwing performance (females: 7.74%, males: 11.47%, <i>p</i> < 0.01), while females experienced a greater reduction in fat mass (females: 5.34%, males: 3.15%, <i>p</i> < 0.01). The physical training regimen effectively influenced body composition, particularly in enhancing strength performance among males. The integration of exercise programs with military service led to a notable reduction in fat tissue and an increase in lean tissue. Hence, the development of tailored training protocols is imperative to enhance the physical capacity and overall health of military recruits, considering sex-specific characteristics and physical attributes.</p>","PeriodicalId":16052,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Functional Morphology and Kinesiology","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":2.6,"publicationDate":"2024-06-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11270323/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141759177","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}
Maria Amelia Coello, Lokesh A Coomar, Meadow Campbell
A novel combination of variations involving the extensor carpi radialis (ECR) muscle group was observed bilaterally in a 75-year-old female cadaver during routine dissection. An accessory tendon was observed arising from the extensor carpi radialis longus (ECRL) and traveling with the primary tendon through the second compartment of the extensor retinaculum. While the primary tendon inserted on the base of the second metacarpal, as is typical of ECRL, the accessory tendon inserted on the base of the third metacarpal. This insertion is typical of the extensor carpi radialis brevis (ECRB) muscle. Additionally, bilateral agenesis of the ECRB was reported. Thirty-two additional forearms were assessed for similar variations, with none being observed. This combination of variations adds to the literature regarding the ECR muscle group, while also being of interest to clinicians, specifically regarding tendon reconstructive procedures as well as accessing the distal radial artery via the anatomical snuffbox.
{"title":"A Unique Bilateral Variation of the Extensor Carpi Radialis Longus: A Case Report.","authors":"Maria Amelia Coello, Lokesh A Coomar, Meadow Campbell","doi":"10.3390/jfmk9030109","DOIUrl":"10.3390/jfmk9030109","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>A novel combination of variations involving the extensor carpi radialis (ECR) muscle group was observed bilaterally in a 75-year-old female cadaver during routine dissection. An accessory tendon was observed arising from the extensor carpi radialis longus (ECRL) and traveling with the primary tendon through the second compartment of the extensor retinaculum. While the primary tendon inserted on the base of the second metacarpal, as is typical of ECRL, the accessory tendon inserted on the base of the third metacarpal. This insertion is typical of the extensor carpi radialis brevis (ECRB) muscle. Additionally, bilateral agenesis of the ECRB was reported. Thirty-two additional forearms were assessed for similar variations, with none being observed. This combination of variations adds to the literature regarding the ECR muscle group, while also being of interest to clinicians, specifically regarding tendon reconstructive procedures as well as accessing the distal radial artery via the anatomical snuffbox.</p>","PeriodicalId":16052,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Functional Morphology and Kinesiology","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":2.6,"publicationDate":"2024-06-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11270274/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141759148","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}
Total hip arthroplasty (THA) is a preferred treatment for primary osteoarthritis (OA) or secondary degenerative arthropathy due to developmental hip dysplasia (DDH). Gait analysis is considered a gold standard for evaluating post-arthroplasty walking patterns. This study compared post-THA spatiotemporal gait parameters (SGPs) between OA and DDH patients and explored correlations with demographic and clinical variables. Thirty patients (15 per group) were recorded during gait and their SGPs were analyzed. Functionality was evaluated with the Oxford Hip Score (OHS). The OA patients were significantly older than DDH patients (p < 0.005). Significant and moderate to strong were the correlations between SGPs, age, and four items of the OHS concerning hip pain and activities of daily life (0.31 < Pearson's r < 0.51 all p < 0.05). Following THA, both groups exhibited similar levels of the examined gait parameters. Post-arthroplasty SGPs and OHS correlations indicate limitations in certain activities. Given the absence of pre-operative data and the correlation between age and SGPs and OHS, ANCOVA testing revealed that age adjusts OHS and SGP values, while pre-operative diagnosis has no main effect. These findings indicate that hip OA or DDH do not affect postoperative SGPs and patients' functionality. Future studies should examine both kinematic and kinetic data to better evaluate the post-THA gait patterns of OA and DDH patients.
