In addition to an athlete’s physical abilities, his or her mental state is also vital for optimal recovery and a successful return to sport after an injury. The purpose of the present review was to determine which psychological factors affect the success of rehabilitation and return to sport following the most frequent musculotendinous thigh injuries (hamstrings, hip adductors, knee extensors), and

The purpose of this systematic review was to produce a best evidence synthesis of the effects of Kinesiology Tape (KT) in the treatment of tendinopathies. An electronic search on five databases (PubMed, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), Cochrane Library, SportDiscus, and Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro)) was conducted. Studies were included if (1) patients suffered

The issue of Relative Age Effect (RAE) focuses on the causes and consequences of the failure to respect development patterns of individuals in relation to their success, especially in sports. This study aims to determine whether the influence of the RAE can be proven in the Czech youth ice hockey league (U15) (n=744). A Chi-Square test (χ2) has shown that the influence in the whole investigated group

Longstanding groin pain is a non-infectious and inflammatory chronic condition that causes inguinal pain in athletes. We compared dextrose prolotherapy (15% dextrose solution) and platelet-rich plasma (autologous platelet gel, plasma rich in growth factors, platelet concentrate) injections in male soccer players with longstanding groin pain. Forty elite male soccer players, ages between 13 and 33,

This study aimed to investigate whether cabergoline therapy alone for six months or in combination with a light exercise programme for an additional three months can attenuate hyperprolactinemia in 13 male patients (range: 22 to 45 yrs.) through measuring pituitary-gonadal hormones including prolactin, follicle-stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone, and total testosterone. The exercise programme

Although normalizing the EMG signals is necessary for physiological interpretation and comparison between muscles and between subjects, no EMG study has investigated the standardized position to achieve maximal contraction for the adductor magnus muscle. Accordingly, it is necessary to employ a maximum voluntary isometric contraction (MVIC) position that elicits the highest activation to increase the

Equine-assisted activities (EAA) have emerged as a new method of treatment for children diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in recent years. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of EAA in the areas of social functioning, autistic behaviours, family functioning, and clinical severity for children diagnosed with ASD. The participants were 24 children (4-12 years old) diagnosed with

This study aimed to investigate the effects of a short-term core stability exercise on functional movement and balance in people with mild lower-limb discomfort. Twenty people with mild lower-limb discomfort were randomly assigned to control (CG) and core stability exercise training groups (SG, n=10 each). The SG completed twenty 30-min training sessions consisting of Pilates exercises for four weeks

Determining oxygen muscle saturation (SmO2) using near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) is an emerging technique that is increasingly used in sports science; therefore, it is necessary to know its results in different population groups. We analysed it in a group of recreational participants in Nordic Walking. The purpose of this research was to analyse the SmO2 values obtained at various times from testing

Although sports officials are essential in the adjudication of rules during competitions, research into officiating populations is preliminary. This review explores existing research on the effects of sleep loss on decision-making in athlete populations, to gain relevant insight into sports officials and the growing decision-making demands of their role. Specifically, cognitive factors that influence

Physical activity (PA) is a beneficial health behaviour. To present the worldwide, regional, and national prevalence of PA participation in adolescents. The study was based on surveys of adolescents’ population from several countries worldwide. The sample comprised 520,533 adolescents (251,788 boys, 268,745 girls), from 105 countries and regions. Most adolescents engaged in PA up to 3 times/week (57

Post-activation potentiation has proven to be an effective strategy to enhance performance for many tasks, but little research has been conducted specifically concerning endurance sport performance. This study examined whether 5-km run performance could be improved by completing pre-run strides while wearing a 6.8 kg weighted compression garment (LOAD). A counter-balanced crossover field study design

This study aimed to establish reference values for technical performance profile of the block regarding execution and efficacy according to the category of competition in female volleyball. The sample of the study was composed of a total of 9,024 blocks from 187 sets of 48 matches played by the top eight teams of under-14, under-16, under-18, 2nd national senior division, 1st national senior division

The effects of water-based exercises on body composition continue to be controversial. The present study was proposed to assess the impact of pool workouts on weight, body composition, resting energy expenditure (REE), and the quality of life of sedentary obese older women without dietary intervention. Fifty-five sedentary obese women (mean age 69.5 ± 4.3 years) were selected in this prospective experimental

The aim of this study was to examine the effect of an eight-week plyometric training and resistance programme, on different motor abilities, kicking speeds, and individual techniques in competitive junior soccer players. A training programme was applied for eight weeks and was composed of countermovement jump, countermovement onto a box, sprints, and sprints with change of direction. The players were

