Bilgin Ataş, İbrahim Can, Bouwien C M Smits-Engelsman
Background: This study investigated sex-based differences in sprint performance and fatigue among 9-14-year-olds using two repeated-sprint protocols: the Muscle Power Sprint Test (MPST; 6 × 15 m) and the Children's Repetitive Intermittent Sprint Performance test (CRISP; 6 × 30 m). Additionally, four fatigue metrics were compared: decay (first vs. last sprint), fatigue index (fastest vs. slowest sprint), sprint decrement (ideal vs. actual total time), and slope IP (regression slope across all sprints).
Methods: A total of 140 children (9-14 years; 70 females, 70 males) performed the two tests in randomized order. They completed the six sprints per test with 10 s of recovery between each sprint of either 15 or 30 m. Fatigue metrics were calculated for each test based on the sprint times.
Results: Running speed was higher in CRISP than in MPST, and males outperformed females in both tests. In the MPST, fatigue metrics did not differ significantly by sex. In contrast, all fatigue indices in CRISP were significantly greater in females, indicating higher fatigue despite slower sprinting compared to males. Among the fatigue metrics, slope IP correlated most strongly with decay, while associations with fatigue index and sprint decrement were weaker.
Conclusions: Fatigue assessment is more sensitive over longer sprint distances. Females demonstrated significant fatigue in CRISP, indicating that fatigue is task-dependent. The slope metric, which incorporates all sprints, offers a robust fatigue measure for group comparison, while decay remains a practical alternative for field settings.
{"title":"Sex-Based Differences in Fatigue During Repeated Sprinting in 9- to 14-Year-Old Children Are Task- and Metric-Dependent.","authors":"Bilgin Ataş, İbrahim Can, Bouwien C M Smits-Engelsman","doi":"10.3390/sports14030104","DOIUrl":"10.3390/sports14030104","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>This study investigated sex-based differences in sprint performance and fatigue among 9-14-year-olds using two repeated-sprint protocols: the Muscle Power Sprint Test (MPST; 6 × 15 m) and the Children's Repetitive Intermittent Sprint Performance test (CRISP; 6 × 30 m). Additionally, four fatigue metrics were compared: decay (first vs. last sprint), fatigue index (fastest vs. slowest sprint), sprint decrement (ideal vs. actual total time), and slope IP (regression slope across all sprints).</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A total of 140 children (9-14 years; 70 females, 70 males) performed the two tests in randomized order. They completed the six sprints per test with 10 s of recovery between each sprint of either 15 or 30 m. Fatigue metrics were calculated for each test based on the sprint times.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Running speed was higher in CRISP than in MPST, and males outperformed females in both tests. In the MPST, fatigue metrics did not differ significantly by sex. In contrast, all fatigue indices in CRISP were significantly greater in females, indicating higher fatigue despite slower sprinting compared to males. Among the fatigue metrics, slope IP correlated most strongly with decay, while associations with fatigue index and sprint decrement were weaker.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Fatigue assessment is more sensitive over longer sprint distances. Females demonstrated significant fatigue in CRISP, indicating that fatigue is task-dependent. The slope metric, which incorporates all sprints, offers a robust fatigue measure for group comparison, while decay remains a practical alternative for field settings.</p>","PeriodicalId":53303,"journal":{"name":"Sports","volume":"14 3","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.9,"publicationDate":"2026-03-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13029879/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147534496","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}
Exal Garcia-Carrillo, Diana Salas-Gómez, Antonio Castillo-Paredes, Boryi A Becerra-Patiño, Claudio Farías-Valenzuela, Guillermo Cortés-Roco, Miguel Alarcón-Rivera, Héctor Fuentes-Barría, Rodrigo Yáñez-Sepúlveda
Handgrip strength (HGS) has been considered as an indicator of muscle strength and overall physical fitness, with increasing relevance in sports science for talent identification and performance monitoring. However, no bibliometric study has been conducted to map the HGS research landscape in athletic contexts. A bibliometric analysis was conducted in the Web of Science Core Collection database, retrieving 229 publications. Typical bibliometric laws (i.e., Price's, Bradford's, Lotka's, and Zipf's) were employed to analyze publication trends, core journals, influential authors, country contributions, and keyword co-occurrences. Annual publications increased exponentially, especially after 2019, reaching 37 documents in 2024. The Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research and Journal of Sports Medicine and Physical Fitness were the most prominent journals. The United States and Spain led in productivity and impact. Key research themes included strength, performance, body composition, and physical fitness, with HGS demonstrating significant associations with sport tasks such as throwing, racquet sports, and weightlifting. HGS constitutes an accessible and valuable tool for assessing and predicting athletic performance, especially in sports requiring upper body strength and coordination. Future research should aim to expand database inclusion and address identified gaps, such as the relationship between HGS training and sport-specific outcomes.