全髋关节置换术(THA)是治疗原发性骨关节炎(OA)或发育性髋关节发育不良(DDH)引起的继发性退行性关节病的首选方法。步态分析被认为是评估髋关节置换术后行走模式的黄金标准。本研究比较了OA和DDH患者THA术后的时空步态参数(SGPs),并探讨了与人口统计学和临床变量的相关性。研究人员记录了 30 名患者(每组 15 人)的步态并分析了他们的 SGPs。功能用牛津髋关节评分(OHS)进行评估。OA 患者的年龄明显大于 DDH 患者(P < 0.005)。SGPs、年龄和牛津髋关节评分(OHS)中有关髋关节疼痛和日常生活活动的四个项目之间存在显著的中强相关性(0.31 < Pearson's r < 0.51 all p < 0.05)。全髋关节置换术后,两组患者的步态参数水平相似。关节置换术后 SGPs 和 OHS 的相关性表明某些活动受到限制。鉴于缺乏术前数据以及年龄与 SGPs 和 OHS 之间的相关性,方差分析测试表明,年龄会调整 OHS 和 SGP 值,而术前诊断没有主要影响。这些结果表明,髋关节 OA 或 DDH 不会影响术后 SGPs 和患者的功能。未来的研究应同时检查运动学和动力学数据,以更好地评估OA和DDH患者的THA术后步态模式。
{"title":"Post-Arthroplasty Spatiotemporal Gait Parameters in Patients with Hip Osteoarthritis or Developmental Dysplasia of the Hip: An Observational Study.","authors":"Sophia Stasi, Georgios Papagiannis, Athanasios Triantafyllou, Panayiotis Papagelopoulos, Panagiotis Koulouvaris","doi":"10.3390/jfmk9030110","DOIUrl":"10.3390/jfmk9030110","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Total hip arthroplasty (THA) is a preferred treatment for primary osteoarthritis (OA) or secondary degenerative arthropathy due to developmental hip dysplasia (DDH). Gait analysis is considered a gold standard for evaluating post-arthroplasty walking patterns. This study compared post-THA spatiotemporal gait parameters (SGPs) between OA and DDH patients and explored correlations with demographic and clinical variables. Thirty patients (15 per group) were recorded during gait and their SGPs were analyzed. Functionality was evaluated with the Oxford Hip Score (OHS). The OA patients were significantly older than DDH patients (<i>p</i> < 0.005). Significant and moderate to strong were the correlations between SGPs, age, and four items of the OHS concerning hip pain and activities of daily life (0.31 < Pearson's r < 0.51 all <i>p</i> < 0.05). Following THA, both groups exhibited similar levels of the examined gait parameters. Post-arthroplasty SGPs and OHS correlations indicate limitations in certain activities. Given the absence of pre-operative data and the correlation between age and SGPs and OHS, ANCOVA testing revealed that age adjusts OHS and SGP values, while pre-operative diagnosis has no main effect. These findings indicate that hip OA or DDH do not affect postoperative SGPs and patients' functionality. Future studies should examine both kinematic and kinetic data to better evaluate the post-THA gait patterns of OA and DDH patients.</p>","PeriodicalId":16052,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Functional Morphology and Kinesiology","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":2.6,"publicationDate":"2024-06-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11270259/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141759181","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}
Gennaro Boccia, Paolo Riccardo Brustio, Luca Beratto, Ilaria Peluso, Roberto Ferrara, Diego Munzi, Elisabetta Toti, Anna Raguzzini, Tommaso Sciarra, Alberto Rainoldi
This study aimed to compare neuromuscular fatigability of the elbow flexors and extensors between athletes with amputation (AMP) and athletes with spinal cord injury (SCI) for maximum voluntary force (MVF) and rate of force development (RFD). We recruited 20 para-athletes among those participating at two training camps (2022) for Italian Paralympic veterans. Ten athletes with SCI (two with tetraplegia and eight with paraplegia) were compared to 10 athletes with amputation (above the knee, N = 3; below the knee, N = 6; forearm, N = 1). We quantified MVF, RFD at 50, 100, and 150 ms, and maximal RFD (RFDpeak) of elbow flexors and extensors before and after an incremental arm cranking to voluntary fatigue. We also measured the RFD scaling factor (RFD-SF), which is the linear relationship between peak force and peak RFD quantified in a series of ballistic contractions of submaximal amplitude. SCI showed lower levels of MVF and RFD in both muscle groups (all p values ≤ 0.045). Despite this, the decrease in MVF (Cohen's d = 0.425, p < 0.001) and RFDpeak (d = 0.424, p = 0.003) after the incremental test did not show any difference between pathological conditions. Overall, RFD at 50 ms showed the greatest decrease (d = 0.741, p < 0.001), RFD at 100 ms showed a small decrease (d = 0.382, p = 0.020), and RFD at 150 ms did not decrease (p = 0.272). The RFD-SF decreased more in SCI than AMP (p < 0.0001). Muscle fatigability impacted not only maximal force expressions but also the quickness of ballistic contractions of submaximal amplitude, particularly in SCI. This may affect various sports and daily living activities of wheelchair users. Early RFD (i.e., ≤50 ms) was notably affected by muscle fatigability.