The present study examined whether physical activity participation between Pokémon GO users was different from that of non-users. Participants’ perceptions of the game in terms of promoting physical activity were also evaluated. A total of 393 college students (Female=175, age M=19.03, SD=2.04) took an online survey that measured user activity, perceptions on the game, and recalled physical activity

The use of prohibited substances in the world of sport, in and out of competition, is a major global problem. A number of similar studies have been conducted in other parts of the world that investigate the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of athletes about doping. The results of those studies cannot entirely be extrapolated to elite Turkish athletes. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate elite

The objectives of this study were (i) to determine whether there is a relationship between the relative age effect (RAE) and the final classification of the teams, player’s positions, number of goals scored, and shooting effectiveness, and (ii) to determine whether there are differences in the number of goals scored and shooting effectiveness depending on the final classification and player’s positions

This study aimed to determine the effect of 16 minutes of thermal stress followed by 2 minutes of cold water immersion on the physiological parameters of fifty-five sedentary men (mean age 20.15±1.30 years), who were exposed to 16 minutes of sauna (temperature: 90-91°C; relative humidity: 14-16%) followed by 2 minutes of cold water immersion (12°C). The participants' somatic characteristics were determined

Physical Activity (PA) is considered a coadjutant factor in the control of hypertension, helping to control this societal burden. This study investigates the factors that may influence the adoption of PA recommendations by hypertensive individuals by comparing physical activity patterns among hypertensives and normotensives and the importance placed on PA by both groups. Data from 966 Portuguese participants

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of plyometric training on sand and wooden parquet training surfaces on the physical performance parameters of young male basketball players. Twelve well-trained young male basketball players with age 17.58±0.5 years, body mass 87.73±9.82 kg, and height 193.75±7.02 cm were voluntarily involved in the study. All participants were grouped randomly

ABSTRACT The primary goal of the present paper is to analyse and compare the criteria on the conditions and requirements for academic promotion in three countries: Serbia, Slovenia and Montenegro. The University of Novi Sad, the University of Ljubljana, and the University of Montenegro were selected to be subjects in this study. The sources used for the analyses in this study were the official criteria

Between late adolescence and early adulthood, people experience a precipitous decline in their participation in physical activity. Those attending college or university are often presented with opportunities to partake in physical activity, sometimes under compulsory conditions and sometimes under elective conditions. This study examined the psychological and behavioural characteristics of freshman

The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of the way the reception was executed on the efficacy of the reception in men’s beach volleyball. The sample of this study was composed of 5,161 receptions, corresponding to 84 matches (179 sets) of the Men’s Beach Volleyball World Tour organized by the Fédération Internationale de Volleyball (FIVB). The sample included only confrontations between

Despite significant advances in the knowledge and understanding of associations between the phenomenon of excess body weight (hereafter “overweightness”) and fundamental movement skill (FMS) proficiency, the question of how overweightness affects critical features of movement remains unanswered. This study examined the differences in the proficiency of FMS between boys and girls with different weight

This study aimed to estimate parameters of the model in which perseverance of effort and consistency of interest of grit scale are related directly to objectively measured physical activity (PA) and indirectly via PA intention in school students (N = 209) aged 12 to 14 years. The Grit Scale was used to estimate the consistency of interests and perseverance of efforts. The measure for intention consisted

This study aimed to investigate the effect of acute endurance exercise on cardiac and skeletal muscles in smokers and non-smokers. Eight daily smokers (28.44 ± 3.94 years) and nine non-smokers (29.62 ± 3.46 years) were included. The subjects were not trained and performed continuous endurance exercise on a treadmill for 40 minutes at 70% of maximal heart rate. Venous blood samples were collected at

This study aimed to examine the relationships between burnout and coping strategies among private health and fitness centre employees. Using a stratified random sampling method, a sample of 205 employees (50.7% males and 49.3% females) (51.2% full time and 48.8% part-time) completed the Maslach Burnout Inventory-General Survey (MBI–GS) and Ways of Coping Survey questionnaires. Statistical analysis

The main objective of this research is to focus on a systematic review of the literature on handball, to identify potential areas for future research in this specific area of specialization. The most common research topics were identified, their methodologies were described, and the evolutionary tendencies of this area of research were systematized. Within a systematic review of the Web of Science

Digital media engagement in families in Singaporean society is increasing at an unprecedented pace. Limited research in the last five years in Singapore shows that young children experience significant amounts of screen time from television, computers and other forms of mobile digital devices, even before primary school. For children, digital media use can aid with learning, but its overuse has inimical

Muscle denervation is one of the most critical pathological factors involved in muscle atrophy as a result of ageing. This study aims to investigate the chronic effect of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) on cross-sectional areas and muscle denervation genes, interpreted in the plantaris muscle atrophy of aged rats. Twenty-eight aged and young rats were divided into four different groups, including

