Journal of Sports Science and Medicine最新文献

The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of different frequencies and intensities of Tai Chi practice on blood pressure, cognitive function, stress levels, and physical fitness parameters in older adults. A randomized controlled trial with parallel groups was conducted over 16 weeks to evaluate two Tai Chi interventions (3×50 min/week vs. 5×30 min/week) in older adults (n = 46). Outcomes included blood pressure, cognitive function (MoCA), perceived stress (PSS), flexibility (Chair Sit and Reach, Back Scratch), strength (handgrip, arm curl, chair stand), agility (8-Foot Up-and-Go), and functional capacity (Six-Minute Walk Test). Post-intervention, TC5d showed significantly better performance than the control group in arm curl (p = 0.017), chair stand (p = 0.001), handgrip strength (p = 0.004), and 8-foot up-and-go (p = 0.041). TC3d performed significantly better than the control group in the 6-minute walk test (p = 0.013). MoCA scores were significantly higher in both TC3d (p = 0.004) and TC5d (p = 0.008) compared to the control group. PSS scores were significantly lower in TC3d (p = 0.004) and TC5d (p < 0.001) compared to the control group. This study suggests that both Tai Chi interventions improve cognitive function and reduce stress in older adults. The TC5d group showed greater benefits in strength, agility, and flexibility, while the TC3d group improved functional capacity. These results suggest that a higher-frequency Tai Chi regimen (5×30 min/week) is more effective for improving physical fitness and mental health in older adults.

This study investigated how different weekly resistance training frequencies affect mechanical output and perceived exertion under velocity loss (VL) monitoring when the total number of sets per week was fixed. Fourteen well-trained male subjects participated in a repeated-measures design in which all participants performed three training frequency conditions (four, three, or two sessions per week) in randomized order. Each condition involved 12 total sets of back squats at 80% one repetition maximum (1RM) with a 20% VL, the total training sets evenly distributed across sessions. The results indicated that increasing training frequency allowed for lower perceived exertion (p = 0.005). Furthermore, the frequency of four sessions per week did not compromise velocity output or repetition performed in the following sets for within-session comparison (p ≥ 0.125), whereas the other two frequencies resulted in compromised performance with increasing numbers of sets performed. The frequency of three sessions per week resulted in a significant decrease in the following set, as shown in the number of repetitions performed per set (N_set) (Δ = 8%,p = 0.003) and the average set mean velocity (MV_average) (Δ = 4%, p = 0.013) in the last set compared with the first set. The frequency of four sessions per week resulted in lower N_set (Δ = 17%), MV_average (Δ = 8%), and fastest mean velocity (Δ = 7%) and last mean velocity (Δ = 9%) of the set in the last set compared with the first set (0.001 ≤ p ≤ 0.033). All training frequencies allowed adequate recovery from the frequency arrangement and did not impact performance in the subsequent session. Overall, under a fixed number of sets performed weekly, increasing training frequency helped preserve velocity output and repetitions performed within-session when using 80% 1RM and 20% VL, while also reducing perceived exertion. It is recommended that athletes distribute strength training more evenly across the week rather than concentrating it into fewer days when pursuing better mechanical output and lower perceived exertion.

Cognitive decline is a significant challenge for middle-aged and elderly individuals. The association of exercise with cognitive decline is inconsistent and may be influenced by many physiological factors. This study aimed to explore the mediating factors in the relationship between physical exercise and cognitive decline. This prospective cohort study included 3,153 middle-aged and older adults with normal baseline cognitive function (2011) in the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study Cohort. Cognitive decline was assessed after four years (2015). Exercise level was assessed by exercise intensity, frequency, and metabolic equivalent. The results showed that any level of exercise intensity or frequency was associated with decreased risk of cognitive decline, but the association was stronger in subjects ≥ 60 years or males. Vigorous exercise might positively correlate with cognitive decline through reducing body mass index, and this association was mainly present in females. In conclusion, active exercise is positively associated with cognitive function in middle-aged and elderly adults. Exercise may affect cognitive function through body mass index, but the specific mechanisms require further investigation.