{"title":"Upper-Limb Muscle Fatigability in Para-Athletes Quantified as the Rate of Force Development in Rapid Contractions of Submaximal Amplitude.","authors":"Gennaro Boccia, Paolo Riccardo Brustio, Luca Beratto, Ilaria Peluso, Roberto Ferrara, Diego Munzi, Elisabetta Toti, Anna Raguzzini, Tommaso Sciarra, Alberto Rainoldi","doi":"10.3390/jfmk9020108","DOIUrl":"10.3390/jfmk9020108","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>This study aimed to compare neuromuscular fatigability of the elbow flexors and extensors between athletes with amputation (AMP) and athletes with spinal cord injury (SCI) for maximum voluntary force (MVF) and rate of force development (RFD). We recruited 20 para-athletes among those participating at two training camps (2022) for Italian Paralympic veterans. Ten athletes with SCI (two with tetraplegia and eight with paraplegia) were compared to 10 athletes with amputation (above the knee, N = 3; below the knee, N = 6; forearm, N = 1). We quantified MVF, RFD at 50, 100, and 150 ms, and maximal RFD (RFDpeak) of elbow flexors and extensors before and after an incremental arm cranking to voluntary fatigue. We also measured the RFD scaling factor (RFD-SF), which is the linear relationship between peak force and peak RFD quantified in a series of ballistic contractions of submaximal amplitude. SCI showed lower levels of MVF and RFD in both muscle groups (all <i>p</i> values ≤ 0.045). Despite this, the decrease in MVF (Cohen's d = 0.425, <i>p</i> < 0.001) and RFDpeak (d = 0.424, <i>p</i> = 0.003) after the incremental test did not show any difference between pathological conditions. Overall, RFD at 50 ms showed the greatest decrease (d = 0.741, <i>p</i> < 0.001), RFD at 100 ms showed a small decrease (d = 0.382, <i>p</i> = 0.020), and RFD at 150 ms did not decrease (<i>p</i> = 0.272). The RFD-SF decreased more in SCI than AMP (<i>p</i> < 0.0001). Muscle fatigability impacted not only maximal force expressions but also the quickness of ballistic contractions of submaximal amplitude, particularly in SCI. This may affect various sports and daily living activities of wheelchair users. Early RFD (i.e., ≤50 ms) was notably affected by muscle fatigability.</p>","PeriodicalId":16052,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Functional Morphology and Kinesiology","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":2.6,"publicationDate":"2024-06-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11204935/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141450686","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}
Andreas Stafylidis, Athanasios Mandroukas, Yiannis Michailidis, Lazaros Vardakis, Ioannis Metaxas, Angelos E Kyranoudis, Thomas I Metaxas
Previous research emphasizes the significance of key performance metrics in determining match outcomes. The purpose of this study is to enhance the understanding of success in professional soccer by analyzing the relationship between match outcomes (win, lose, draw) and various Performance Indicators extracted from the Greek soccer league, as well as to develop a regression model of success in soccer. The sample consisted of all 91 matches from the first round of the 2020-2021 season of the Greek Football League. Utilizing Kruskal-Wallis tests, significant differences were found in goals scored, shots, and shots on target, ball possession, passing metrics, touches in the penalty area, and average shot distance (p < 0.05), with winning teams having demonstrated superior performance metrics. Moreover, winning teams engaged more in positional attacks and counterattacks with shots (p < 0.05). The binary logistic regression model applied to predict match outcomes identified shots on target, counterattacks, passes metrics, offensive duels and set pieces (penalties, free kicks) as key factors influencing the likelihood of winning (p < 0.05). These findings collectively highlight the importance of effective offensive play, including goal scoring, shooting accuracy, and ball possession, in determining the outcomes of soccer matches, with the regression model offering a nuanced understanding of these relationships.
