Journal of Sports Science and Medicine最新文献

Self-massage tools such as foam rollers and massage balls are widely used in warm-ups and recovery, but their effects on dynamic strength tasks like squatting remain unclear. To compare the effects of a foam roller (FR), massage ball (MB), and vibrating massage ball (MBV) versus a control condition on squat load velocity profiles and associated electromyographic (EMG) activity in resistance-trained individuals. In this crossover study, fourteen experienced resistance-trained participants performed four experimental conditions: FR, MB, MBV, and control. After an initial session for incremental load testing and protocol familiarization, each participant performed eight back squats before and after each experimental session, while movement velocity, hip vertical displacement (range of motion), and EMG of the vastus lateralis and semimembranosus were recorded. MBV produced a significant increase in quadriceps EMG during the fastest repetition (β = 0.107; p = 0.003). In contrast, all interventions elicited a reduction in the second fastest repetition versus control (FR: β = -0.033, p = 0.005; MB: β = -0.025, p = 0.029; MBV: β = -0.036, p = 0.002). Moreover, both FR and MBV similarly decreased third fastest repetition and mean velocities relative to control (FR: third fastest repetition β = -0.025, p = 0.027; mean β = -0.046, p = 0.046; MBV: third fastest repetition β = -0.032, p = 0.005; mean velocity β = -0.031, p = 0.004). There were no significant changes in the hip vertical displacement. All self-massage conditions modestly impaired squat velocity, with the MB showing the least detrimental effect on performance.

The aim of this study was to assess the effects of a 6-week high-intensity interval training combined with small-sided games (HIIT&SSG) program on maximal strength, sprint performance, and aerobic capacity in female athletes and to examine how these effects vary across different stages of maturity (pre-, mid-, and post-peak height velocity [PHV]). Specifically, we sought to determine whether the improvements in performance outcomes were consistent across maturity groups or if the training effects differed based on the athletes' maturity status. Fifty-four female soccer players (aged 9-16 years) were categorized into pre-PHV, mid-PHV, and post-PHV maturity groups. Participants were randomly assigned to either an HIIT&SSG group (n = 27) or a control group (n = 27). The HIIT&SSG group performed two additional training sessions per week, focusing on 2v2 small-sided games and individualized high-intensity runs at 85% of their final velocity during the 30-15 Intermittent Fitness Test (VIFT). Control continued their regular training routines. Pre- and post-intervention assessments included isometric mid-thigh pull (IMTP) for maximal strength, 30-meter sprint time, and VIFT for aerobic capacity. Pre- and post-intervention assessments included isometric mid-thigh pull (IMTP) for maximal strength, 30-meter sprint time, and VIFT for aerobic capacity. The HIIT&SSG group demonstrated large effect sizes for IMTP (ηp² = 0.996), 30-m sprint time (ηp² = 0.991), and VIFT (ηp² = 0.878), with substantial improvements in strength and aerobic capacity in mid- and post-PHV athletes. For IMTP, significant group differences were observed in mid-PHV (p = 0.021) and post-PHV athletes (p < 0.001). Post-PHV athletes also showed significantly faster 30-meter sprint times post-intervention (p < 0.001). VIFT improvements were significant across all maturity stages (Pre-PHV: p = 0.045; Mid-PHV: p < 0.001; Post-PHV: p < 0.001). Effect sizes for group differences ranged from moderate to large (ηp² = 0.540 to ηp² = 0.928). HIIT&SSG program is effective in enhancing maximal strength, sprint performance, and aerobic capacity, with particularly benefits for mid- and post-PHV athletes. However, the improvements in sprint performance were primarily observed in post-PHV athletes, which may limit the generalizability of these effects to all maturity stages.

