Journal of Functional Morphology and Kinesiology最新文献

{"title":"Effects of Combined Heat and Hypoxic Training on the Physiological Responses During Submaximal Interval Exercise in Untrained Men.","authors":"Anna Kałuża, Małgorzata Bagińska, Tomasz Pałka, Magdalena Wiecek, Zbigniew Szygula, Marcin Maciejczyk","doi":"10.3390/jfmk11030344","DOIUrl":"10.3390/jfmk11030344","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b>Background and Objectives</b>: Aerobic submaximal interval training performed under hypoxic and elevated temperature conditions may induce significant alterations in physiological responses. Understanding these effects may contribute to optimizing training programs for athletes and individuals exposed to extreme environmental conditions. The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of combined heat and hypoxia training on physiological response and adaptation during submaximal interval training in untrained men. <b>Methods</b>: Eighty men aged 19-26 years, reporting moderate physical activity levels, were randomly assigned to one of five groups: normoxic thermoneutral training (NOR+21 °C), intermittent hypoxic training in normothermia (IHT+21 °C), normoxic training in heat (NOR+31 °C), intermittent hypoxic training in heat (IHT+31 °C), or a control group (CON). Training sessions were conducted three times per week over a four-week period (12 sessions in total). Somatic parameters and a graded exercise test were assessed before and after the intervention. On the first and last training sessions, selected physiological indices were recorded, including the Bedford scale, Borg Rating of Perceived Exertion (RPE), heart rate (HR), tympanic temperature (Ttym), and skin temperature (Tsk), hematocrit (Hct), and hemoglobin (Hb) and lactate concentration. Statistical analyses included descriptive statistics and analysis of variance (ANOVA) with Tukey's post hoc test (<i>p</i> < 0.05). <b>Results</b>: A statistically significant decrease in heart rate (<i>p</i> = 0.04) and exercise intensity expressed as a percentage of maximal heart rate (%HRmax) (<i>p</i> = 0.03) was observed in the IHT+21 °C group following the training intervention. Furthermore, a significant decrease in RPE was found in the IHT+21 °C (<i>p</i> = 0.04) and IHT+31 °C (<i>p</i> = 0.001) groups. A significant change in tympanic temperature was noted only in the IHT+21 °C group, where it increased post-intervention (<i>p</i> = 0.01). No significant changes in Hct and Hb were observed as a result of training. <b>Conclusions</b>: The combination of hypoxic and heat training did not yield the expected results, and no significant changes in the physiological response to submaximal aerobic training were observed in untrained men. In untrained young men, training under hypoxic and thermoneutral conditions leads to significant physiological adaptations, including reductions in heart rate and relative exercise intensity (%HRmax) after the intervention. Moreover, both hypoxia alone and hypoxia combined with heat were associated with a reduced perception of exertion following the training period.</p>","PeriodicalId":16052,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Functional Morphology and Kinesiology","volume":"11 3","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2026-08-31","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13608514/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149038963","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":"Performance-Related and Body Composition Differences Between High and Low-Performing Taekwondo Athletes: An Exploratory Study.","authors":"Angeliki Kavvoura, Nikolaos Zaras, Evangelia Makri, Christos Ormanlidis, Alexandra Avloniti, Asimenia F Gioftsidou, Athanasios Chatzinikolaou, Anastasia Beneka, Gerasimos Terzis, Vivian Paraskevi Malliou","doi":"10.3390/jfmk11030342","DOIUrl":"10.3390/jfmk11030342","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b>Objectives</b>: The main purpose of this exploratory study was to examine differences between high-performing (HP) and low-performing (LP) female taekwondo athletes in body composition, lower extremities power, and knee extension/flexion isokinetic torque. A secondary aim was to explore how body composition, torque, and power relate to performance in the multiple frequency speed of kick test (FSKT_MULT). <b>Methods</b>: Twenty-six female taekwondo athletes (age: 18.0 ± 2.8 years; body mass: 58.1 ± 9.9 kg; height: 166.0 ± 0.05 cm) participated in the study. Athletes were classified as high performers (HP) or low performers (LP) based on their total