{"title":"Effects of blood flow restriction training in athletes: a systematic review and meta-analysis.","authors":"Yilin Zhang, Kai Xu, Mingyue Yin, Bowen Duan, Hao Kong, Yun Xie, Olivier Girard","doi":"10.1055/a-2537-5879","DOIUrl":"10.1055/a-2537-5879","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluated the effects of blood flow restriction training on strength and aerobic capacity in athletes, examining how training variables and participant characteristics influenced outcomes. Four databases were searched for peer-reviewed English-language studies, and the risk of bias and the quality of evidence were assessed using RoB 2 and GRADEpro GDT. We evaluated pre- and post-test differences by a three-level meta-analysis using meta and metafor packages. Subgroup analyses and both linear and nonlinear meta-regression methods were used to explore moderating factors. Sixteen studies with \"some concerns,\" the risk of bias and low evidence level, were included. Combining blood flow restriction with low-intensity resistance training produced an effect size of 0.25 for strength, while combining blood flow restriction with aerobic training had an effect size of 0.42. For aerobic capacity, the effect size of combining blood flow restriction with aerobic training was 0.58. Subgroup and regression analyses showed no significant differences. While blood flow restriction with low-intensity resistance training enhances strength, it does not result in additional gains. Combining blood flow restriction with aerobic training enhances both the strength and the aerobic capacity. Overall, blood flow restriction appears to offer the most benefits for male athletes in improving the strength and aerobic capacity.</p>","PeriodicalId":14439,"journal":{"name":"International journal of sports medicine","volume":" ","pages":"467-481"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2025-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143399134","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Perceived exertion reflects fatigue conditions during power-aimed resistance training.","authors":"Hanye Zhao, Takanori Kurokawa, Masayoshi Tajima, Zijian Liu, Junichi Okada","doi":"10.1055/a-2545-5403","DOIUrl":"10.1055/a-2545-5403","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Fatigue is an inevitable part of resistance training, making its monitoring crucial to prevent performance decline. This study evaluated the validity of ratings of perceived exertion as a measure of fatigue during power bench press exercises. Fourteen sub-elite male athletes completed three bench press tasks with varying volumes (low, medium, and high) at 65% of their one-repetition maximum. The rating of perceived exertion, a spectral fatigue index, and velocity loss were measured across all conditions. Significant effects were observed for the overall ratings of perceived exertion, average velocity loss, and average spectral fatigue index (all <i>p</i><0.001). As tasks progressed, the rating of perceived exertion and the spectral fatigue index increased significantly (<i>p</i><0.001), while the velocity loss was not significant under the low-volume condition. Significant correlations were found between the rating of perceived exertion and the spectral fatigue index (<i>r</i>=0.547, <i>p</i><0.001), the velocity loss and the spectral fatigue index (<i>r</i>=0.603, <i>p</i><0.001), and the rating of perceived exertion and the velocity loss (<i>r</i>=0.667, <i>p</i><0.001). The findings suggest that both the rating of perceived exertion and the velocity loss are valid measures of fatigue in power bench press exercises. However, the rating of perceived exertion is a more practical option due to its simplicity and accessibility. Furthermore, the rating of perceived exertion can act as a substitute for velocity when measurement tools are unavailable. It should be noted that velocity alone may not fully capture fatigue in low-repetition power training.</p>","PeriodicalId":14439,"journal":{"name":"International journal of sports medicine","volume":" ","pages":"437-445"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2025-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12148496/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143492097","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
José M Oliva-Lozano, Stephanie Dominguez, Darren Paul, Rick Cost, CarlosD Gómez-Carmona
{"title":"Hip adductor strength tests used in the context of sports: practical considerations.","authors":"José M Oliva-Lozano, Stephanie Dominguez, Darren Paul, Rick Cost, CarlosD Gómez-Carmona","doi":"10.1055/a-2533-0846","DOIUrl":"10.1055/a-2533-0846","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Hip and groin injuries are prevalent in team sports involving high-intensity actions and multi-directional activities. A hip adductor strength test is a widely used tool to assess hip adduction strength, which is a key risk factor for these injuries. Despite its common usage, there is a lack of standardized guidelines regarding the measurement protocol, leading to inconsistent and unreliable applications. This review aims to synthesize existing research on hip adductor strength testing, highlighting the importance of developing clear guidelines for its implementation. This review covers various aspects of the test, including pre-test warm-up protocols, body positioning, device placement, test execution, verbal commands, data collection and selection, and timing of tests. Key findings suggest that standardized warm-up routines, consistent body and device positioning, clear verbal commands, and specific criteria for invalidating test trials are critical for enhancing the reliability and accuracy of the test. Furthermore, consistent timing and the documentation of test conditions are essential for effective athlete monitoring and injury prevention. By establishing and adhering to these guidelines, sports scientists and medical personnel can make well-informed decisions about athletes' hip adduction strength, ultimately improving injury prevention and performance outcomes in sports.