{"title":"Key Performance Indicators Predictive of Success in Soccer: A Comprehensive Analysis of the Greek Soccer League.","authors":"Andreas Stafylidis, Athanasios Mandroukas, Yiannis Michailidis, Lazaros Vardakis, Ioannis Metaxas, Angelos E Kyranoudis, Thomas I Metaxas","doi":"10.3390/jfmk9020107","DOIUrl":"10.3390/jfmk9020107","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Previous research emphasizes the significance of key performance metrics in determining match outcomes. The purpose of this study is to enhance the understanding of success in professional soccer by analyzing the relationship between match outcomes (win, lose, draw) and various Performance Indicators extracted from the Greek soccer league, as well as to develop a regression model of success in soccer. The sample consisted of all 91 matches from the first round of the 2020-2021 season of the Greek Football League. Utilizing Kruskal-Wallis tests, significant differences were found in goals scored, shots, and shots on target, ball possession, passing metrics, touches in the penalty area, and average shot distance (<i>p</i> < 0.05), with winning teams having demonstrated superior performance metrics. Moreover, winning teams engaged more in positional attacks and counterattacks with shots (<i>p</i> < 0.05). The binary logistic regression model applied to predict match outcomes identified shots on target, counterattacks, passes metrics, offensive duels and set pieces (penalties, free kicks) as key factors influencing the likelihood of winning (<i>p</i> < 0.05). These findings collectively highlight the importance of effective offensive play, including goal scoring, shooting accuracy, and ball possession, in determining the outcomes of soccer matches, with the regression model offering a nuanced understanding of these relationships.</p>","PeriodicalId":16052,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Functional Morphology and Kinesiology","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":2.6,"publicationDate":"2024-06-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11204448/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141450657","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}
Philip Gallardo, Giannis Giakas, Giorgos K Sakkas, Panagiotis V Tsaklis
The aim was to identify if surface electromyography (sEMG) parameters are indicative of post-activation potentiation (PAP)/post-activation performance enhancement (PAPE), in terms of twitch potentiation and voluntary performance. Three databases were used in April 2024, with the following inclusion criteria: (a) original research, assessed in healthy human adults, and (b) sEMG parameters were measured. The exclusion criteria were (a) studies with no PAP/PAPE protocol and (b) non-randomized control trials. The following data were extracted: study characteristics/demographics, PAP/PAPE protocols, sEMG parameters, twitch/performance outcomes, and study findings. A modified physiotherapy evidence database (PEDro) scale was used for quality assessment. Fifteen randomized controlled trials (RCTs), with a total of 199 subjects, were included. The M-wave amplitude (combined with a twitch torque outcome) was shown to generally be indicative of PAP. The sEMG amplitudes (in some muscles) were found to be indicative of PAPE during ballistic movements, while a small decrease in the MdF (in certain muscles) was shown to reflect PAPE. Changes in the Hmax/Mmax ratio were found to contribute (temporally) to PAP, while the H-reflex amplitude was shown to be neither indicative of PAP nor PAPE. This review provides preliminary findings suggesting that certain sEMG parameters could be indicative of PAP/PAPE. However, due to limited studies, future research is warranted.