score in the FSKT_MULT. Measurements included body composition assessed with dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry, countermovement jump (CMJ), standing long jump (LJ), and isokinetic knee extension and flexion at 60°/s and 240°/s. <b>Results</b>: High performers completed significantly more kicks during the first FSKT_MULT set than low performers (19.8 ± 1.1 vs. 18.0 ± 0.9 kicks; <i>p</i> = 0.001). They also showed higher trunk lean mass (<i>p</i> = 0.038), greater total lean mass (<i>p</i> = 0.036), and better standing long jump performance (<i>p</i> = 0.016). Mean and peak knee-flexion torque at 60°/s were higher in HP compared to LP. When all athletes were analyzed as one group, moderate-to-large correlations were observed between FSKT_MULT performance and body composition, as well as knee extension and flexion torque at both 60°/s and 240°/s. <b>Conclusions</b>: These findings indicate that high-performing female taekwondo athletes are stronger and generate greater power than low performers. Lean mass and knee extension and flexion torque showed moderate associations with FSKT_MULT performance.</p>","PeriodicalId":16052,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Functional Morphology and Kinesiology","volume":"11 3","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2026-08-31","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13608186/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149039126","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":"Irisin in Cartilage Homeostasis: Molecular Mechanisms and Therapeutic Implications for Osteoarthritis.","authors":"Raffaella Rosy Vescio, Morena Francesca Fiordalisi, Luca Ambrosio, Daniele Fiorentino, Elisabetta de Rinaldis, Giuseppina Di Giacomo, Fabrizio Russo, Vincenzo Denaro, Gianluca Vadalà, Rocco Papalia","doi":"10.3390/jfmk11030343","DOIUrl":"10.3390/jfmk11030343","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Osteoarthritis (OA) is a leading cause of disability worldwide, characterized by progressive joint degeneration driven by extracellular matrix (ECM) breakdown, chondrocyte apoptosis, and chronic low-grade inflammation. Despite the availability of several pharmacological and non-pharmacological interventions, no current therapy effectively halts or reverses disease progression. Physical activity is traditionally recognized as a cornerstone in OA management, improving pain and functional outcomes; however, the molecular mechanisms underlying its beneficial effects remain partially understood. Irisin, a myokine generated by proteolytic cleavage of fibronectin type III domain-containing protein 5 in response to muscle contraction, has recently emerged as a potential regulator of cartilage homeostasis. Experimental evidence indicates that irisin exerts pleiotropic effects by modulating inflammatory and catabolic signaling pathways, promoting anabolic and reparative processes, restoring autophagic and mitophagic flux, and preserving mitochondrial function. These actions collectively contribute to the maintenance of ECM integrity and chondrocyte viability. In vitro and in vivo studies consistently support the protective role of irisin in cartilage biology, highlighting its involvement in the muscle-cartilage axis and its potential as both a biomarker and therapeutic target for OA. This narrative review critically evaluates the chondrocyte-specific mechanisms, receptor uncertainties, experimental-model limitations, analytical challenges, and delivery strategies that currently define the biological and translational relevance of irisin in OA. Particular attention is given to the identification of irisin-mediated signaling pathways in chondrocytes, optimization of delivery strategies, and the definition of exercise regimens capable of maximizing its chondroprotective effects.</p>","PeriodicalId":16052,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Functional Morphology and Kinesiology","volume":"11 3","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2026-08-31","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13608415/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149039097","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":"Associations Between Centre of Pressure Variables and Performance Penalties in Acrobatic Gymnastics-Feasibility Study.","authors":"Joana Barreto, Bruno Ramalho, João Abrantes, Sofia Fonseca, Pedro Aleixo","doi":"10.3390/jfmk11030341","DOIUrl":"10.3390/jfmk11030341","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b>Objectives:</b> Postural stability is a key component of Acrobatic Gymnastics