This study investigated perceived exertion (RPE) differences among soccer players at two competitive levels - Tier 2 (trained) and Tier 3 (highly trained) - during small-sided games (SSGs) and high-intensity interval training (HIIT), while controlling for internal physiological load using percentage of heart rate reserve (%HRreserve). Seventy-seven male university players from the China University Football Association participated (Tier 2: n = 37; Tier 3: n = 40). Each player underwent a fitness assessment to determine HRmax and HRrest, followed by four randomized training sessions: 5v5 SSGs, 1v1 SSGs, long HIIT, and short HIIT. Heart rate was continuously monitored, and players reported RPE using the Borg CR10 scale immediately post-session. A linear mixed-effects model was used, with competitive level and training format as fixed effects, and %HRreserve included as a statistical covariate. The analysis revealed a significant interaction between training format and competitive level (F(3, 224.761) = 3.20, p = .024), indicating that the influence of training format on RPE varied by competitive level. A significant main effect of training format was also found (F(3, 234.484) = 11.24, p < .001). Specifically, Tier 3 players reported higher RPE during short HIIT than Tier 2 players (p = .002). Both groups reported lower RPE during 5v5 SSGs compared to 1v1 SSGs and HIIT formats (all p ≤ .003). These findings show that training format influences RPE in a format- and tier-specific manner, even when accounting for internal physiological load. For coaches and sports scientists, larger-sided SSGs may be useful to reduce perceived exertion while maintaining cardiovascular demand. Future research should include elite players and assess psychological and physiological mediators to better understand the complex drivers of perceived effort.

Handgrip strength, a component of physical fitness tests and a biomarker of future health, is typically measured annually. However, no studies have looked at the consistency of these measurements over time. We investigated the reliability of handgrip strength measurements among university students who take the test annually. Our data included 3649 students (2769 males and 880 females) who were tested annually over their four years in university. Results showed a significant difference in absolute errors across the three test-retest intervals (p < 0.001). Specifically, the 1-year longitudinal reproducibility was significantly better than the reproducibility at 2-years and 3-years. There were no differences in longitudinal reproducibility between the 2-year and 3-year time points (p = 0.490). The minimal difference values at the 1-year, 2-year, and 3-year time points were 7.70, 8.33, and 8.35 kg, respectively. When comparing the percentage of coefficient variation (%CV) values, the reliability was better in males than in females (p = 0.025). The difference in the %CV between sexes was 0.27 (95% CI: 0.03-0.52) %. When examining the results using absolute error, the results were reversed, with females having lower absolute error values than males (p < 0.001). The reliability values were better for the digital handgrip device as compared to the analog device (p < 0.001). These findings can help evaluate the consistency of handgrip strength measurements made annually. When measured annually in young adults, a change of at least approximately 20% (calculated using %MD in both sexes) in the measured values is necessary to indicate a change confidently.

This study investigated the effects of acute and repeated ischemic preconditioning (IPC) on recovery following high-intensity swim training. Thirty male amateur freestyle swimmers (21 ± 1 years, with at least 2 years of training experience) were randomly assigned to one of three groups: sham IPC (SHAM, n = 10, 4×5 min, 20 mmHg), acute IPC (AIPC, n = 10, 4×5 min, 220 mmHg), or repeated IPC (RIPC, n = 10, 7 days×4×5 min, 220 mmHg). A 7×200m swim incremental load training was conducted 20 minutes after the intervention. External load measures (grip strength, upper limb work, lower limb relative peak torque, average power) and internal load measures [limb circumferences, creatine kinase (CK), malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione (GSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD), total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC), interleukin-6 (IL-6), C-reactive protein (CRP)] were recorded at baseline, immediately, 24h and 48h post exercise. For external load, RIPC exhibited higher upper limb total work and average power than SHAM at all post-training points (P < 0.05), while AIPC exceeded SHAM at 48h (P < 0.05). For internal load, immediately post-training, RIPC had higher T-AOC, lower MDA and IL-6 than the other two groups (P < 0.05); AIPC showed lower MDA than SHAM (P < 0.05). At 24h, RIPC had higher T-AOC than the other two groups; both RIPC and AIPC had lower MDA and IL-6 than SHAM (P < 0.05). Moreover, RIPC had lower CK than SHAM at 24h and 48h (P < 0.05). Findings indicated that both AIPC and RIPC, compared to SHAM, promoted internal and external recovery following intensive swim training, with RIPC being more effective. These results suggest that incorporating repeated IPC sessions into athletes' training routines could be a practical strategy to optimize recovery and improve subsequent performance.