</p>","PeriodicalId":14439,"journal":{"name":"International journal of sports medicine","volume":" ","pages":"459-466"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2025-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143639453","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Epidemiology of causes and management of severe spinal injuries in elite male wrestlers.","authors":"Nana Zhao, Xiao Han, Munku Song, Junjie Liu","doi":"10.1055/a-2558-7555","DOIUrl":"10.1055/a-2558-7555","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Spinal injuries are common in wrestlers. This study aimed to investigate the characteristics and post-injury management practices of severe spinal injuries among elite male wrestlers, with a comparative analysis between Greco-Roman and freestyle wrestling styles. A total of 110 elite male wrestlers (55 Greco-Roman and 55 freestyle athletes) were participated in the study, interviews were conducted severe spinal injuries and their post-injury management practices. Approximately 30.9% of participants reported experiencing severe spinal injuries, and among them, 58.8% were reinjury. These injuries predominantly occurred during technical training sessions due to overuse mechanisms during offensive maneuvers. Among the injured athletes, only 38.2% received specialized rehabilitation, and 35.3% obtained medical clearance before returning to play. The Greco-Roman style was found to have a significantly higher risk of reinjury than the freestyle (odds ratio=5.24 and 95% confidence interval=1.09-21.25). There were significant differences in the specific situations causing spinal injuries between wrestling styles (<i>p</i>=0.018). In conclusion, this study demonstrates that elite male wrestlers are at high risk of severe spinal injury and reinjury; yet, they often lack adequate post-injury management. Moreover, the differences in reinjury rates and specific situations causing injuries based on wrestling styles emphasize the need for tailored prevention and management strategies for each style.</p>","PeriodicalId":14439,"journal":{"name":"International journal of sports medicine","volume":" ","pages":"525-532"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2025-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143624759","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Madison L Brna, Katherine L Smulligan, Mathew J Wingerson, Samantha N Magliato, Lindsay E Kemp, Julie C Wilson, David R Howell
{"title":"Anxiety, pain, and fear of pain: predictors of postural stability after a concussion.","authors":"Madison L Brna, Katherine L Smulligan, Mathew J Wingerson, Samantha N Magliato, Lindsay E Kemp, Julie C Wilson, David R Howell","doi":"10.1055/a-2558-7690","DOIUrl":"10.1055/a-2558-7690","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>A concussion can lead to anxiety, pain, kinesiophobia, and/or postural control deficits. We conducted a cross-sectional study evaluating adolescents with a recent concussion. We hypothesized that those reporting higher levels of anxiety, pain-interference, and kinesiophobia would perform worse on postural control tests. Participants completed anxiety, pain-interference, and kinesiophobia ratings and postural control tests (single/dual-task tandem gait and a modified balance error scoring system). Using a multivariable linear regression model, we evaluated the relationship among anxiety, pain-interference, and kinesiophobia (predictors) with postural control measures (tandem gait and a modified balance error scoring system, outcomes), adjusting for sex and anxiety history. We enrolled 128 participants (53% female, age=15.4±1.7 y, and 9.3±4.0 d post-concussion). Higher anxiety was weakly correlated with slower dual-task tandem gait times (<i>r</i>=0.31; <i>p</i>=0.001) and more modified balance error scoring system errors (<i>r</i>=0.22; <i>p</i>=0.01). Multivariable modeling indicated that a higher post-concussion anxiety rating was associated with a slower dual-task tandem gait time (<i>β</i>=0.21, 95% confidence interval=0.01-0.41; <i>p</i>=0.04). The female sex was associated with slower single-task tandem gait (<i>β</i>=-3.01, 95% confidence interval=-6.01, -0.01; <i>p</i>=0.049). Adolescents with a higher anxiety post-concussion performed worse on dual-task tandem gait assessments, while pain-interference and kinesiophobia were not associated with postural control. Anxiety and impaired postural control are independently associated with poor concussion outcomes; thus, this association may inform individualized concussion care strategies.</p>","PeriodicalId":14439,"journal":{"name":"International journal of sports medicine","volume":" ","pages":"446-455"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2025-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143624757","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Isabel G Martinez, Jessica R Biesiekierski, Christopher E Rauch, Ricardo J S Costa