Th is study aimed to explore the eff ects of previous instruction on technical, tactical and external workload performances in football small-sided games. Two 7-a-side balanced competitive teams received instructions regarding the rules of the small-sided games proposed. Additionally, one team received instructions from the coach regarding the collective tactical behaviour required for each exercise

Recreational soccer (RS) has a great potential to improve the physical fi tness levels of diverse populations when performed two to three times per week. However, to date, only Beato and collaborators have examined the eff ects of once-a-week RS on physical fi tness, even though this frequency is widespread among participants. Th us, this study aimed to investigate the eff ect of weekly performed RS

Balance is fundamental in sport, especially when there is an opponent. Although balance can be improved with practice, it is highly aff ected by nervous system disorders, particularly by vestibular disorders and visual impairment. Th e purpose of this study was to compare static and dynamic balance between normal and hearing-impaired wrestlers. Th e participants were 52 young male hearing-impaired

Th is study aimed to test average body heights in both the male and females of Kosovo, as well as the diff erences in heights of both sexes in relation to the Kosovo administrative regions. A total of 1623 subjects participated in the research: 830 boys and 793 girls all attending their fi nal year of secondary school. Th e anthropometric measurements were taken for subjects of both sexes from fi ve

Th is study aimed to explore whether a six-week intervention, based on participation in outdoor exercise, including activity-tracking devices and combined with individual consulting sessions, can both increase physical activity and yield positive changes in physiological and psychological health measures. A total of six participants, with a mean age of 41.2 (range 33-50 years), completed the ten-week

Th e purpose of the present study was to investigate the eff ects of exponential and linear tapering protocols on the distance covered according to playing positions among junior elite soccer players. One-hundred and fi ft y-eight junior elite soccer players (mean age: 17.07±0.79 years; mean height: 177.85±6.64 cm; mean weight: 71.27±7.96 kg; mean body-mass index: 22.50±1.66 kg/m2) were randomly selected

Spirometry is an essential test for assessing the state of the respiratory system. It provides the measurement of the ventilation volumes and fl ows expressed in absolute and relative values. Among elite athletes, the values of ventilation parameters are usually higher than the norm; therefore the interpretation of individual results of elite athletes in relation to the general healthy population is

African American girls’ physical activity signifi cantly declines during adolescence. Single mothers are raising many African American girls. Research on the benefi ts of fathers’ involvement on physical activity is minimal, especially regarding girls. Th e current study examines the impact that fathers’ involvement and family structure have on physical activity behaviours among African American adolescent

Blood fl ow restriction training (BFRT) has been shown to be an eff ective alternative technique to conventional resistance training to increase skeletal muscle hypertrophy and strength. However, neuromuscular response to BFRT in combination with nutritional supplementation has rarely been studied. Th e purpose of this study was to investigate the eff ects of BFRT combined with creatine monohydrate

Th e purpose of this study was to examine the acute eff ects of jumping exercise (JE) immediately aft er diff erent stretching protocols on fl exibility and power in healthy adults. Th is study was conducted with a balanced crossover design. Th irteen healthy males (25.4±3.46 years old) voluntarily participated in this study. All participants randomly completed four trials, including three diff erent

The present study aims to determine the associations between family, neighbourhood, and school social capital with academic achievement among Lithuanian high-school students. The study included 1854 high-school students (901 males and 953 females) aged 16-18 years. At the end of the school year, the students’ achievements were measured as an average grade. Family, neighbourhood, and school social capital

Despite the success of the FIFA 11+ programme in preventing injury, convincing coaches and players to do these exercises is diffi cult only in order to prevent injury, unless the programme can be shown to have a positive and direct impact on the performance. Th is study aims to investigate the eff ect of the FIFA 11+ programme on vertical jump performance in male elite-youth soccer players. Twenty-four

Th e purpose of current study is investigating eff ect of Blood Flow Restriction Interval Training on aerobic performance among young football players during transition phase of periodization. Twenty eight young male football players were recruited in this study. Subjects were randomly divided into three groups: control, Normal Interval without Kaatsu, and Interval with Kaatsu. Exercise protocol was

Training is a complex process that depends, among other factors, on the intensity and volume of training. Th e objective of this study was to analyse the volume of training in several sports as a function of sex and age. Th e study sample consisted of 302 sportspersons (men, n=132; women, n=170) who participated in the 16th Games of the Small States of Europe (1st to 6th June 2015) in representing

Th e aim of this research was to explore the relationship between objectively measured physical activity and fundamental motor skills in 8-to-11-year-old children from the Czech Republic. Th e research sample consisted of 201 children (108 boys and 93 girls) aged 8-11 from Olomouc, Czech Republic. Th e Test of Gross Motor Development 2 was used to assess the level of children’s fundamental motor skills