performance and can be assessed using centre of pressure (COP) variables. This feasibility study provides the first analysis of postural stability during transitional pyramids in Acrobatic Gymnastics by investigating the associations between COP variables and judges' penalties for body segment positions and postural instability across different phases. Moreover, it also examines the role of each foot in postural stability during performance. <b>Methods</b>: Eight acrobatic gymnasts (6 females and 2 males; 4 base and 4 top gymnasts) completed five repetitions of a transitional pyramid, comprising a total of twenty repetitions. However, only eighteen repetitions were eligible for analysis. COP variables (amplitude, peak velocity, and ellipse length, width and area) were extracted during the three phases of the pyramid, and judges' penalties were obtained from the evaluation of two international acrobatic judges. <b>Results</b>: Moderate associations were identified between COP variables and judges' penalties (<i>p</i> < 0.05). Phase 1 yielded consistently lower values for COP variables compared to Phases 2 and 3 (<i>p</i> < 0.05). Asymmetries were also observed for selected COP variables, with the left foot exhibiting higher values compared to the right foot (<i>p</i> < 0.05). <b>Conclusions</b>: The findings of this study support the applicability of the proposed approach and data analysis procedures for future large-scale interventions. Different patterns of associations were observed between COP variables and judges' penalties across the three phases of the transitional pyramid. Asymmetries were shown between right and left foot.</p>","PeriodicalId":16052,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Functional Morphology and Kinesiology","volume":"11 3","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2026-08-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13608846/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149038998","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":"Pilates in the Workplace: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Physical, Psychological, and Functional Outcomes in Employees.","authors":"Ioannis Tsartsapakis, Ioannis Trigonis, Aglaia Zafeiroudi, Evgenia Kouli, Maria Gerou","doi":"10.3390/jfmk11030340","DOIUrl":"10.3390/jfmk11030340","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b>Background</b>: Work-related musculoskeletal disorders impose substantial global burdens. Although Pilates is a recognized biopsychosocial intervention, a quantitative synthesis evaluating its occupational efficacy remains limited. <b>Objective</b>: To compute the pooled effect sizes of workplace Pilates interventions on musculoskeletal pain intensity, functional disability, muscular endurance, and health-related quality of life (QoL). <b>Methods</b>: Twelve randomized controlled trials (14 reports) involving diverse occupational cohorts were analyzed. Data dependency was resolved via outcome aggregation. Random-effects models calculated pooled effect sizes (Hedges' <i>g</i>), 95% confidence intervals (CI), and 95% prediction intervals (PI). Risk of bias was assessed using RoB 2. <b>Results</b>: The meta-analysis demonstrated a moderate, statistically significant reduction in functional disability (<i>g</i> = -0.660, 95% CI [-1.091, -0.229], <i>p</i> = 0.011). Conversely, pooled estimates for pain intensity (<i>g</i> = -0.461, <i>p</i> = 0.360), muscular endurance (<i>g</i> = 1.354, <i>p</i> = 0.223), and QoL (<i>g</i> = -0.146, <i>p</i> = 0.815) were non-significant. Substantial heterogeneity was observed (<i>I</i>²: 32.02-98.25%), and all prediction intervals crossed the null, indicating high uncertainty regarding future effects. <b>Conclusions</b>: Workplace Pilates consistently mitigates functional disability, but current evidence does not support significant pooled improvements in absolute pain, endurance, or QoL. This divergence between functional recovery and pain reduction aligns with biopsychosocial frameworks, suggesting improved work capacity despite variable pain relief. Given the high heterogeneity and wide prediction intervals, findings must be interpreted cautiously, highlighting the need for rigorously standardized trials.