握力(HGS)被认为是肌肉力量和整体身体健康的指标,在体育科学中与人才识别和表现监测的相关性越来越大。然而,还没有文献计量学研究在运动背景下绘制HGS研究景观。对Web of Science Core Collection数据库进行文献计量学分析,检索229篇出版物。采用典型的文献计量法(Price’s、Bradford’s、Lotka’s和Zipf’s)分析出版趋势、核心期刊、有影响力的作者、国家贡献和关键词共现情况。年度出版物呈指数增长,特别是在2019年之后,2024年达到37份。《力量与调节研究杂志》和《运动医学与身体健康杂志》是其中最突出的期刊。美国和西班牙在生产力和影响力方面领先。关键的研究主题包括力量、表现、身体组成和身体健康,HGS显示出与投掷、球拍运动和举重等运动任务的显著关联。HGS是评估和预测运动员表现的一种方便和有价值的工具,特别是在需要上肢力量和协调的运动中。未来的研究应致力于扩大数据库的包容性,并解决已确定的差距,例如HGS训练与特定运动结果之间的关系。
{"title":"Mapping Handgrip Strength Research in Sports Performance: A Bibliometric Review of Applications, Trends, and Future Directions.","authors":"Exal Garcia-Carrillo, Diana Salas-Gómez, Antonio Castillo-Paredes, Boryi A Becerra-Patiño, Claudio Farías-Valenzuela, Guillermo Cortés-Roco, Miguel Alarcón-Rivera, Héctor Fuentes-Barría, Rodrigo Yáñez-Sepúlveda","doi":"10.3390/sports14030101","DOIUrl":"10.3390/sports14030101","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Handgrip strength (HGS) has been considered as an indicator of muscle strength and overall physical fitness, with increasing relevance in sports science for talent identification and performance monitoring. However, no bibliometric study has been conducted to map the HGS research landscape in athletic contexts. A bibliometric analysis was conducted in the Web of Science Core Collection database, retrieving 229 publications. Typical bibliometric laws (i.e., Price's, Bradford's, Lotka's, and Zipf's) were employed to analyze publication trends, core journals, influential authors, country contributions, and keyword co-occurrences. Annual publications increased exponentially, especially after 2019, reaching 37 documents in 2024. <i>The Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research</i> and <i>Journal of Sports Medicine and Physical Fitness</i> were the most prominent journals. The United States and Spain led in productivity and impact. Key research themes included strength, performance, body composition, and physical fitness, with HGS demonstrating significant associations with sport tasks such as throwing, racquet sports, and weightlifting. HGS constitutes an accessible and valuable tool for assessing and predicting athletic performance, especially in sports requiring upper body strength and coordination. Future research should aim to expand database inclusion and address identified gaps, such as the relationship between HGS training and sport-specific outcomes.</p>","PeriodicalId":53303,"journal":{"name":"Sports","volume":"14 3","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.9,"publicationDate":"2026-03-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13030412/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147533565","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}
Research on the best athletic performance is undergoing a paradigm shift, characterized by a progressive decline in the age of specialization in numerous sports [...].
关于最佳运动表现的研究正在经历一种范式转变,其特点是在许多运动的专业化时代逐渐下降[…]。
{"title":"Sport-Specific Testing and Training Methods in Youth.","authors":"Alessandra Amato, Andrea Fusco, Cristina Cortis","doi":"10.3390/sports14030103","DOIUrl":"10.3390/sports14030103","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Research on the best athletic performance is undergoing a paradigm shift, characterized by a progressive decline in the age of specialization in numerous sports [...].</p>","PeriodicalId":53303,"journal":{"name":"Sports","volume":"14 3","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.9,"publicationDate":"2026-03-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13029878/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147534482","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}
Blanca Couce, Selene Baos, Adrián Moreno-Villanueva, Anel E Recarey-Rodríguez, Juan Mielgo-Ayuso, María Martínez-Ferrán
Background: Sodium bicarbonate (SB) supplementation can enhance performance in short, high-intensity movements. However, its effectiveness in team sports such as rugby remains insufficiently explored.
Methods: In this double-blind, parallel, controlled trial, 17 male professional rugby players ingested SB (0.3 g/kg) or a placebo 90 min before a high-intensity, rugby-specific training session monitored via GPS. The training session was conducted under real-world conditions to enhance ecological validity. Physical performance (countermovement jump, CMJ), fatigue markers (capillary lactate and ratings of perceived exertion, RPE), and gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms were assessed pre- and post-exercise.
