Journal of Functional Morphology and Kinesiology最新文献

{"title":"Associations Between Segmental Upper-Extremity Isometric Strength and Shuttlecock Velocity in Young Badminton Players.","authors":"Yalcin Aydin, Varol Tutal, Fatma Beyza Bilgic, Aslı Ceyhan, Eda Bayer, Cíntia França, Fahri Safa Cinarli","doi":"10.3390/jfmk11030360","DOIUrl":"10.3390/jfmk11030360","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b>Background and Objectives</b>: Upper-extremity strength is considered an important contributor to badminton stroke performance; however, the independent contributions of specific muscle groups to shuttlecock velocity in young players remain unclear. This study investigated the associations between segmental upper-extremity isometric strength and shuttlecock velocity in young badminton players. <b>Methods</b>: Twenty-four competitive U11 badminton players (12 males and 12 females; mean age, 10 years) participated in this cross-sectional study. Handgrip and segmental upper-extremity isometric strength (elbow, shoulder, and wrist muscle groups) were assessed using dynamometry. Shuttlecock velocity during a badminton smash was measured using a radar gun. <b>Results</b>: Shuttlecock velocity was positively correlated with all measured upper-extremity strength variables (<i>r</i> = 0.408-0.704, all <i>p</i> < 0.05). After adjustment for sex and upper-limb length, only shoulder extension (<i>r</i> = 0.529, <i>p</i> = 0.011), shoulder flexion (<i>r</i> = 0.557, <i>p</i> = 0.007), shoulder external rotation (<i>r</i> = 0.430, <i>p</i> = 0.046), and shoulder internal rotation strength (<i>r</i> = 0.495, <i>p</i> = 0.019) remained significantly associated with shuttlecock velocity. Multiple regression analyses confirmed these shoulder-specific strength measures as independent predictors of shuttlecock velocity (β = 0.343-0.468, all <i>p</i> < 0.05), explaining 57.2-63.8% of the adjusted variance. <b>Conclusions</b>: Although shuttlecock velocity was initially associated with all upper-extremity strength measures, only shoulder-specific strength remained associated with performance after adjustment for sex and upper-limb length. These exploratory findings suggest that shoulder strength may represent a relevant physical correlate of badminton smash performance in young athletes; however, confirmation in larger, adequately powered studies is required.</p>","PeriodicalId":16052,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Functional Morphology and Kinesiology","volume":"11 3","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2026-09-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13608410/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149038960","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}

{"title":"Transferability of Intra- and Inter-Sectoral Coordination Between Training Tasks and Official Matches in Semi-Professional Football Players.","authors":"Eduardo Maio, José E Teixeira, Luís Branquinho, António J Silva, Pedro Forte, Ricardo Ferraz","doi":"10.3390/jfmk11030364","DOIUrl":"10.3390/jfmk11030364","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b>Background</b>: This study examined training-to-match transferability of positional coordination in semi-professional football players, comparing responses between defensive and midfield/offensive positional sectors. <b>Methods</b>: Twenty-nine players were monitored during the 2023-2024 season. Positional data and external load were collected using global positioning system (GPS) technology. Technical-tactical key performance indicators (KPI) were obtained from SportsBase. Internal training load was assessed using the rating of perceived exertion (RPE), and wellness status was evaluated using the Hooper Index (HI). <b>Results</b>: Official matches were associated with greater total distance, average and maximum speed, speed events, acceleration and deceleration events, and mechanical power outputs (<i>p</i> < 0.001), with the largest effects for maximum speed (<i>d</i> = 1.25), deceleration events (<i>d</i> = 1.14), speed events (<i>d</i> = 1.13), and relative mechanical power (<i>d</i> = 1.05). Positional responses showed distinct training-to-match patterns. In the defensive sector, the official matches showed higher spread rate (SR; <i>p</i> = 0.031, <i>d</i> = -1.83) and contraction time (CT; <i>p</i> = 0.007, <i>d</i> = -2.20). In the midfield/offensive sector, matches showed greater effective playing space, width, length, longitudinal synchronization, distance to sector centroid, and stretch index (<i>p</i> = 0.005-0.017; <i>d</i> = 1.73-2.61), whereas dyadic-distance variability was greater during training (<i>p</i> < 0.001, <i>d</i> = 4.46). Linear mixed-effects models confirmed greater locomotor and high-intensity demands during matches, while positional differences were more selective. No statistically robust tactical-sector differences were observed for KPIs, internal load, or wellness after adjustment for multiple comparisons. <b>Conclusions</b>: Training-to-match transferability was positional sector-dependent, with greater spatial expansion and longitudinal coordination in offensive players and higher overall locomotor demands during matches.</p>","PeriodicalId":16052,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Functional Morphology and Kinesiology","volume":"11 3","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2026-09-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13608130/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149039150","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}