This systematic review aimed to analyze the impact of aerobic, resistance, combined, and mind-body exercise on the cellular markers of the immune system in cancer patients and survivors. Pubmed, Web of Science, the Cochrane Library, and Scopus databases were searched to identify pertinent randomized controlled trials that looked at the effect of exercise interventions on cellular markers of immune system. Risk of Bias 2 (RoB2) Tool was used to evaluate the methodological quality of each study. Of the 20 investigations included, 8 observed beneficial results on the effect of aerobic, resistance, combined, and mind-body exercise on immune cells in cancer patients and survivors when compared to control groups. Observed changes included increases in natural killer (NK) cells, peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and dendritic cell marker DC11c⁺ cytotoxicity, immunoglobulin A, total white blood cells, lymphocytes, NK cell percentages, and NK cell receptor expression (NKG2D⁺ and KIR2DL3⁺). Additionally, NK cell infiltration into healthy prostatic tissue and platelet counts were modulated in some studies. Risk of bias was rated as low in 35% of studies, with 45% classified as high risk, mainly due to randomization and intervention deviations. Exercise, particularly aerobic and mind-body modalities, may improve innate and adaptive immune responses in cancer patients and survivors, although effects were not consistent across all interventions or immune outcomes. More high-quality studies involving diverse types, intensities, and durations of physical exercise are needed during different cancer phases and stages of treatment. Registration Number: CRD42022370010.

This study aimed to compare the effects of individualized versus non-individualized HIIT programming, based on players' locomotor profiles, on the magnitude of adaptations in aerobic, anaerobic, and neuromuscular capacities. A randomized, controlled, parallel-group design was conducted with 46 male youth soccer players (age: 16.5 ± 0.5 years), who were allocated into four groups: individualized HIIT (HIITind), long-interval HIIT only (HIITlong), repeated sprint training only (RST), and a control group that maintained regular training without any HIIT intervention. In the HIITind group, players were assigned to either HIITlong or RST based on their locomotor profile - endurance or speed-oriented - determined by the difference between maximal sprint speed (MSS) and maximal aerobic speed (MAS), respectively. In contrast, players in the HIITlong and RST groups followed the same protocol regardless of their profile. The training intervention lasted six weeks, with sessions conducted twice per week. Players were assessed at baseline and post-intervention for countermovement jump (CMJ), MSS over 30 meters (km/h), repeated sprint ability (RSA), and MAS, using the 5-minute running test. Significant improvements were found in all training groups compared to the control. RST showed greater improvements in CMJ (p < 0.001), MSS (p < 0.001), anaerobic speed reserve (ASR) (p < 0.001), and RSAmean (p < 0.001) compared to HIITind and HIITlong. No significant differences were observed between HIITind and HIITlong. Locomotor profiles influenced MSS (p < 0.001) and ASR (p < 0.001). These findings suggest that while both individualized and non-individualized HIIT protocols improve physical capacities, RST offers superior benefits for anaerobic and neuromuscular adaptations, whereas both HIITind and long are more effective than RST for enhancing aerobic capacity, with no significant differences observed between them.