Results: No significant pre-post changes were observed in CMJ performance in either group. Lactate concentrations increased from pre- to post-exercise in both groups (both p < 0.001). The SB group showed higher GI symptom severity before, during and after exercise versus placebo, with several symptoms increasing over time solely in the SB group (p < 0.05). RPE increased similarly in both groups (SB: p = 0.012; PLA: p = 0.008). Due to the small sample size, only moderate-to-large within-group effects and very large between-group differences could be detected; therefore, the study was powered to detect moderate-to-large within-group effects but underpowered for detecting between-group differences.
Conclusions: Acute SB ingestion at 0.3 g/kg did not result in detectable improvements in performance or fatigue markers during rugby-specific high-intensity training and was associated with a greater incidence of GI discomfort; however, the study was underpowered to detect small between-group differences. This study was registered on 23 May 2025 on ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT07017582).
背景:补充碳酸氢钠(SB)可以提高短时间、高强度运动的表现。然而,它在橄榄球等团队运动中的有效性仍未得到充分探索。方法:在这项双盲、平行、对照试验中,17名男性职业橄榄球运动员在通过GPS监测的高强度橄榄球训练前90分钟摄入SB (0.3 g/kg)或安慰剂。培训课程是在现实环境中进行的,以提高生态效度。运动前和运动后评估身体表现(逆运动跳跃,CMJ)、疲劳指标(毛细血管乳酸和感知运动评分,RPE)和胃肠道(GI)症状。结果:两组患者的CMJ表现均无明显变化。两组的乳酸浓度从运动前到运动后都有所增加(p < 0.001)。与安慰剂组相比,SB组在运动前、运动中和运动后的胃肠道症状严重程度更高,仅SB组的一些症状随时间增加(p < 0.05)。两组RPE增加相似(SB: p = 0.012; PLA: p = 0.008)。由于样本量小,只能检测到中等到较大的组内效应和非常大的组间差异;因此,该研究能够检测到中等到较大的组内效应,但检测组间差异的能力不足。结论:在橄榄球高强度训练中,急性摄入0.3 g/kg的SB不会导致表现或疲劳指标的明显改善,并且与胃肠道不适的发生率增加有关;然而,该研究在检测组间微小差异方面能力不足。该研究于2025年5月23日在ClinicalTrials.gov注册(NCT07017582)。
{"title":"Effects of Sodium Bicarbonate Supplementation on Performance and Gastrointestinal Symptoms During a High-Intensity Training Session in Elite Rugby Players: A Double-Blind Randomized Controlled Trial.","authors":"Blanca Couce, Selene Baos, Adrián Moreno-Villanueva, Anel E Recarey-Rodríguez, Juan Mielgo-Ayuso, María Martínez-Ferrán","doi":"10.3390/sports14030100","DOIUrl":"10.3390/sports14030100","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Sodium bicarbonate (SB) supplementation can enhance performance in short, high-intensity movements. However, its effectiveness in team sports such as rugby remains insufficiently explored.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>In this double-blind, parallel, controlled trial, 17 male professional rugby players ingested SB (0.3 g/kg) or a placebo 90 min before a high-intensity, rugby-specific training session monitored via GPS. The training session was conducted under real-world conditions to enhance ecological validity. Physical performance (countermovement jump, CMJ), fatigue markers (capillary lactate and ratings of perceived exertion, RPE), and gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms were assessed pre- and post-exercise.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>No significant pre-post changes were observed in CMJ performance in either group. Lactate concentrations increased from pre- to post-exercise in both groups (both <i>p</i> < 0.001). The SB group showed higher GI symptom severity before, during and after exercise versus placebo, with several symptoms increasing over time solely in the SB group (<i>p</i> < 0.05). RPE increased similarly in both groups (SB: <i>p</i> = 0.012; PLA: <i>p</i> = 0.008). Due to the small sample size, only moderate-to-large within-group effects and very large between-group differences could be detected; therefore, the study was powered to detect moderate-to-large within-group effects but underpowered for detecting between-group differences.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Acute SB ingestion at 0.3 g/kg did not result in detectable improvements in performance or fatigue markers during rugby-specific high-intensity training and was associated with a greater incidence of GI discomfort; however, the study was underpowered to detect small between-group differences. This study was registered on 23 May 2025 on ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT07017582).</p>","PeriodicalId":53303,"journal":{"name":"Sports","volume":"14 3","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.9,"publicationDate":"2026-03-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13029924/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147534284","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}
Felice Di Domenico, Rosario Ceruso, Gaetano Raiola, Sara Aliberti, Giovanni Esposito
Background: High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) and Peripheral Heart Action (PHA) are widely used training modalities, but comparative longitudinal data using standardized anthropometric methods remain limited.
