BMC Sports Science Medicine and Rehabilitation最新文献

Background: Esports has become a global phenomenon, yet its cognitive and vestibular demands are less studied than in traditional sports. We compared visuospatial/short-term memory, reaction time, and functional vestibulo-ocular reflex (VOR) between e-athletes and non-athletes.

Methods: In this comparative cross-sectional study, eighteen e-athletes and eighteen age-matched controls (17-27 years) with normal/corrected vision and no neurological or psychiatric disorders were assessed. Cognitive performance was measured with the Stroop Test and Corsi Block Test (forward/backward spans). Functional VOR was evaluated using the Functional Head Impulse Test (fHIT). Group differences were tested with Mann-Whitney U (two-tailed, α = 0.05).

Results: E-athletes showed faster responses and fewer errors on the Stroop Test (Stroop V time: 15.80 ± 2.01 s vs. 18.42 ± 1.26 s, p < 0.001; Stroop IV errors: 0.27 ± 0.46 vs. 0.94 ± 0.53, p = 0.001) and higher Corsi spans (forward: 7.11 ± 0.83 vs. 5.66 ± 0.68, p < 0.001; backward: 5.83 ± 0.85 vs. 4.00 ± 0.78, p < 0.001). No significant differences between-group were observed on fHIT outcomes (p > 0.05).

Conclusions: E-athletes exhibited superior attentional control and visuospatial memory, with no evidence of differences in functional VOR. Intensive gaming may selectively relate to executive and memory functions without influencing vestibular performance. Larger studies are warranted to confirm these findings and inform training/health applications.

Trial registration: NCT07211191-22 / 09 / 2025.

Background: Integrative neuromuscular training (INT) is proposed to enhance static and dynamic balance in team athletes by improving sensorimotor control. This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluated INT effects across these two domains.

Methods: We searched PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, SPORTDiscus (EBSCOhost), and the Web of Science Core Collection from database inception through 3 March 2025. Random-effects and multilevel meta-analyses were conducted in R (meta, metafor). Standardized mean differences (Hedges' g) were pooled using inverse-variance weighting. For datasets with multiple effects per study, we fitted multilevel random-effects models (metafor::rma.mv) with random intercepts for study and within-study effects, estimating variance components (τ²) via REML. We report 95% confidence intervals, I², τ², and 95% prediction intervals. Risk of bias was assessed with RoB 2 and certainty of evidence with GRADE; small-study effects were examined using Egger's regression (k ≥ 10) and bubble plots.

Results: Fifteen randomized controlled trials (n = 609 athletes) were included. Overall risk of bias (RoB 2) was judged as some concerns across studies. INT improved dynamic balance (SMD = 1.48, 95% CI 0.97-1.99; I² = 86.8) and static balance (SMD = 0.89, 95% CI 0.32-1.47; I² = 51.2). Dynamic balance improved more with ≥ 3 sessions/week (SMD = 2.01, 95% CI 1.23-2.80; I² = 91.2%), whereas static balance benefited more from programs ≤ 8 weeks (SMD = 1.16, 95% CI 0.77-1.54).

Conclusions: INT improves balance in team athletes, with larger gains for dynamic tasks. Dynamic balance was preferentially enhanced by ≥ 3 sessions/week, while static balance gains were optimal at ≤ 8 weeks. Evidence certainty was moderate for dynamic balance and low for static balance.

Background: The rise in youth karate competition participation correlates with elevated injury risk. This study investigated injury incidence and patterns among Iranian junior athletes at the 2023 National Karate Championships (Tehran, April-May 2023), the official selection event for the national team, considering differences by age, sex, weight, and bout characteristics.

Methods: A prospective cohort design was employed, analyzing data from 1391 athletes across 1544 bouts. Injury data were systematically collected by qualified medical personnel using standardized forms. Injury incidence rates (IIRs) were rigorously calculated per 1000 athlete-exposures (AEs) and per 1000 min of exposure (MEs) to account for varying exposure durations.

Results: A total of 527 injuries were recorded during the competition. The overall IIR was determined to be 18.94 per 1000 AEs and 9.02 per 1000 MEs. The face was identified as the most commonly injured anatomical site, accounting for 46% of all injuries, while contusions were the most frequent injury type, comprising 48%. Athletes in the Under-21 (U21) male category exhibited the highest injury rates. Furthermore, more than half (52%) of all recorded injuries occurred within the first minute of a bout, and losing athletes sustained a disproportionately high 59% of the total injuries.

Conclusion: In conclusion, this study identified a high injury incidence among Iranian junior karate athletes, with the face being the most commonly affected region and contusions the predominant injury type. Male and U21 athletes showed notably higher injury rates, particularly early in bouts and among those who lost. These findings highlight the need for targeted preventive strategies and serve as a national benchmark for future injury surveillance in youth karate.