Th is study aims to investigate the eff ect of lower extremity (LE) injuries on bilateral hamstring eccentric strength imbalance (HSI) and to determine the relationship between body weight (BW) and HSI in young male soccer players. Eighty-eight young soccer players aged 14-19 in Turkey voluntarily participated in this study. Eccentric hamstring strength measurements were taken using a NordBord® Hamstring

Th is study investigated burnout and turnover intentions among 119 South African sport coaches (78 males and 38 females) aged 18 to 64 years (M = 30.28, SD = 9.83 years), who were recruited to participate in the study. Data were collected using the Maslach Burnout Inventory and Turnover Intentions Questionnaire. Th e results showed that sport coaches reported low levels of emotional exhaustion and

This study aimed to investigate the effect of official soccer matches on selected markers of muscle damage in U-21 soccer players. A group of 19 trained, healthy male soccer players from the junior category took part in this study. Blood samples were assessed pre-match and immediately after a match in response to a competitive (2×45 min) soccer match. Analysis was performed for muscle damage and inflammatory

In recent years, many studies have demonstrated the importance of movement for the human body, from the improvement of cardiovascular effi cacy to the enhancement of muscular functions, metabolic balance, and organ systems. Th e brain is no exception and benefi ts greatly from movement, both structurally and functionally. Memory, creativity, and intelligence, are only a few of the many things that

The objective of this study was to examine the relationship between physical activity and anthropological status in six-year-old children. The study was conducted on 30 boys (years 6.34 ± 0.51) and 30 girls (years 6.21 ± 0.59). Six tests for motor ability evaluation, two measures for assessing morphological characteristics, and a questionnaire for assessing physical activity and sedentary activities

The present study explored the sensitivity of the force-velocity (F-V) modelling approach obtained from maximal sprints on a leg cycle ergometer to detect selective changes of the mechanical capacities of the lower body muscles associated with high-level training. Specifically, we assumed that the F-V relationship parameters, such as maximum force (F0), velocity (V0), power (PM) and slope, would differ

Physicians’ knowledge, confidence, and prior training will influence physical activity (PA) counselling in general practice. This study evaluated the effects of a PA learning module on knowledge, skills, and attitudes toward PA counselling in third-year medical students. Students (n=216; age: 21.1±2.2 years; 47% males; participation rate 91%) participated in a PA learning module that included tutorials

In Slovenia, the existing studies of relations between physical activity (PA), academic performance (AP) and urbanization grade have used subjective self-reporting tools for assessing physical activity, which usually led to an underestimation of true PA. We have attempted to overcome this and have investigated the link between PA in rural and urban Slovenian schoolchildren by an objective assessment

Th is study analysed the Brazilian SuperLeague Men’s Volleyball 2011/2012 season and 2012/2013 season, in an attempt to identify the game-related factors allowing the determination of winning and losing teams. All games (n=294) of the Brazilian SuperLeague Men’s Volleyball 2011/2012 season and 2012/2013 season were analysed. In the 2011/2012 season, the Total Set Actions (TSETA) and Total Points Made

This study applied the self-determination theory to examine the perceived autonomy support and basic psychological needs of women participating in a health-related exercise programme with respect to exercise stage of change (three stages including Preparation, Action, and Maintenance) and exercise type (Aerobic vs Strength & Flexibility). The sample consisted of 316 women (M age=25.1 years, SD=7.2)

Grounded in self-determination theory (SDT), this study tested a model of motivational sequence in which perceived autonomy support from teachers in a physical education (PE) context predicted the perceived effort and physical self-esteem via self-determined motivation in school students. School students aged 12 to 16 years from Estonia (N = 816), Lithuania (N = 706), Hungary (N = 664), and Spain (N

Plyometric training is an important part of athletic conditioning with many significant benefits, including improved motor abilities and performance, but it can also increase the serum indices of muscle damage, collagen breakdown, muscle swelling, and soreness. Due to the physical characteristics of water, plyometric training in water presents less eccentric contraction, facilitates faster transition

This study measured students’ free-living Physical Activity (PA) in order to examine activity patterns of youth. Students (N=221) in 12-classes wore accelerometers to measure their PA over six weeks in and out-of-school while participating in a fitness unit. PA was significantly higher during Non-PE-Days and PE-Days than on Sundays. PA was significantly higher during baseline than weeks five and six

This study aimed to identify the effects of different kick types on the relationship between kicking leg muscle activation and ball velocity. The muscle activation of selected knee extensor and flexor muscles of 10 amateur soccer players were measured using electromyography during the performance of six maximal soccer kick types. The highest ball velocity was achieved by the instep kick (96.2 km/hr-1)