Purpose: To compare within-group changes over 12 weeks of HIIT and PHA training on body composition and perceived psychophysical well-being in moderately active young adults.
Methods: Twenty-four adults (12 males, 12 females; age 30.9 ± 3.5 years) were allocated to either HIIT or PHA in a non-randomized pilot study, based on training schedule availability and previous training routine, which may introduce selection bias. Training was performed three times per week for 12 weeks. Body composition was assessed using standardized ISAK anthropometry. Data were analyzed using linear mixed-effects models.
Results: Significant effects of Time were found for body mass, BMI, sum of skinfolds, waist circumference, and endomorphy (all p < 0.05). Significant Time × Group interactions were observed for BMI, sum of skinfolds, waist circumference, and endomorphy (p < 0.05), indicating different adaptation patterns. HIIT showed greater reductions in selected skinfolds and higher perceived performance improvement (p < 0.001), whereas PHA showed greater increases in arm circumferences and mesomorphy (p < 0.01).
Conclusions: Within-group improvements were observed in anthropometric/body composition indicators over time, with distinct longitudinal adaptation patterns between HIIT and PHA.
{"title":"A 12-Week Pilot Study Comparing High-Intensity Interval Training and Peripheral Heart Action Training on ISAK-Based Anthropometric Outcomes and Perceived Psychophysical Well-Being in Young Adults.","authors":"Felice Di Domenico, Rosario Ceruso, Gaetano Raiola, Sara Aliberti, Giovanni Esposito","doi":"10.3390/sports14030102","DOIUrl":"10.3390/sports14030102","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) and Peripheral Heart Action (PHA) are widely used training modalities, but comparative longitudinal data using standardized anthropometric methods remain limited.</p><p><strong>Purpose: </strong>To compare within-group changes over 12 weeks of HIIT and PHA training on body composition and perceived psychophysical well-being in moderately active young adults.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Twenty-four adults (12 males, 12 females; age 30.9 ± 3.5 years) were allocated to either HIIT or PHA in a non-randomized pilot study, based on training schedule availability and previous training routine, which may introduce selection bias. Training was performed three times per week for 12 weeks. Body composition was assessed using standardized ISAK anthropometry. Data were analyzed using linear mixed-effects models.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Significant effects of Time were found for body mass, BMI, sum of skinfolds, waist circumference, and endomorphy (all <i>p</i> < 0.05). Significant Time × Group interactions were observed for BMI, sum of skinfolds, waist circumference, and endomorphy (<i>p</i> < 0.05), indicating different adaptation patterns. HIIT showed greater reductions in selected skinfolds and higher perceived performance improvement (<i>p</i> < 0.001), whereas PHA showed greater increases in arm circumferences and mesomorphy (<i>p</i> < 0.01).</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Within-group improvements were observed in anthropometric/body composition indicators over time, with distinct longitudinal adaptation patterns between HIIT and PHA.</p>","PeriodicalId":53303,"journal":{"name":"Sports","volume":"14 3","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.9,"publicationDate":"2026-03-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13030102/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147534289","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}
Catarina Marques, Miguel Rebelo, João Serrano, Hélder Fonseca
Background: This systematic review aimed to analyze and synthesize the available evidence on the neuromuscular profile of female futsal players.
Methods: The review was conducted in accordance with PRISMA guidelines and registered with PROSPERO (CRD420251055503). PubMed, Scopus and SPORTDiscus databases were searched until May 2025. The eligibility criteria were defined using the PECOS strategy. The methodological quality of the included studies was evaluated using the Downs and Black modified version.
Results: Twenty-three studies were included, covering a total of 433 female players between the ages of 12 and 27. Muscle strength was assessed mainly using an isokinetic dynamometer, jumping ability using the countermovement jump and squat jump, sprinting using the 10 m, 20 m and 30 m tests and agility and change of direction (CoD) using the Illinois agility test. Elite players generally showed a better performance in agility and CoD tests compared to lower-level players.
Conclusions: This review provides a comprehensive overview of the neuromuscular profile of female futsal players and highlights trends related to the competitive level. These findings may support evidence-based practices for performance evaluation, training and injury prevention. More studies are needed to standardize methods and understand differences between competitive levels.