{"title":"Anthropometric Characteristics, Neuromuscular Performance and Cardiorespiratory Fitness of Chilean Youth Soccer Players: A Cross-Sectional Study.","authors":"Gonzalo Arias-Álvarez, Hellen Belmar-Arriagada, Waldo Osorio-Torres, Andrea González-Escobar, Víctor Arévalo-Parra, Edzon Riquelme-Yáñez, Mario Muñoz-Bustos, Oscar Rincón-León","doi":"10.3390/jfmk11030363","DOIUrl":"10.3390/jfmk11030363","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b>Background and Objectives</b>: Comprehensive physical profiling is important for monitoring athletic development in youth soccer players (YSP), yet integrated data from competitive South American players remain limited. This study aimed to characterize the anthropometric profile, neuromuscular performance, and cardiorespiratory fitness of competitive Chilean YSP and explore associations among these components. <b>Methods</b>: This cross-sectional study included 24 male YSP from a Chilean professional club academy. Participants underwent anthropometric assessment, bilateral quadriceps isometric strength testing, vertical jump testing (Squat Jump [SJ], Countermovement Jump [CMJ], and Abalakov Jump [ABK]), and maximal cardiopulmonary exercise testing. The primary analysis was an integrated characterization of anthropometric, neuromuscular performance, and cardiorespiratory fitness. Secondary exploratory analyses included correlations with false discovery rate adjustment and multiple linear regression. <b>Results</b>: Participants had a median age of 13.5 years (IQR: 13.0-14.0) and a BMI of 21.1 ± 1.6 kg·m^-2. Mean bilateral quadriceps strength was 406.1 ± 70.0 N, while mean jump heights were 24.6 ± 4.2 cm for SJ, 28.4 ± 3.7 cm for CMJ, and 33.4 ± 5.3 cm for ABK. The average relative VO₂peak was 55.0 ± 4.7 mL·kg^-1·min^-1, while absolute VO₂peak was slightly higher than predicted. Bilateral quadriceps strength was positively associated with all three jumps before FDR adjustment; after FDR correction, the associations with CMJ and ABK remained statistically significant, whereas the association with SJ did not. Relative VO₂peak was not associated with CMJ performance. <b>Conclusions</b>: This study provides an integrated characterization of physical performance within this cohort of youth soccer players. Quadriceps strength was associated with vertical jump performance, whereas relative VO₂peak was not associated with CMJ, supporting assessment of neuromuscular and cardiorespiratory capacities.</p>","PeriodicalId":16052,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Functional Morphology and Kinesiology","volume":"11 3","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2026-09-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13608819/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149039034","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}

{"title":"The Association Between Muscle Strength, Thigh Circumference, and Serving Efficiency in Elite Male Volleyball Players: A Prospective Observational Longitudinal Study.","authors":"Leila Itani, Elisa Berri, Oscar Berti, Arianna Ferrentino, Dana Saadeddine, Marwan El Ghoch","doi":"10.3390/jfmk11030362","DOIUrl":"10.3390/jfmk11030362","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b>Background and Aim</b>: The identification of factors that optimize competitive performance is a primary focus for athletes and coaches in any sport, particularly variables that are modifiable through tailored nutritional and training strategies. Since data regarding volleyball remain scarce, this investigation aimed to explore the association between the baseline preseason anthropometry, body composition, and dietary habits of elite adult male volleyball players and the key performance indicators (KPIs) retrieved as match-by-match data during an official tournament. <b>Methods</b>: Nineteen elite male volleyball players (mean age: 23.79 ± 5.72 years; BMI: 23.88 ± 1.97 kg/m²) underwent comprehensive assessments. Anthropometric data and muscle strength (MS) were evaluated via body circumferences and handgrip dynamometry, respectively. Body composition was analyzed using bioelectrical impedance vector analysis (BIVA), while Mediterranean diet adherence was assessed with the validated Mediterranean diet adherence score (MEDAS) questionnaire, all measured cross-sectionally at one time point, identified