</p>","PeriodicalId":16052,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Functional Morphology and Kinesiology","volume":"11 3","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2026-08-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13608647/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149039046","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":"Total Trapeziometacarpal Joint Arthroplasty Using the Uncemented HORUS^® Prosthesis: Preliminary Results at 6-Month Follow-Up.","authors":"Rocco Maria Comodo, Silvia Pietramala, Alessio Greco, Riccardo Totti, Giacomo Capece, Giovanni Cepparulo, Rocco De Vitis, Vincenzo De Santis","doi":"10.3390/jfmk11030339","DOIUrl":"10.3390/jfmk11030339","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b>Background:</b> Total trapeziometacarpal (TMC) joint arthroplasty has emerged as a surgical option for selected patients with TMC osteoarthritis. The HORUS^® prosthesis (Evolutis, France) is a novel uncemented modular implant featuring a threaded screw-in trapezial cup coated with porous titanium and a PEXEL-E liner (vitamin E-infused cross-linked polyethylene) with a semi-retentive articulation. The purpose of this study was to report preliminary clinical and radiographic outcomes of total TMC joint arthroplasty using the uncemented HORUS^® prosthesis at 6-month follow-up. <b>Methods:</b> Eleven patients (8 women, 3 men; mean age 63.6 ± 10.1 years) with Eaton-Littler stage II-III TMC osteoarthritis and at least 6 months of unsuccessful conservative treatment underwent total TMC joint arthroplasty using the HORUS^® prosthesis. All procedures were performed by a single surgeon through a dorso-radial approach. Clinical outcomes were assessed preoperatively and at 15 days, 1, 3, and 6 months postoperatively using the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), QuickDASH questionnaire, and Kapandji opposition score. Standardized radiographs were assessed at 1, 3, and 6 months for component position, periprosthetic radiolucency, cup migration/loosening, and stem subsidence. <b>Results:</b> One intraoperative trapezial fracture (1/11; 9.1%) required conversion to trapeziectomy with suspension arthroplasty; this patient was excluded from the prosthetic outcome analysis. In the remaining 10 patients, mean VAS decreased from 8.7 ± 1.1 preoperatively to 0.3 ± 0.7 at 6 months, mean QuickDASH decreased from 66.2 ± 11.3 to 14.5 ± 7.6, and mean Kapandji score increased from 5.8 ± 0.8 to 9.2 ± 0.6. One minor postoperative complication occurred (flexor tendinopathy of the third and fourth digits at 4 weeks). No dislocation, infection, or radiographic evidence of component migration, stem subsidence, or periprosthetic radiolucency was detected during the 6-month observation period. <b>Conclusions:</b> In this small preliminary series, the HORUS^® prosthesis was associated with marked short-term improvements in pain, disability, and thumb opposition. These data should not be interpreted as evidence of long-term implant survival or a reduced risk of loosening because the cohort was small and follow-up was limited to 6 months. Larger comparative studies with longer follow-up are required to assess durability, implant-related complications, and revision risk.</p>","PeriodicalId":16052,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Functional Morphology and Kinesiology","volume":"11 3","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2026-08-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13608660/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149039240","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":"Accelerometer-Derived Physical Activity, Sedentary Behavior, and Continuous Glucose Monitoring-Derived Glycemic Variability in Adults with Type 2 Diabetes: A Longitudinal Repeated-Measures Study.","authors":"Paul César Velásquez Porras, Alicia Olinda Neyra Aranda, Dimna Zoila Alfaro Quezada, Digmer Pablo Riquez Livia, Henri Emmanuel Lopez Gomez, Roberto Carlos Dávila-Morán","doi":"10.3390/jfmk11030338","DOIUrl":"10.3390/jfmk11030338","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b>Background:</b> Day-to-day movement behavior may influence short-term glycemic variability in adults with type 2 diabetes, but free-living evidence integrating accelerometry with continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) remains limited. <b>Objectives:</b> This study examined whether daily moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) and accelerometer-defined sedentary time were associated with 24-h within-day glycemic variability. <b>Methods</b>: In this longitudinal repeated-measures study, 140 adults with type 2 diabetes underwent 14 days of concurrent hip-worn ActiGraph GT3X+ accelerometry and FreeStyle Libre 2 CGM under free-living conditions in Lima, Peru. The primary outcome was a daily CGM-derived coefficient of variation (CV). Linear mixed-effects models separated within-person and between-person