This scoping review aimed to (i) map methodological characteristics of studies investigating acute and residual fatigue and recovery after small-sided games (SSGs), (ii) identify outcomes, measures, and timings assessed across neuromuscular, psychophysiological, and biochemical/endocrine domains, and (iii) highlight evidence gaps to inform future research. Following a registered protocol (OSF: osf.io/73rzs) and PRISMA-ScR guidelines, three databases (PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science) were searched to July 2025. Eligible studies included Tier ≥2 athletes, examined SSGs as interventions, and reported pre-post neuromuscular, psychophysiological and biochemical/endocrine outcomes. Data were extracted on populations, competitive level, SSG formats, outcomes, and timings, and synthesized descriptively with evidence gap maps. From 3,842 records, 32 studies were included. Most involved men soccer players at Tier 3, with fewer on women, other sports, or adaptive contexts. SSG formats clustered around 3v3-4v4. Psychophysiological measures were most frequently reported, generally showing acute elevations in heart rate and rating of perceived exertion and short-lived reductions in heart rate variability. Neuromuscular outcomes included sprint and hamstring strength, often reduced up to 48-72 h, while countermovement jump results were inconsistent. Biochemical/endocrine measures typically showed acute rises in lactate and short-term creatine kinase elevations, with hormonal findings less consistent. Assessments were concentrated immediately post and at 24 h, with fewer extending beyond 48 h. As conclusion, current evidence suggests that SSGs are associated with acute psychophysiological strain and, in some cases, short-term neuromuscular and biochemical disturbances, but findings vary across studies. Given the methodological heterogeneity and narrow scope of populations, conclusions must be interpreted with caution.

This experiment investigated the uniformity of the adaptations to high-intensity-interval training (HIIT) prescribed using anaerobic speed reserve (ASR_HIIT [The difference between maximal sprint speed and maximal aerobic speed]), maximal aerobic speed (MAS_HIIT), and a load-matched sprint interval training (SIT) in male collegiate soccer players. Thirty collegiate male soccer players with 4-6 years of training experience (age = 21.6 ± 4.8 years; height = 182.4 ± 4.4 cm; body mass = 84.1 ± 3.3 kg; body fat = 13.1 ± 3.6%) were randomized to three experimental groups performing either ASR_HIIT or MAS_HIIT (4 sets of 4-7 repetitions of 30-sec running at Δ%30ASR (MAS + 0.3×ASR) or 130% MAS, from the 1^st to the 7^th session) or a load-matched SIT. Participants underwent a series of lab- and field-based tests to evaluate measures of cardiorespiratory fitness (i.e., maximal oxygen uptake, cardiac hemodynamics and ventilatory threshold), anaerobic power (i.e., peak and average power), and bio-motor abilities (i.e., maximal sprint speed, change of direction, and jumping ability). Homogeneity of the adaptive changes was investigated by comparing residuals in individual changes and calculating the coefficient of variation in mean group changes. All three interventions adequately stimulated the adaptive mechanisms involved in the enhancement of the qualities mentioned above (p < 0.05). Linear sprint speed improved solely in response to SIT (p = 0.001). Moreover, load-matched SIT led to significantly greater enhancements in measures of bio-motor abilities compared to ASR_HIIT and MAS_HIIT (p < 0.05). ASR_HIIT and SIT resulted in lower inter-subject variability in adaptive responses in cardiorespiratory fitness measures (p < 0.05). Optimizing homeostatic stress through load-matched SIT leads to more homogenous adaptations across individuals and significantly greater adaptations in bio-motor abilities than the other prescription approaches. It's worth noting that genetic variability, motivation, diet, sleep quality, and psychological factors can influence inter-individual responses. These aspects were not accounted for in the current experiment and represent potential limitations.

This intervention was conducted to evaluate the effects of 8 weeks of core training on swimming performance, force performance and core muscle activation. An 8-week core training was implemented, 32 swimmers were randomly allocated to experimental group (EG) (age: 14.38-14.88) and control group (CG) (age: 15.33-17.40). The CG maintained regular in-water training, while EG performed two additional core training a week. Swimming time, stroke rate (SR), stroke length (SL) and bilateral core muscle activity were obtained through 50 m front-crawl (FC) time trials and surface electromyography (sEMG). Moreover, the tethered swimming force was measured using the Tethered Swimming Test (TST) as a kinetic parameter. All tests were performed twice (pre- and post-intervention) to examine differences in measured parameters. No between-group differences were found. Male swimmers in EG showed within group decrease in swimming time (- 0.59 s; p < 0.05; ES = 0.827), while female swimmers in both groups showed changes in swimming velocity (EG: + 0.03 m/s; CG: + 0.02 m/s; p < 0.05). EG in male and female swimmers showed more improvement in TST than CG. For the co-contraction index (CCI) of the core muscle, no differences were demonstrated in female and male groups. This study did not indicate significant effects of core training on swimmers, additional research exploring core training is recommended to confirm these findings.