This study investigated the effects of 12-week interventions on cognitive and physical fitness adaptations in older men with cognitive decline. We employed a randomized, parallel, and controlled design with five groups: team sports (TS), team sports with cognitive training (TS+C), aerobic exercise (A), aerobic exercise with cognitive training (A+C), and a control group (Control). Fifty older male volunteers (mean age: 69.3 ± 3.2 years) were included in the analysis. Interventions consisted of two 60-minute sessions per week for 12 weeks. Both TS and A groups participated in structured physical training, with TS involving 5v5 handball and football games, and A focusing on circuit training exercises. The TS+C and A+C groups additionally incorporated 20-minute cognitive training sessions using a software, targeting memory, attention, and executive functions. The control group maintained their usual routines. Cognitive function was evaluated using the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA). Physical fitness was assessed through six tests of the Senior Fitness Test. Results revealed significant post-intervention differences in MoCA (p < 0.001, ηp² = 0.622), chair stand (p = 0.038, ηp² = 0.189), up and go (p < 0.001, ηp² = 0.516), and 6-minute walk test (p = 0.001, ηp² = 0.333) scores among groups. Post hoc analysis showed that TS, TS+C, A, and A+C groups significantly improved in MoCA, chair stand, up and go, and 6-minute walk test compared to the control group (p < 0.05). No significant differences were observed for arm curl, sit and reach, or back scratch tests. Our findings suggest that 12-week interventions incorporating team sports or aerobic exercise, with or without cognitive training, can improve cognitive function and physical fitness in older men with cognitive decline, and may contribute to strategies aimed at promoting healthy aging.

The aim of this study was twofold: (i) to compare potential variations in reactive strength index (RSI), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS) between the early follicular and mid-luteal phases in response to small-sided games (SSGs); and (ii) to analyze potential interactions in the magnitude of responses to different SSG formats, specifically 1v1 and 5v5. A crossover study design was employed, involving 20 amateur female soccer players (age: 21.4 ± 1.8 years) who were randomly assigned to two groups. With a 15-day interval between sessions, participants underwent repeated assessments following 1v1 and 5v5 formats across two menstrual cycle phases (based on calendar estimates). Participants completed 1v1 and 5v5 sessions and were evaluated at four time points: at rest, immediately post-session, 24 hours post, and 48 hours post. A three-way repeated measures ANOVA was used to assess the effects of play format (1v1, 5v5), hormonal phase (early follicular, mid-luteal), and time (rest, post-exercise, 24h, 48h). RSI was assessed using a drop jump test, IL-6 was measured via salivary analysis, and DOMS was rated using a Likert scale. To control for potential confounders like nutrition, sleep, and training load, participants maintained their regular diet and training during the study, though individual variation in these factors could still affect the results. Significant interactions were found between menstrual cycle phase, format, and time for RSI (p = 0.040; ηp² = 0.154) and IL-6 (p < 0.001; ηp² = 0.773), but not DOMS (p = 0.121; ηp² = 0.283). RSI was significantly lower and IL-6 significantly higher in the mid-luteal phase, especially in 1v1 sessions (RSI: p < 0.001; IL-6: p < 0.001). These findings suggest that neuromuscular fatigue and inflammatory responses to SSGs are modulated by menstrual cycle phase, with potential implications for optimizing training and recovery strategies in female athletes.

This study examined the effects of L-citrulline (L-CIT) and sodium bicarbonate (Sb) supplementation during short sprint interval training (SSIT), both individually and combined, over a 28-day period, to assess the impact on the physical performance and hormonal adaptations of basketball players. Forty young (age = 21.5 ± 1.7 years) male basketball players were randomly assigned into five groups of eight subjects including either L-CIT (6 g daily), Sb (0.3 g·kg^-1 of Sb daily), L-CIT+Sb, placebo (PL), and or an active control group (CON). The training groups engaged in SSIT sessions, consisting of three sets of ten repetitions of five-second all-out sprints, three times per week over four weeks. A series of physical performance tests including countermovement vertical jump, a 20-m linear sprint, Illinois change of direction speed, Wingate anaerobic power, and an incremental exercise test were conducted before and after the training period. In addition, blood samples were obtained to analyze resting testosterone and cortisol levels before and after the training period. Significant improvements in physical performance were observed across all training groups after the 4-week intervention (p < 0.05). Notably, the groups receiving supplements exhibited more pronounced improvements in the physical performance tests (p < 0.01) in comparison to the PL group, indicating superior adaptations. In addition, no significant (p > 0.05) changes were seen in testosterone, but the supplement groups showed lower cortisol levels than other groups following the 4-week intervention. There were no significant differences in physical performance adaptations among the supplement groups. The study reveals that short-term supplementation of L-citrulline and sodium bicarbonate in the capsule form effectively enhance physical performance of basketball players in comparison to a placebo.