components, with Holm adjustment for the two primary within-person associations. <b>Results</b>: The fully adjusted primary analysis included 132 participants and 1728 participant-days. Higher within-person MVPA was associated with a lower daily CV (β = -0.27 percentage points per 10 min/day, 95% CI -0.45 to -0.09; Holm-adjusted <i>p</i> = 0.006), whereas greater accelerometer-defined sedentary time was associated with a higher CV (β = 0.05, 95% CI 0.01 to 0.09; Holm-adjusted <i>p</i> = 0.014). Secondary concurrent analyses showed favorable MVPA and opposite sedentary time associations for time in range, time above range, mean glucose, and glucose standard deviation (all false discovery rate <i>q</i> ≤ 0.018), with no statistically detectable association with time below range. Lagged associations were directionally consistent, but none remained statistically significant after multiplicity correction. <b>Conclusions</b>: Daily MVPA and accelerometer-defined sedentary times were associated with modest differences in within-day glycemic variability and concurrent CGM profiles. These observational findings do not establish causality or a specific exercise dose.</p>","PeriodicalId":16052,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Functional Morphology and Kinesiology","volume":"11 3","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2026-08-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13608073/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149039236","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":"Standardizing Ankle Position During the Active Straight Leg Raise: Effects on Lateral Abdominal Muscle Thickness and Pressure Biofeedback in Healthy Young Adults.","authors":"Yinghong Liu, Xiaoliang Qiu, Dae-Sung Park","doi":"10.3390/jfmk11030337","DOIUrl":"10.3390/jfmk11030337","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b>Background and Objectives:</b> Ankle instructions during the active straight leg raise (ASLR) are not consistently standardized and may alter lumbopelvic measurements. This study tested whether a relaxed ankle, maximal active dorsiflexion (DF), and maximal active plantarflexion (PF) changed lateral abdominal muscle thickness and pressure biofeedback unit (PBU) responses during a standardized supine ASLR performed at 30° of hip flexion. <b>Methods:</b> Thirty-three healthy adults completed three trials per condition according to a pre-specified schedule containing all six possible condition orders. B-mode rehabilitative ultrasound imaging (RUSI) measured transversus abdominis (TrA), internal oblique (IO), and external oblique (EO) thickness at rest and during ASLR. Three end-expiratory images were acquired for each participant, condition, and state; each image was measured three times, and the three image means were averaged. Rest-to-ASLR changes yielded 99 participant-condition values. Pressure biofeedback unit (PBU) pressure was recorded at four prespecified events and analyzed at the trial level. <b>Results:</b> Across participant-condition means, TrA thickness was 2.44 ± 0.59 mm at rest and 2.66 ± 0.70 mm during ASLR; the largest observed mean was 4.46 mm under the study task, not a physiological maximum. DF increased the change in transversus abdominis thickness (ΔTrA) versus the relaxed ankle by 0.172 mm (95% CI, 0.077-0.267; <i>p</i> < 0.001) and total lateral abdominal wall change by 0.672 mm (95% CI, 0.413-0.931; <i>p</i> < 0.001). PF increased signed image-moment pressure deviation by 1.505 mmHg (95% CI, 0.985-2.025; <i>p</i> < 0.001). <b>Conclusions:</b> Ankle-position instructions changed ultrasound and PBU outcomes during ASLR. Standardizing ankle positioning instructions and image aggregation may improve measurement reproducibility.</p>","PeriodicalId":16052,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Functional Morphology and Kinesiology","volume":"11 3","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2026-08-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13608828/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149038887","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 Resistance Training and Pilates in Individuals with Fibromyalgia: A Crossover Pilot Study.","authors":"Cintia Gonçalves Rigoleto Santos, Joilson Alves de Souza Leite Júnior, Felipe J Aidar, Ângelo de Almeida Paz, Teresa Figueiredo, Luis Leitão","doi":"10.3390/jfmk11030336","DOIUrl":"10.3390/jfmk11030336","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b>Background:</b> Fibromyalgia (FM) is a chronic syndrome characterized by widespread musculoskeletal pain, fatigue, sleep