{"title":"Neuromuscular Characteristics of Female Futsal Players: A Systematic Review.","authors":"Catarina Marques, Miguel Rebelo, João Serrano, Hélder Fonseca","doi":"10.3390/sports14030098","DOIUrl":"10.3390/sports14030098","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>This systematic review aimed to analyze and synthesize the available evidence on the neuromuscular profile of female futsal players.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>The review was conducted in accordance with PRISMA guidelines and registered with PROSPERO (CRD420251055503). PubMed, Scopus and SPORTDiscus databases were searched until May 2025. The eligibility criteria were defined using the PECOS strategy. The methodological quality of the included studies was evaluated using the Downs and Black modified version.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Twenty-three studies were included, covering a total of 433 female players between the ages of 12 and 27. Muscle strength was assessed mainly using an isokinetic dynamometer, jumping ability using the countermovement jump and squat jump, sprinting using the 10 m, 20 m and 30 m tests and agility and change of direction (CoD) using the Illinois agility test. Elite players generally showed a better performance in agility and CoD tests compared to lower-level players.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>This review provides a comprehensive overview of the neuromuscular profile of female futsal players and highlights trends related to the competitive level. These findings may support evidence-based practices for performance evaluation, training and injury prevention. More studies are needed to standardize methods and understand differences between competitive levels.</p>","PeriodicalId":53303,"journal":{"name":"Sports","volume":"14 3","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.9,"publicationDate":"2026-03-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13030330/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147533999","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}
Elisabeth Maria Kirschbaum, Roxane Windisch, Katrin Heyde, Richard Hunger, Kirsten Legerlotz
To improve understanding of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries, this study investigated the effect of menstrual cycle (MC) phase on ACL injury risk factors in elite female team sport athletes with and without urinary incontinence (UI). Additionally, associations between endogenous sex hormones, MC-related symptoms, and these risk factors were investigated. Ten elite female athletes (24.2 ± 3.6 years, BMI 23.2 ± 1.3 kg/m2, 10.9 ± 1.8 training hours/week) completed three testing sessions across three MC phases, determined using the three-step method. Assessments included static and dynamic postural control and hip strength. Mixed-model ANOVA and canonical correlation analyses evaluated the effects of MC phase, UI, hormones, and performance. A significant interaction between MC phase and UI was observed for single-leg sway area with eyes closed (p = 0.036), and UI was associated with a higher hip adduction:abduction ratio (p = 0.037). No further significant interaction between UI and MC phase was observed. Moreover, hormones explained 16.5% of the variance in risk factors, while subjective symptoms explained 24.5%. Lower progesterone was associated with higher symptoms, lower estradiol and progesterone with reduced strength and poorer postural control, and higher testosterone with greater strength. Although limited by its pilot design, menstrual symptoms, more than MC phases, may influence performance and injury risk, supporting the potential value of systematic symptoms monitoring.
{"title":"The Influence of Menstrual Cycle Phase and Urinary Incontinence on Potential ACL Injury Risk Factors with a Focus on Hip Strength and Postural Control in Elite Female Team Sport Athletes: A Pilot Study.","authors":"Elisabeth Maria Kirschbaum, Roxane Windisch, Katrin Heyde, Richard Hunger, Kirsten Legerlotz","doi":"10.3390/sports14030096","DOIUrl":"10.3390/sports14030096","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>To improve understanding of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries, this study investigated the effect of menstrual cycle (MC) phase on ACL injury risk factors in elite female team sport athletes with and without urinary incontinence (UI). Additionally, associations between endogenous sex hormones, MC-related symptoms, and these risk factors were investigated. Ten elite female athletes (24.2 ± 3.6 years, BMI 23.2 ± 1.3 kg/m<sup>2</sup>, 10.9 ± 1.8 training hours/week) completed three testing sessions across three MC phases, determined using the three-step method. Assessments included static and dynamic postural control and hip strength. Mixed-model ANOVA and canonical correlation analyses evaluated the effects of MC phase, UI, hormones, and performance. A significant interaction between MC phase and UI was observed for single-leg sway area with eyes closed (<i>p</i> = 0.036), and UI was associated with a higher hip adduction:abduction ratio (<i>p</i> = 0.037). No further significant interaction between UI and MC phase was observed. Moreover, hormones explained 16.5% of the variance in risk factors, while subjective symptoms explained 24.5%. Lower progesterone was associated with higher symptoms, lower estradiol and progesterone with reduced strength and poorer postural control, and higher testosterone with greater strength. Although limited by its pilot design, menstrual symptoms, more than MC phases, may influence performance and injury risk, supporting the potential value of systematic symptoms monitoring.