as the baseline preseason phase of the competitive season. The tournament KPIs included serving, attack, and reception efficiencies, and block points per set were retrieved longitudinally during each match of the competitive season. Data were analyzed utilizing correlation and linear mixed-model regressions. <b>Results</b>: Right-hand MS correlated positively with higher MEDAS scores (ρ = 0.488, <i>p</i> < 0.05). Furthermore, both right-hand MS (β = 1.005, 95% CI [0.178, 1.831], <i>p</i> = 0.026) and thigh circumference (β = 3.030, 95% CI [0.083, 5.977], <i>p</i> = 0.046) were found to be positively associated with higher serving efficiency (adjusted R²_m ≈ 0.12). <b>Conclusions</b>: Monitoring muscle strength and thigh circumference alongside targeted nutritional and training strategies may be considered in elite male volleyball, as these factors were associated with serving efficiency. However, due to the observational nature of the research, our findings require replication in larger, multicenter intervention studies.</p>","PeriodicalId":16052,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Functional Morphology and Kinesiology","volume":"11 3","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2026-09-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13608733/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149039095","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}

{"title":"Acute Effects of High-Speed Repetitive Loading on Achilles Tendon Viscoelasticity and Ankle Agonist-Antagonist Co-Contraction: A Combined MyotonPRO and Surface Electromyography Analysis in Male Collegiate American Football Players.","authors":"Shuho Kang, Ja Yeon Lee, Ji Hwan Jeong, Chae Kwan Lee, Ilbong Park","doi":"10.3390/jfmk11030361","DOIUrl":"10.3390/jfmk11030361","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b>Background:</b> Achilles tendon viscoelasticity and ankle neuromuscular co-contraction are functionally linked, yet how they jointly adapt during brief high-speed repetitive loading remains unclear. We simultaneously quantified Achilles tendon viscoelasticity (MyotonPRO) and ankle agonist-antagonist co-contraction (surface electromyography, sEMG) under two stance conditions and three repetition counts. <b>Methods:</b> Twenty-seven active male collegiate American football players (23.19 ± 2.63 years) performed rapid heel-raise/landing cycles in a bilateral ground stance (BGS) and a unilateral box stance (UBS) at 1, 5, and 10 repetitions. Tendon decrement (D), stiffness (S), and tone (F), the co-activation index (CoAct), and the co-contraction index (CCI) were analyzed using two-way (2 × 3) repeated-measures ANOVA. <b>Results:</b> D decreased significantly as repetitions increased (pooled across stance conditions: 1 rep 0.973 → 10 reps 0.937; F (2, 52) = 4.68, <i>p</i> = 0.014, ηp² = 0.153), indicating improved elastic-recovery efficiency, whereas S and F remained stable. CoAct was maintained constantly at ≈72% regardless of stance or repetition (all <i>p</i> > 0.05), and the medial gastrocnemius was consistently activated first (agonist-led feedforward priming). Tissue-level elastic adaptation thus occurred without a concurrent change in neuromuscular co-contraction-a tissue-neural dissociation confirmed in both change scores and correlation structure. <b>Conclusions:</b> Acute enhancement of Achilles tendon elasticity during high-speed repetition appears to be a peripheral, tissue-level mechanical phenomenon expressed independently of neuromuscular co-contraction. Combined myotonometric-sEMG assessment reveals functional information not captured by imaging alone.</p>","PeriodicalId":16052,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Functional Morphology and Kinesiology","volume":"11 3","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2026-09-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13608631/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149038863","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}

{"title":"Sex-Based Differences in Anthropometric Profiles and Physiological Responses to High-Intensity Strength-Endurance Exercise in Paramedic Students: A Cross-Sectional Study.","authors":"Robert Podstawski, Krzysztof Borysławski, Paweł Kukla, Jadwiga Snarska, Emilia Bałdyga, Attila Szabo, Alex MacQuarrie, Jayden R Hunter, Paweł Jastrzębski","doi":"10.3390/jfmk11030359","DOIUrl":"10.3390/jfmk11030359","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b>Objectives:</b> This study evaluated sex differences in physical activity levels, anthropometric parameters, strength-endurance performance, and acute physiological responses to high-intensity strength-endurance exercise in emergency medical services students. <b>Methods:</b> Participants included 36 male and 23 female students aged 19-29 years. Body composition was assessed using bioelectrical impedance analysis. Physical activity was measured using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire, and