The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of small-sided game-based compensatory strategies (CS) versus non-compensatory (NCS) strategies on the aerobic and repeated sprint ability development of non-starter soccer players. A controlled crossover experimental design was used, consisting of two 4-week phases separated by a 2-week washout period. Nineteen male non-starter soccer players (age: 18.1 ± 0.7 years) participated in the study. Each player experienced both an NCS and a specific CS, the latter involving six 3-minute bouts of 2v2 small-sided games performed the day after the match. CS indicates that additional training was introduced to compensate for the lack of playing time. This intervention was applied to players who either did not participate in the match or played less than 15 minutes. Physical fitness was assessed using the Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery Test Level 1 (YYIRT) and the Running-Based Anaerobic Sprint Test (RSAmean). Significant interactions were found for YYIRT (p < 0.001, ηp² = 0.587, large effects) and RSAmean (p < 0.001, ηp² = 0.739, large effects). CS presented better results than NCS in YYIRT at both mid (mean difference: 84.4m, p = 0.040) and post-assessment (mean difference: 64.7m, p = 0.042). RSAmean was smaller under CS at mid (mean difference: -0.078 s, p = 0.012) and post-assessment (mean difference: -0.058s, p = 0.045). In conclusion, the results suggest that the CS condition leads to better YYIRT performance and reduced RSAmean compared to NCS. Practically, incorporating CS into training protocols for players who do not regularly participate in matches - such as unselected players or non-starters with limited playing time - may help maintain physical capacities, particularly endurance and repeated sprint ability, as these players are often exposed to lower physical demands during matches.

[This retracts the article DOI: 10.52082/jssm.2023.614.].

Research comparing the effects of different small-sided soccer game (SSG) training formats on physical adaptations remains scarce. This study aimed to compare small-format SSGs (SSG_SF: 1v1 to 3v3) with large-format SSGs (SSG_LF: 6v6 to 8v8) on vertical jump, change-of-direction (COD), linear speed and aerobic capacity adaptations in youth female soccer players over a six-week training period. Using a simple randomized, parallel, controlled design, players were assigned to one of two experimental groups (SSG_SF or SSG_LF) or a control group. Forty-five female youth players (15.7 ± 0.5 years old) competing at a developmental level participated in the study. All participants had a minimum of two years of playing experience and adhered to at least 90% of the intervention protocol. The experimental groups received two additional SSG sessions per week, while the control group maintained their regular training routines. Baseline and post-intervention assessments included countermovement jump height (CMJ), change of direction deficit in the 5-0-5 test (COD deficit), 30-meter linear speed, and final velocity in the 30-15 intermittent fitness test (VIFT). The SSG_SF group exhibited a significantly smaller CODdeficit compared to the control group (p = 0.026; d = 1.032, moderate) after the intervention. The SSG_LF group exhibited a significantly smaller 30-m sprint time compared to the control group (p = 0.044; d = 0.303, small). Both the SSG_SF (p = 0.039; d = 0.880, moderate) and SSG_LF (p = 0.026; d = 1.043, moderate) groups exhibited a significantly greater V_IFT compared to the control group. In conclusion, the findings suggest that SSG_SF may be more beneficial for improving COD ability, while SSG_LF could potentially be more effective for enhancing linear sprint performance. Both formats appear to have a positive impact on aerobic performance, though the extent of their effects might be similar. Coaches might consider these differences when selecting SSG formats, as each format could contribute differently to physical performance adaptations.

The scheduling (i.e., timing) of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) during basketball sessions may influence physical development and technical-tactical execution under fatigue, yet limited evidence exists to guide practice. This study compared the effects of early-session HIIT (HIITearly) versus post-session HIIT (HIITpost) on aerobic fitness and technical performance under fatigue in youth basketball players. Thirty-six male athletes (16.5 ± 0.7 years) were stratified and randomly assigned to HIITearly, HIITpost, or control groups in a six-week intervention (2 sessions/week). All groups followed the same HIIT protocol; only timing varied. Physical fitness was assessed via the 30-15 Intermittent Fitness Test (VIFT), and technical accuracy for passes, dribles and shots was assessed during a 3v3 game conducted immediately after the 30-15 test. Results showed a significant improvement in VIFT for both HIIT groups (HIITearly: p < 0.001; HIITpost: p < 0.001), with no change in the control group (p = 0.705). HIITearly led to greater improvements than control in passes accuracy (p < 0.001), shot accuracy (p < 0.001), and dribble accuracy (p < 0.001). HIITpost showed smaller, yet significant, improvements in passes (p < 0.001), shots (p < 0.001), and dribbles (p < 0.001), while the control group exhibited only minor changes. Statistical interactions for all technical variables were significant, with particularly large effects for passes (ηp² = 0.678), dribbles (ηp² = 0.600), and shots (ηp² = 0.610). These findings suggest that both HIIT modalities improve physical and technical capacities under fatigue, with early-session HIIT potentially offering benefits for technical accuracy. However, definitive conclusions should be avoided due to the highly contextual nature of the results. Coaches may consider scheduling HIIT prior to skill-focused activities to maximize performance under fatigue conditions in youth basketball.