</p>","PeriodicalId":53303,"journal":{"name":"Sports","volume":"14 3","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.9,"publicationDate":"2026-03-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13030537/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147534544","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}
Marina Creazzo Maruschi, Gabriel de Souza Zanini, Pedro Luiz Santorsula de Paula Oliveira, Deivide Telles de Lima, Evandro Antônio Correa, Carlos Eduardo Lopes Verardi, Cátia Caldeira Ferreira, Víctor Hernández-Beltrán, José M Gamonales, Mário Cunha Espada, Dalton Muller Pessoa Filho
Introduction: Psychosocial functioning and body image are key dimensions of mental well-being and performance. Among professional dancers, competitive environments, aesthetic demands, and physical-emotional overload contribute to increased anxiety, stress, and mood disturbances, potentially impairing performance and heightening injury risk. Objective: To investigate longitudinal variations in psychosocial and emotional indicators among professional dancers throughout a season of rehearsals and performances. Methods: Thirteen dancers (9 women and 4 men) from a professional company were assessed across eight time points using the Brunel Mood Scale (BRUMS), State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI-State), Recovery-Stress Questionnaire for Athletes (REST-Q 76 Sport), and Body Shape Questionnaire (BSQ). Data was analyzed using repeated-measures ANOVA with Bonferroni post hoc tests (p < 0.05). Results: Negative mood dimensions progressively increased (p < 0.01; η2p = 0.46, large), while vigor decreased (p = 0.03; η2p = 0.29, medium), indicating an inversion of the typical "iceberg" profile. Overall stress levels increased (p = 0.02; g = 0.53, power = 0.81) and perceived recovery declined (p = 0.04; g = 0.41, power = 0.78). State anxiety rose consistently (p < 0.01; η2p = 0.42), and body dissatisfaction, assessed via the BSQ, increased from "no concern" to "high concern" classifications (p = 0.03; g = 0.59, power = 0.84). Conclusions: Overall, the findings indicating a longitudinal pattern of increased psychometric strain indicators, inferred exclusively from psychometric trends, and conceptually consistent with a possible imbalance between perceived demands and perceived recovery, rather than reflecting objectively measured workload or recovery processes.
{"title":"Psychosocial and Body Image Variations in Professional Dancers: A Prospective Longitudinal Observational Study.","authors":"Marina Creazzo Maruschi, Gabriel de Souza Zanini, Pedro Luiz Santorsula de Paula Oliveira, Deivide Telles de Lima, Evandro Antônio Correa, Carlos Eduardo Lopes Verardi, Cátia Caldeira Ferreira, Víctor Hernández-Beltrán, José M Gamonales, Mário Cunha Espada, Dalton Muller Pessoa Filho","doi":"10.3390/sports14030099","DOIUrl":"10.3390/sports14030099","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b>Introduction:</b> Psychosocial functioning and body image are key dimensions of mental well-being and performance. Among professional dancers, competitive environments, aesthetic demands, and physical-emotional overload contribute to increased anxiety, stress, and mood disturbances, potentially impairing performance and heightening injury risk. <b>Objective:</b> To investigate longitudinal variations in psychosocial and emotional indicators among professional dancers throughout a season of rehearsals and performances. <b>Methods:</b> Thirteen dancers (9 women and 4 men) from a professional company were assessed across eight time points using the Brunel Mood Scale (BRUMS), State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI-State), Recovery-Stress Questionnaire for Athletes (REST-Q 76 Sport), and Body Shape Questionnaire (BSQ). Data was analyzed using repeated-measures ANOVA with Bonferroni post hoc tests (<i>p</i> < 0.05). <b>Results:</b> Negative mood dimensions progressively increased (<i>p</i> < 0.01; η<sup>2</sup>p = 0.46, large), while vigor decreased (<i>p</i> = 0.03; η<sup>2</sup>p = 0.29, medium), indicating an inversion of the typical \"iceberg\" profile. Overall stress levels increased (<i>p</i> = 0.02; g = 0.53, power = 0.81) and perceived recovery declined (<i>p</i> = 0.04; g = 0.41, power = 0.78). State anxiety rose consistently (<i>p</i> < 0.01; η<sup>2</sup>p = 0.42), and body dissatisfaction, assessed via the BSQ, increased from \"no concern\" to \"high concern\" classifications (<i>p</i> = 0.03; g = 0.59, power = 0.84). <b>Conclusions:</b> Overall, the findings indicating a longitudinal pattern of increased psychometric strain indicators, inferred exclusively from psychometric trends, and conceptually consistent with a possible imbalance between perceived demands and perceived recovery, rather than reflecting objectively measured workload or recovery processes.</p>","PeriodicalId":53303,"journal":{"name":"Sports","volume":"14 3","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.9,"publicationDate":"2026-03-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13030549/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147534559","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}