strength-endurance performance was assessed with the 3-Minute Burpee Test (3-MBT). Blood pressure, heart rate, oxygen saturation, perceived exertion, and handgrip strength were recorded before and after the 3-MBT. <b>Results:</b> Men reported significantly higher PA levels than women (1963 vs. 1367 MET·min/week, <i>p</i> < 0.001). Women had a significantly higher percentage of body fat (31.0% vs. 19.4%, <i>p</i> < 0.001). Men completed more 3-MBT cycles than women (44 vs. 33 cycles/3 min, <i>p</i> < 0.001), whereas the between-sex difference in mean heart rate was not significant after Benjamini-Hochberg correction (170.2 vs. 162.2 bpm; adjusted <i>p</i> = 0.075). Systolic blood pressure was higher in men before and after the test (<i>p</i> < 0.001 and <i>p</i> = 0.004, respectively) and increased significantly in both sexes (<i>p</i> < 0.001). Oxygen saturation and handgrip strength decreased significantly after the 3-MBT in both groups (<i>p</i> < 0.001). <b>Conclusions:</b> Men demonstrated greater strength-endurance performance than women, although both sexes were classified as having \"poor\" performance according to established 3-MBT normative values. Men reported higher physical activity, whereas women had a higher body fat percentage. These findings demonstrate sex-based differences in physical activity, body composition, and strength-endurance performance among paramedic students.</p>","PeriodicalId":16052,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Functional Morphology and Kinesiology","volume":"11 3","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2026-09-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13608455/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149039124","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}

{"title":"Preliminary Effects of a Multicomponent Exercise Program Delivered in Conventional and Snoezelen Rooms Among Older Women Attending Social Centers: A Non-Randomized Pilot Study.","authors":"Maria Beijinha, Miguel Jacinto, Rui Matos, Nuno Amaro, Diogo Monteiro, Nuno Couto, Raúl Antunes","doi":"10.3390/jfmk11030358","DOIUrl":"10.3390/jfmk11030358","url":null,"abstract":"&lt;p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;b&gt;Background&lt;/b&gt;: The aging population in Portugal requires interventions such as multicomponent exercise to maintain the functionality of older adults. The aim of this exploratory pilot study was to investigate preliminary changes in body composition, physical fitness, quality of life and satisfaction with life following a low-frequency multicomponent exercise program delivered in two different community-based contexts (conventional exercise room and Snoezelen room). &lt;b&gt;Methods&lt;/b&gt;: This study followed a non-randomized quasi-experimental methodology based on participant preference and logistical availability. Following the baseline assessment, participants self-selected their participation context. Participants who chose to participate in the exercise intervention were assigned to either the Snoezelen Room Group or the Exercise Room Group according to their preference, whereas participants who did not participate in either intervention because of personal preference or logistical constraints formed a non-participating comparison Control Group. The final sample comprised 27 older women: Snoezelen Room Group (&lt;i&gt;n&lt;/i&gt; = 14), Exercise Room Group (&lt;i&gt;n&lt;/i&gt; = 7), and Control Group (&lt;i&gt;n&lt;/i&gt; = 6). The intervention consisted of a 12-week multicomponent program (1 session/week, 45-60 min) carried out in different environments. Body composition, functional physical fitness, quality of life and satisfaction with life were assessed before and after the intervention. &lt;b&gt;Results&lt;/b&gt;: The primary between-group analysis of change scores (Δ = post-pre) identified significant differences for body mass (H(2) = 9.516, &lt;i&gt;p&lt;/i&gt; = 0.009), with a significant Bonferroni contrast between the Snoezelen and Exercise Room Groups (1 vs. 2; adjusted &lt;i&gt;p&lt;/i&gt; = 0.008). For Back Scratch, the Δ-based omnibus test was also significant (H(2) = 7.398, &lt;i&gt;p&lt;/i&gt; = 0.025), with Snoezelen differing from the Exercise Room Group (1 vs. 2; adjusted &lt;i&gt;p&lt;/i&gt; = 0.020). For quality of life, the Δ-based omnibus test was significant (H(2) = 11.356, &lt;i&gt;p&lt;/i&gt; = 0.003), with significant contrasts between Exercise Room and Control Groups (2 vs. 3; adjusted &lt;i&gt;p&lt;/i&gt; = 0.003). Secondary between-group analyses at specific time points also identified differences in post-intervention bone mass (H(2) = 8.460, &lt;i&gt;p&lt;/i&gt; = 0.015; 1 vs. 2, adjusted &lt;i&gt;p&lt;/i&gt; = 0.026; 2 vs. 3, adjusted &lt;i&gt;p&lt;/i&gt; = 0.038), muscle mass (H(2) = 7.748, &lt;i&gt;p&lt;/i&gt; = 0.021; 1 vs. 2, adjusted &lt;i&gt;p&lt;/i&gt; = 0.034), Back Scratch (H(2) = 7.947, &lt;i&gt;p&lt;/i&gt; = 0.031; 1 vs. 2, adjusted &lt;i&gt;p&lt;/i&gt; = 