{"title":"Are Surface Electromyography Parameters Indicative of Post-Activation Potentiation/Post-Activation Performance Enhancement, in Terms of Twitch Potentiation and Voluntary Performance? A Systematic Review.","authors":"Philip Gallardo, Giannis Giakas, Giorgos K Sakkas, Panagiotis V Tsaklis","doi":"10.3390/jfmk9020106","DOIUrl":"10.3390/jfmk9020106","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The aim was to identify if surface electromyography (sEMG) parameters are indicative of post-activation potentiation (PAP)/post-activation performance enhancement (PAPE), in terms of twitch potentiation and voluntary performance. Three databases were used in April 2024, with the following inclusion criteria: (a) original research, assessed in healthy human adults, and (b) sEMG parameters were measured. The exclusion criteria were (a) studies with no PAP/PAPE protocol and (b) non-randomized control trials. The following data were extracted: study characteristics/demographics, PAP/PAPE protocols, sEMG parameters, twitch/performance outcomes, and study findings. A modified physiotherapy evidence database (PEDro) scale was used for quality assessment. Fifteen randomized controlled trials (RCTs), with a total of 199 subjects, were included. The M-wave amplitude (combined with a twitch torque outcome) was shown to generally be indicative of PAP. The sEMG amplitudes (in some muscles) were found to be indicative of PAPE during ballistic movements, while a small decrease in the MdF (in certain muscles) was shown to reflect PAPE. Changes in the H<sub>max</sub>/M<sub>max</sub> ratio were found to contribute (temporally) to PAP, while the H-reflex amplitude was shown to be neither indicative of PAP nor PAPE. This review provides preliminary findings suggesting that certain sEMG parameters could be indicative of PAP/PAPE. However, due to limited studies, future research is warranted.</p>","PeriodicalId":16052,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Functional Morphology and Kinesiology","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":2.6,"publicationDate":"2024-06-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11205249/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141450653","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}
Kealey J Wohlgemuth, Michael J Conner, Grant M Tinsley, Ty B Palmer, Jacob A Mota
The fire service suffers from high rates of cardiovascular disease and poor overall health, and firefighters often suffer fatal and non-fatal injuries while on the job. Most fatal injuries result from sudden cardiac death, while non-fatal injuries are to the musculoskeletal system. Previous works suggest a mechanistic link between several health and performance variables and injury risk. In addition, studies have suggested physical activity and nutrition can improve overall health and occupational performance. This review offers practical applications for exercise via feasible training modalities as well as nutritional recommendations that can positively impact performance on the job. Time-efficient training modalities like high-intensity interval training and feasible modalities such as resistance training offer numerous benefits for firefighters. Also, modifying and supplementing the diet and can be advantageous for health and body composition in the fire service. Firefighters have various schedules, making it difficult for planned exercise and eating while on shift. The practical training and nutritional aspects discussed in this review can be implemented on-shift to improve the overall health and performance in firefighters.
{"title":"Strategies for Improving Firefighter Health On-Shift: A Review.","authors":"Kealey J Wohlgemuth, Michael J Conner, Grant M Tinsley, Ty B Palmer, Jacob A Mota","doi":"10.3390/jfmk9020105","DOIUrl":"10.3390/jfmk9020105","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The fire service suffers from high rates of cardiovascular disease and poor overall health, and firefighters often suffer fatal and non-fatal injuries while on the job. Most fatal injuries result from sudden cardiac death, while non-fatal injuries are to the musculoskeletal system. Previous works suggest a mechanistic link between several health and performance variables and injury risk. In addition, studies have suggested physical activity and nutrition can improve overall health and occupational performance. This review offers practical applications for exercise via feasible training modalities as well as nutritional recommendations that can positively impact performance on the job. Time-efficient training modalities like high-intensity interval training and feasible modalities such as resistance training offer numerous benefits for firefighters. Also, modifying and supplementing the diet and can be advantageous for health and body composition in the fire service. Firefighters have various schedules, making it difficult for planned exercise and eating while on shift. The practical training and nutritional aspects discussed in this review can be implemented on-shift to improve the overall health and performance in firefighters.</p>","PeriodicalId":16052,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Functional Morphology and Kinesiology","volume":null,"pages":null},"PeriodicalIF":2.6,"publicationDate":"2024-06-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11204757/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"141450659","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}