Piriformis syndrome, a neuromuscular disorder caused by sciatic nerve compression by the piriformis muscle, remains understudied in athletic populations despite anecdotal reports of elevated prevalence in hockey players. This study investigated the prevalence of piriformis syndrome symptoms and potential risk factors in actively competing (current) and retired (former) high-level hockey players. A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 67 actively competing and retired professional, collegiate, and junior hockey players (58 males, 9 females; mean age 25.6 ± 4.0 years; mean playing experience 17.8 ± 3.7 years). Active playing status was defined as currently participating in organized competitive hockey at any level, while retired status was defined as having ceased competitive participation for at least one season. The survey instrument was based on a validated clinical assessment scoring system, consisting of 12 questions assessing piriformis syndrome-related symptoms. Participants were classified as "high score" (≥6 affirmative responses) or "low score" (<6 responses). Multiple linear regression analysis was used to evaluate associations between demographic variables (age, playing status, years played, competitive level) and total symptom scores. Overall, 25.4% (n = 17) of participants met criteria for high symptom burden, with sitting-induced buttock pain being the most prevalent specific symptom (40.3%). Mean total score was 4.8 ± 1.8 (range 2-10). Multiple regression analysis revealed no statistically significant associations between piriformis syndrome scores and any demographic variable (overall model: R2 = 0.065, p = 0.374). Retired players showed a non-significant trend toward higher scores compared to actively competing players (β = -1.388, 95% CI: -2.793 to 0.018, p = 0.053). No correlations were observed with age (r = -0.045, p = 0.719), years played (r = -0.054, p = 0.666), or competitive level (p = 0.666). In conclusion, this study revealed substantial piriformis syndrome symptom burden (25.4%) in high-level hockey players without significant demographic associations.
梨状肌综合征是一种由梨状肌压迫坐骨神经引起的神经肌肉疾病,尽管坊间报道在曲棍球运动员中发病率升高,但在运动人群中的研究仍然不足。本研究调查了梨状肌综合征在现役和退役高水平冰球运动员中的患病率及潜在危险因素。本研究对67名现役及退役的职业、大学和青少年曲棍球运动员进行横断面调查,其中男性58人,女性9人,平均年龄25.6±4.0岁,平均比赛经验17.8±3.7年。积极比赛状态被定义为目前参加任何级别的有组织的竞技曲棍球,而退役状态被定义为已经至少一个赛季停止参加竞技曲棍球。调查工具基于一个经过验证的临床评估评分系统,包括12个评估梨状肌综合征相关症状的问题。参与者被分为“高分”(≥6个肯定回答)和“低分”(n = 17),符合高症状负担标准的参与者,坐姿引起的臀部疼痛是最普遍的特定症状(40.3%)。平均总分为4.8±1.8分(范围2-10)。多元回归分析显示梨状肌综合征评分与人口学变量之间无统计学意义(总模型:R2 = 0.065, p = 0.374)。与积极参加比赛的球员相比,退役球员的得分呈不显著趋势(β = -1.388, 95% CI: -2.793至0.018,p = 0.053)。与年龄(r = -0.045, p = 0.719)、参赛年数(r = -0.054, p = 0.666)或竞技水平(p = 0.666)均无相关性。总之,本研究揭示了高水平曲棍球运动员梨状肌综合征的症状负担(25.4%),但没有显著的人口统计学关联。
{"title":"Prevalence and Clinical Patterns of Piriformis Syndrome Among Actively Competing and Retired Elite Hockey Players.","authors":"Caleb Neal, Timothy Gelatt, Milan Toma","doi":"10.3390/sports14030095","DOIUrl":"10.3390/sports14030095","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Piriformis syndrome, a neuromuscular disorder caused by sciatic nerve compression by the piriformis muscle, remains understudied in athletic populations despite anecdotal reports of elevated prevalence in hockey players. This study investigated the prevalence of piriformis syndrome symptoms and potential risk factors in actively competing (current) and retired (former) high-level hockey players. A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 67 actively competing and retired professional, collegiate, and junior hockey players (58 males, 9 females; mean age 25.6 ± 4.0 years; mean playing experience 17.8 ± 3.7 years). Active playing status was defined as currently participating in organized competitive hockey at any level, while retired status was defined as having ceased competitive participation for at least one season. The survey instrument was based on a validated clinical assessment scoring system, consisting of 12 questions assessing piriformis syndrome-related symptoms. Participants were classified as \"high score\" (≥6 affirmative responses) or \"low score\" (<6 responses). Multiple linear regression analysis was used to evaluate associations between demographic variables (age, playing status, years played, competitive level) and total symptom scores. Overall, 25.4% (<i>n</i> = 