0.031; 2 vs. 3, adjusted &lt;i&gt;p&lt;/i&gt; = 0.050), and 6-Minute Walk (H(2) = 9.015, &lt;i&gt;p&lt;/i&gt; = 0.011; 1 vs. 2, adjusted &lt;i&gt;p&lt;/i&gt; = 0.012). &lt;b&gt;Conclusions&lt;/b&gt;: The findings suggest that a low-frequency multicomponent exercise program may be feasible in community social centers; however, the observed within-group changes and exploratory between-group differences should be interpreted cautiously given the non-randomized design, small sample size, and basel","PeriodicalId":16052,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Functional Morphology and Kinesiology","volume":"11 3","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2026-09-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13608439/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149039082","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}

{"title":"Validation of a Deep Learning-Based Markerless Video System for Gait Speed Assessment During the 10-Meter Walk Test in Outdoor Clinical Settings.","authors":"Teerawat Kamnardsiri, Phasit Charoenkwan, Sirinun Boripuntakul","doi":"10.3390/jfmk11030357","DOIUrl":"10.3390/jfmk11030357","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b>Background/Objectives</b>: Markerless video-based gait assessment has emerged as a promising alternative to laboratory motion capture systems because it enables objective, low-cost, and accessible mobility assessment. However, evidence supporting the validity of deep learning (DL)-based markerless video systems for gait speed assessment during the 10-meter walk test (10-MWT) in real-world clinical environments remains limited. This study evaluated the concurrent validity of a DL-based markerless video system for estimating gait speed during the 10-MWT under outdoor clinical conditions. <b>Methods</b>: Thirty-two healthy participants from three age groups completed the 10-MWT under comfortable, slow, and fast walking conditions. Gait speed was simultaneously measured using the proposed DL-based markerless video system with the YOLOv11x model and Tracker video analysis software (version 6.3.2). Gait speed was calculated across six consecutive 1 m walking segments. Concurrent validity was evaluated using Pearson's correlation coefficients and Bland-Altman analysis. <b>Results</b>: Pearson's correlation coefficients ranged from 0.92 to 0.98 across all six walking segments and walking-speed conditions, indicating very high concurrent validity. Bland-Altman analysis demonstrated good agreement between the proposed system and the reference method, with mean differences close to zero and most observations falling within the 95% limits of agreement. The proposed system maintained high agreement across comfortable, slow, and fast walking conditions while enabling segment-specific gait speed analysis throughout the 10-MWT. <b>Conclusions</b>: The proposed DL-based markerless video system demonstrated high agreement with Tracker for gait speed assessment during the 10-MWT under outdoor non-laboratory conditions, supporting its potential as an accessible approach for gait speed assessment.</p>","PeriodicalId":16052,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Functional Morphology and Kinesiology","volume":"11 3","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2026-09-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13608473/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149039190","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}

{"title":"Study of Wrist Joint Movements, Hand Dimensions, and Comparison to Grip Strength Among Omani Medical Students: A Pilot Study.","authors":"Mohammed Al Maskari, Muanis Al Khusaibi, Noura Al Harsoosi, Jouri Al Kaabi, Srijit Das","doi":"10.3390/jfmk11030356","DOIUrl":"10.3390/jfmk11030356","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b>Background</b>: Wrist joint position and hand anthropometric measurements may affect grip strength and hand performance. This pilot, analytical cross-sectional study aimed to investigate the relationship between different wrist positions and grip strength, as well as the association between grip strength and hand size in healthy individuals. <b>Methods</b>: An analytic cross-sectional study was conducted with undergraduate medical students. We assessed grip strength using a hand dynamometer in different wrist positions, including wrist flexion, extension, ulnar deviation, and radial deviation. Hand anthropometric measurements, including HB, MHB, PL, TFL, IFL, MFL, RFL, and LFL, were performed using a sliding digital caliper. <b>Results</b>: Grip strength varied significantly across wrist positions, with the highest mean value observed in the neutral position (30.53 kg), followed by ulnar deviation (28.94 kg), radial deviation (18.02 kg), extension (14.75 kg), and flexion (14.67 kg). The repeated-measures ANOVA demonstrated significant main effects of wrist position and sex, as well as a significant interaction