{"title":"Feeding Tolerance to a Running Gut-Challenge Protocol: a Cross-Sectional Exploration.","authors":"Isabel G Martinez, Jessica R Biesiekierski, Christopher E Rauch, Ricardo J S Costa","doi":"10.1055/a-2541-2821","DOIUrl":"10.1055/a-2541-2821","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>This study examined gastrointestinal function, substrate utilization, and exercise performance differences in response to a gut-challenge between (1) female and male athletes, (2) young adult versus masters athletes, and (3) athletes with or without exercise-associated gastrointestinal symptom history (Ex-GIS). Fifty-three endurance athletes (43 males and 10 females) completed a gut-challenge involving a 2-hour run (60% <i>V̇</i>O<sub>2max</sub>) with 90 g/h carbohydrate intake, followed by a 1-hour self-paced distance test (DT) with <i>ad libitum</i> water. Blood and breath samples were collected pre- and post-exercise. Blood glucose and substrate utilization during exercise were measured, while Ex-GIS and feeding tolerance were assessed pre-, during, and post-exercise. Interest in food and appetite during exercise was lower in symptomatic athletes than asymptomatic athletes (<i>p</i><0.05). Females had a higher blood glucose concentration during exercise (<i>p</i>=0.037) and immediately after exercise (<i>p</i>=0.003) and a lower whole-body fat oxidation rate during exercise (<i>p</i>=0.009). Exercise performance did not differ based on the biological sex, age, and Ex-GIS history. Overall, gastrointestinal functional markers were comparable between groups, while feeding tolerance and substrate availability and utilization appear to be influenced by the Ex-GIS history and biological sex, respectively. Tailored management of gastrointestinal issues in athletes should be based on an individual basis as opposed to general demographic characteristics.</p>","PeriodicalId":14439,"journal":{"name":"International journal of sports medicine","volume":" ","pages":"510-524"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2025-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144019338","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Cem Sofuoğlu, Rafael Akira Fujita, Kadir Keskin, Okan Kamiş, Neslihan Akçay
{"title":"Acute electrical muscle stimulation effects on strength and anaerobic power in soccer players.","authors":"Cem Sofuoğlu, Rafael Akira Fujita, Kadir Keskin, Okan Kamiş, Neslihan Akçay","doi":"10.1055/a-2563-9289","DOIUrl":"10.1055/a-2563-9289","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Anaerobic power and lower limb muscle strength are of great importance in soccer, and various preloading strategies are used to improve these abilities. We investigated the acute effects of electrical muscle stimulation on muscle strength and anaerobic power in soccer players. Nineteen healthy male soccer players (age=21.1±1.6 y, training experience=10.1±3.2 y, height=178.1±4.0 cm, and body mass=8.9±3.7 kg) participated in the study. A placebo effect was created without telling the participants that which current (intensity) was applied. After the current applied to the quadriceps muscles, strength and anaerobic power tests were performed. Perceived exertion assessment was also collected after the performance tests. The 75 Hz current exhibited better performance in dominant (<i>p</i><0.001 and <i>d</i>=0.75) quadriceps muscle group strength (kg). The 75 Hz current condition peak power had significantly higher values than 15 Hz (<i>p</i><0.05 and <i>d</i>=0.38) and 104 Hz conditions (<i>p</i><0.05 and <i>d</i>=0.60). Therefore, the 75 Hz current was the most successful in improving lower extremity strength and anaerobic power performances of soccer players. Future research should examine how to utilize sport-specific abilities related to strength and anaerobic power in soccer players for longer periods at peak.</p>","PeriodicalId":14439,"journal":{"name":"International journal of sports medicine","volume":" ","pages":"501-509"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2025-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143669163","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"A silent opponent: Staphylococcus aureus and its impact on wrestlers.","authors":"Talia Thomas, Angela Moore, Swapan Nath, Greg Kearns","doi":"10.1055/a-2517-9103","DOIUrl":"10.1055/a-2517-9103","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Community acquired methicillin resistant <i>Staphylococcus aureus</i> infections have surged dramatically over the past decade. Athletes in contact sports, especially wrestlers, represent a unique subset of young, healthy individuals who are at heightened risk for transmitting methicillin resistant <i>Staphylococcus aureus</i>. The sport of wrestling has seen a significant increase in participation, particularly among adolescents, underscoring its growing popularity and the urgent need to address this issue. Unfortunately, the rates of community acquired methicillin resistant <i>Staphylococcus aureus</i> have followed a similar upward trend. Treatment options for community acquired methicillin resistant <i>Staphylococcus aureus</i> vary, ranging from topical or systemic antibiotics to more invasive interventions like incision, drainage, and intralesional injections. Preventive measures are also essential and include avoiding shared equipment, meticulous mat and gear cleaning, and eliminating bacterial colonization. While existing research supports the effectiveness of decolonization strategies in hospital settings, there is a pressing need to adapt and implement these approaches within the wrestling community. Current prevention methods, such as mat cleaning and skin checks before competitions, are insufficient on their own. By adopting more comprehensive decolonization protocols tailored to the wrestling environment, we can better protect athletes and reduce the incidence of community acquired methicillin resistant <i>Staphylococcus aureus</i> skin infections.