disturbances, and cognitive and affective symptoms. <b>Objectives:</b> This study aimed to examine the acute effects of Resistance Training (RT) and Pilates on pain, functional impact, flexibility, and health-related quality of life in individuals with FM. <b>Methods:</b> In this randomized crossover pilot study, eight adults (7 females, 1 male; mean age: 48.5 ± 8.2 years) with a clinical diagnosis of FM participated. Each participant performed both RT and Pilates sessions in a randomized order. Outcomes were assessed at baseline and 24 h post-intervention using the Fibromyalgia Impact Questionnaire (FIQ), the 36-Item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36), the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) for pain, and the Wells sit-and-reach test (WELLS). Data were analyzed using two-way repeated-measures ANOVA and paired <i>t</i>-tests, with effect sizes (η²p and Cohen's <i>d</i>) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI). Statistical significance was set at <i>p</i> < 0.05. No formal sample size calculation was performed. <b>Results:</b> Participants presented a mean body mass index (BMI) of 27.4 ± 4.1 kg/m² and time since diagnosis of 6.2 ± 3.1 years. Within-subject variations were observed following both interventions. FIQ scores decreased at 24 h after both RT and Pilates sessions (RT: 52.21 ± 18.61; Pilates: 45.50 ± 18.63; <i>p</i> = 0.038, η²p = 0.42, 95% CI [-12.5, -1.2]). <b>Conclusions:</b> Both Resistance Training and Pilates acutely reduced overall disease impact in individuals with fibromyalgia, with Pilates promoting superior acute gains in posterior chain flexibility.</p>","PeriodicalId":16052,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Functional Morphology and Kinesiology","volume":"11 3","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2026-08-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13608170/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149038987","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":"Blood Lactate's Relationship with Step Kinematic Asymmetry, Stance-Phase Biomechanics, and Spring-Mass Model Variables at the Transition from Curve to Straight Sprinting in the 200 m Dash: A Cross-Sectional Study.","authors":"Efthymios Kyprianou, Ploutarchos Saraslanidis, George Tsalis, Vassilios Panoutsakopoulos","doi":"10.3390/jfmk11030335","DOIUrl":"10.3390/jfmk11030335","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b>Background</b>: Curve sprinting in the 200 m dash entails distinct biomechanical requirements under strenuous anaerobic conditions that differ from sprinting on the straightway. This study aimed to examine possible relationships between anaerobic biomarkers (specifically, peak post-test blood lactate concentration; BLa) and step kinematic asymmetry, stance-phase biomechanics, and spring-mass model (SMM) variables at the curve-to-straight transition during a 200 m sprint. <b>Methods</b>: Sixteen adult male club- and national-level sprinters performed a maximal 200 m sprint test in this exploratory cross-sectional study. Kinematical data were recorded for the first step immediately after the geometric end of the curve, and peak BLa was measured at 3, 5, and 7 min post-test. Based on data normality, differences in inter-limb step parameters were examined using a paired <i>t</i>-test or Wilcoxon signed-rank test. Pearson's and Kendall's correlation coefficients evaluated the relationships between BLa and the biomechanical variables (significance level: <i>a</i> = 0.05). <b>Results</b>: Peak BLa was 16.16 ± 2.61 mmol/L and demonstrated no significant correlation (<i>p</i> > 0.05) with sprint time (24.89 ± 1.24 s). Only stride and step frequency during the outer-to-inner leg step was correlated (<i>p</i> < 0.05) with BLa. Furthermore, the step initiated by the outer leg had a larger length (<i>p</i> < 0.05) compared to the step length generated from the inner leg. <b>Conclusions</b>: These findings stem from the different roles between legs while handling the centripetal force requirements during curve sprinting. The outer leg generated a longer step to facilitate curve-to-straight transition, whereas the inner leg functioned primarily to stabilize and steer the body.</p>","PeriodicalId":16052,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Functional Morphology and Kinesiology","volume":"11 3","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2026-08-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13608454/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149038949","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}