between wrist position and sex (all <i>p</i> < 0.001). Males demonstrated higher mean grip strength than females in the neutral position (42.56 ± 8.98 kg vs. 18.54 ± 4.20 kg, respectively). Grip strength measurements across wrist positions showed strong positive correlations, with the strongest associations observed between flexion and neutral grip strength (ρ = 0.84) and between ulnar deviation and neutral grip strength (ρ = 0.81). The wrist angle was negatively correlated with grip strength during flexion (ρ = -0.24, <i>p</i> < 0.05) and extension (ρ = -0.41, <i>p</i> < 0.05), representing weak and moderate associations, respectively. Females demonstrated greater mean flexion and extension than males, whereas males demonstrated higher mean values for ulnar and radial deviation. Among males, grip strength was significantly positively correlated with maximum hand breadth (ρ = 0.365, <i>p</i> = 0.001), hand breadth (ρ = 0.326, <i>p</i> = 0.003), palm length (ρ = 0.304, <i>p</i> = 0.006), thumb length (ρ = 0.289, <i>p</i> = 0.009), and index finger length (ρ = 0.229, <i>p</i> = 0.039). No statistically significant associations were observed between grip strength and the assessed hand anthropometric measurements among females. <b>Conclusions</b>: Grip strength is markedly influenced by wrist position, with the highest grip strength measured in the neutral position and decreased in flexion, extension, or radial deviation. The results of this study may have implications for rehabilitation, ergonomic design, and sports performance in the future.</p>","PeriodicalId":16052,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Functional Morphology and Kinesiology","volume":"11 3","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2026-09-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13608598/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149039117","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}

{"title":"Morphological Correlates of Suppressed Autonomic Modulation: A Machine Learning Approach to Identifying Vagal Impairment Phenotypes in Women.","authors":"Wollner Materko, Gustavo Ferreira das Chagas, Paulo Roberto Benchimol-Barbosa, Jurandir Nadal","doi":"10.3390/jfmk11030355","DOIUrl":"10.3390/jfmk11030355","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b>Background/Objectives:</b> Cardiac autonomic modulation, as assessed by heart rate variability (HRV), is a key indicator of physiological status. Although aging has traditionally been associated with reduced variability, morphological characteristics may be its main correlates. This study aimed to identify phenotypes of suppressed vagal modulation in women using a machine learning approach, specifically by correcting for HRV's intrinsic mathematical dependence on heart rate (HR). <b>Methods:</b> Seventy-five women (30-69 years old) were recruited during fitness center enrollment. To control for hormonal fluctuations, the younger cohort (30-49 years old) was assessed during the follicular phase, whereas the older cohort (50-69 years old) was postmenopausal. Electrocardiogram data for HRV, bioimpedance, and anthropometric measurements were collected. Intrinsic vagal modulation was isolated by adjusting root mean square of successive differences (RMSSD) for the mean R-R interval (RMSSD_adj). The machine learning pipeline used LASSO for feature selection and multivariate logistic regression to identify suppressed vagal phenotypes (RMSSD_adj ≤ 0.0232). Model stability was verified using 1000 bootstrap iterations, and a cumulative Z-score index (ISCA) was used to characterize the morphologic-hemodynamic burden. <b>Results:</b> LASSO identified central adiposity, measured by the waist-to-hip ratio, as the primary independent correlate of suppressed vagal phenotypes (RMSSD_adj ≤ 0.0232). The model achieved an area under the curve (AUC)-ROC of 0.633 (95% CI: 0.490-0.771) with high specificity (0.900) and sensitivity of 0.360. No significant differences in intrinsic vagal modulation were observed between age cohorts (<i>p</i> > 0.05). However, women classified as having a high morphologic-hemodynamic burden (high-overload ISCA) exhibited a significantly higher resting heart rate, averaging 8.3 bpm more than the low-overload group (<i>p</i> < 0.05), reflecting a higher physiological demand in this phenotype. <b>Conclusions:</b> The autonomic status of women is characterized more accurately by morphological phenotypes than by chronological age. Integrated kinanthropometric monitoring is essential for identifying reduced autonomic resilience regardless of birth year.</p>","PeriodicalId":16052,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Functional Morphology and Kinesiology","volume":"11 3","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2026-09-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13608857/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149039114","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}