</p>","PeriodicalId":14439,"journal":{"name":"International journal of sports medicine","volume":" ","pages":"383-389"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2025-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143501266","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Masumeh Alizadeh Osalou, Muhammed Mustafa Atakan, Yasemin Güzel, Şükran Nazan Koşar
{"title":"Twelve-week interval training alters cytokines, adipokines and bone markers in women with obesity.","authors":"Masumeh Alizadeh Osalou, Muhammed Mustafa Atakan, Yasemin Güzel, Şükran Nazan Koşar","doi":"10.1055/a-2502-9854","DOIUrl":"10.1055/a-2502-9854","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>This study aimed to investigate the effects of a 12-week high-intensity interval training on inflammatory cytokines, adipokines, and markers of bone turnover and examine whether high-intensity interval training-induced changes in inflammatory cytokines and adipokines were associated with changes in markers of bone turnover. Twenty-four women with obesity (mean [standard deviation]: age: 36.1 [3.38] years, height: 158.9 [11.9] cm, and body mass index: 31.9 [1.5] kg/m<sup>2</sup>) were randomly assigned to either control (<i>n</i>=10) or high-intensity interval training (<i>n</i>=14) groups. Body mass (- 2.7%), fat mass (- 15%), and percent body fat (- 6.2%) significantly decreased (<i>p</i><0.05), while the predicted V̇O<sub>2max</sub> increased (29.6%; <i>p</i><0.001) following the high-intensity interval training program. The training program resulted in increased adiponectin (7.6%) and osteocalcin (11.3%; <i>p</i><0.05) and reduced tumor necrosis factor alpha (66.1%), interleukin-1α (18.6%), C-reactive protein (24.0%), leptin (21.5%), and carboxy-terminal telopeptide cross-linking type one collagen (14%; <i>p</i><0.05). When high-intensity interval training and control groups were analyzed separately, training-induced changes in inflammatory cytokines and adipokines were not associated with changes in bone turnover markers (<i>p</i>>0.05), whereas significant associations were found when the data of the groups were analyzed together (<i>p</i><0.05). In conclusion, a 12-week high-intensity interval exercise program improves the inflammatory state, adipokines, markers of bone turnover, cardiorespiratory fitness, and body composition in women with obesity.</p>","PeriodicalId":14439,"journal":{"name":"International journal of sports medicine","volume":" ","pages":"402-411"},"PeriodicalIF":2.0,"publicationDate":"2025-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143572901","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Pierpaolo Sansone, Enrique Alonso Perez Chao, Feng Li, Lorenzo Gasperi, Miguel A Gómez-Ruano, Daniele Conte
{"title":"Contextual factors influencing basketball training and competition demands: a systematic review.","authors":"Pierpaolo Sansone, Enrique Alonso Perez Chao, Feng Li, Lorenzo Gasperi, Miguel A Gómez-Ruano, Daniele Conte","doi":"10.1055/a-2533-0917","DOIUrl":"10.1055/a-2533-0917","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>This systematic review described the effects of contextual factors on basketball training and competition demands. A comprehensive search and process led to the inclusion of 28 articles representing 646 basketball players. Fourteen contextual factors were identified. A decrease in external load variables was evident in the fourth quarter of games compared to the first quarter (effect sizes: small-large). The impact of game locations on load variables was inconsistent. Game outcomes did not influence external or internal loads. Conversely, close games were associated with higher physical and physiological demands than unbalanced games (effect sizes: moderate-very large). Higher external game loads were found in won quarters (effect size: small) and during scoring streaks (effect size: moderate). In youth male teams, those with superior performance covered less distances and exhibited better locomotor ratios compared to lower-level counterparts. Weekly external and internal training loads were adjusted according to the opponent's level in adult males. Internal game loads were found to be consistent across different season phases. Weekly total loads were higher during periods of congested schedules (effect sizes: moderate-very large), with training loads being reduced to offset the increased demands of game loads (effect size: moderate). This review offers basketball practitioners' insights into the external and internal loads that can be anticipated based on the contextual factors of training and competition.</p>","PeriodicalId":14439,"journal":{"name":"International journal of sports medicine","volume":" ","pages":"430-436"},"PeriodicalIF":2.2,"publicationDate":"2025-06-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143639451","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}