17) of participants met criteria for high symptom burden, with sitting-induced buttock pain being the most prevalent specific symptom (40.3%). Mean total score was 4.8 ± 1.8 (range 2-10). Multiple regression analysis revealed no statistically significant associations between piriformis syndrome scores and any demographic variable (overall model: R2 = 0.065, <i>p</i> = 0.374). Retired players showed a non-significant trend toward higher scores compared to actively competing players (β = -1.388, 95% CI: -2.793 to 0.018, <i>p</i> = 0.053). No correlations were observed with age (<i>r</i> = -0.045, <i>p</i> = 0.719), years played (<i>r</i> = -0.054, <i>p</i> = 0.666), or competitive level (<i>p</i> = 0.666). In conclusion, this study revealed substantial piriformis syndrome symptom burden (25.4%) in high-level hockey players without significant demographic associations.</p>","PeriodicalId":53303,"journal":{"name":"Sports","volume":"14 3","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.9,"publicationDate":"2026-03-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13030342/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147534468","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}
Gregory Bizas, Ilias Smilios, Pierros Thomakos, Gregory C Bogdanis
This study examined the effects of two different intensities of running between repeated sprints and compared them with passive recovery. Thirteen professional soccer players performed two sets of six 30 m sprints on three randomly assigned occasions. A 5 min passive rest period separated the two sets, while sprints were interspersed with either passive standing, running at 95% of the first lactate threshold (MOD) and running at maximum aerobic speed (HIGH). Performance decrements were greater in HIGH than MOD at the last sprint in both sets (set 1: 5.8 ± 4.2% vs. 2.6 ± 3.2%, p = 0.07; set 2: 9.1 ± 4.5% vs. 4.0 ± 6.1%, p = 0.016). Acceleration (0-15 m) was more affected than maximal-speed running (15-30 m) (condition × sprint interaction: p < 0.001). Mean and peak heart rate were higher in both running conditions than passive (p < 0.05), with no difference between MOD and HIGH. Blood lactate showed a significant set × condition interaction (p < 0.001), peaking at 13.6 ± 2.7 mmol·L-1 in HIGH, while blood lactate responses to passive and MOD were similar and peaked after the second set of sprints (10.7 ± 2.1 and 11.5 ± 2.8 mmol·L-1, respectively). Between-sprint running intensity markedly influenced fatigue development during repeated-sprint exercise. The HIGH condition elicited greater metabolic strain and performance decrements than MOD or passive conditions. Within the present protocol, passive standing was associated with smaller decrements in repeated-sprint performance despite high heart rate and blood lactate responses.
{"title":"Effects of Between-Sprint Running Intensity on Repeated-Sprint Performance in Professional Soccer Players.","authors":"Gregory Bizas, Ilias Smilios, Pierros Thomakos, Gregory C Bogdanis","doi":"10.3390/sports14030097","DOIUrl":"10.3390/sports14030097","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>This study examined the effects of two different intensities of running between repeated sprints and compared them with passive recovery. Thirteen professional soccer players performed two sets of six 30 m sprints on three randomly assigned occasions. A 5 min passive rest period separated the two sets, while sprints were interspersed with either passive standing, running at 95% of the first lactate threshold (MOD) and running at maximum aerobic speed (HIGH). Performance decrements were greater in HIGH than MOD at the last sprint in both sets (set 1: 5.8 ± 4.2% vs. 2.6 ± 3.2%, <i>p</i> = 0.07; set 2: 9.1 ± 4.5% vs. 4.0 ± 6.1%, <i>p</i> = 0.016). Acceleration (0-15 m) was more affected than maximal-speed running (15-30 m) (condition × sprint interaction: <i>p</i> < 0.001). Mean and peak heart rate were higher in both running conditions than passive (<i>p</i> < 0.05), with no difference between MOD and HIGH. Blood lactate showed a significant set × condition interaction (<i>p</i> < 0.001), peaking at 13.6 ± 2.7 mmol·L<sup>-1</sup> in HIGH, while blood lactate responses to passive and MOD were similar and peaked after the second set of sprints (10.7 ± 2.1 and 11.5 ± 2.8 mmol·L<sup>-1</sup>, respectively). Between-sprint running intensity markedly influenced fatigue development during repeated-sprint exercise. The HIGH condition elicited greater metabolic strain and performance decrements than MOD or passive conditions. Within the present protocol, passive standing was associated with smaller decrements in repeated-sprint performance despite high heart rate and blood lactate responses.</p>","PeriodicalId":53303,"journal":{"name":"Sports","volume":"14 3","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.9,"publicationDate":"2026-03-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13030311/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147534295","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}