Angelo Rodio, Luigi Fattorini, Lavinia Falese, Annalisa D'Ermo, Alessandro Biffi, Fredrick Fernando, Tommaso Di Libero
{"title":"Influence of Anthropometric Height on Oculo-Manual Coordinative Reaction Time.","authors":"Angelo Rodio, Luigi Fattorini, Lavinia Falese, Annalisa D'Ermo, Alessandro Biffi, Fredrick Fernando, Tommaso Di Libero","doi":"10.3390/jfmk10030334","DOIUrl":"10.3390/jfmk10030334","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b>Objectives:</b> This work investigated the influence of anthropometric height on oculo-manual ability during a visuo-motor reaction time task. The aim was to determine whether aligning test configurations with individual stature changes performance outcomes. <b>Methods:</b> In the first phase, 450 participants completed a standardized reaction task using a fixed panel, and correlations were explored between anthropometric measures and performance. The results revealed significant inverse correlations between height and both reaction time total time, and reaction time intertime. A second experimental phase involved an additional group of 36 individuals, who completed the same task using both the fixed and adjustable panels, designed to align visual stimuli with each participant's central line of sight and arm length. <b>Results:</b> A paired-sample <i>t</i>-test showed a statistically significant reduction in both reaction time total time, total time required to deactivate all 54 lights targets, (32.1±3.26 s to 30.7±2.58 s, p<0.05) and reaction time intertime, average time interval between successive light deactivations out of a total of 54 lights, (0.31±0.123 s to 0.21±0.149 s, p<0.01), time total time, total time required to deactivate all 54 lights targets, (32.1±3.26 s to 30.7±2.58 s, p<0.05) and reaction time intertime, average time interval between successive light deactivations out of a total of 54 lights, (0.31±0.123 s to 0.21±0.149 s, p<0.01) under the adjustable panel configuration. <b>Conclusions:</b> These findings suggest that standard testing configurations may disadvantage individuals with shorter stature and highlight the benefits of personalized setups for assessing and enhancing oculo-manual coordination.</p>","PeriodicalId":16052,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Functional Morphology and Kinesiology","volume":"10 3","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2025-08-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12452371/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145113393","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}
Ivan Ivanov, Assen Tchorbadjieff, Oleg Hristov, Petar Peev, Grigor Gutev, Stela Ivanova
{"title":"Spine Kinematic Alterations in Nordic Walking Under Two Different Speeds of 3 and 5 km/h-A Pilot Study.","authors":"Ivan Ivanov, Assen Tchorbadjieff, Oleg Hristov, Petar Peev, Grigor Gutev, Stela Ivanova","doi":"10.3390/jfmk10030330","DOIUrl":"10.3390/jfmk10030330","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objectives: </strong>The present study aimed to quantify changes in spinal kinematics during Nordic walking compared to regular walking (RW) for 60 s on a training path among physically fit young males (n = 20, aged 19-22 years).</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Two walking speeds were analyzed: 3 km/h and 5 km/h. The experimental setup was designed to assess spinal angular rotations using five kinematic parameters: upper spine, lower spine, thoracic region, lumbar region, and pelvis.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The data were acquired from 9 compact inertial sensors and the following motion analysis is carried out using 3D MioMotion IMU sensor's analysis system. The differences in the obtained cyclic biomechanical parameters were detected using functional data analysis (FDA) statistical tests.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>The key finding of the study is that Nordic walking significantly alters the angular kinematic pattern of spinal movement as it revealed significant differences in all five measured parameters when compared to normal walking. Notably, the most pronounced changes were observed in the upper spine and pelvis motion. Additionally, Nordic walking increased stance phase duration and velocity: (i) significantly increased the duration of the stance phase in all three planes of motion; (ii) significantly increased the velocity during the stance phase across all three planes. These reported findings highlight the biomechanical, preventive, therapeutic, and rehabilitative potential of Nordic walking.</p>","PeriodicalId":16052,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Functional Morphology and Kinesiology","volume":"10 3","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2025-08-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12452500/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145113502","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}
Carlos Braga, António Cruz-Ferreira, Luiz Miguel Santiago
{"title":"Sports Performance and Injury Epidemiology in Portuguese XV Rugby Union's 2023 World Cup Preparation in a High-Altitude Center: A Cross-Sectional Study.","authors":"Carlos Braga, António Cruz-Ferreira, Luiz Miguel Santiago","doi":"10.3390/jfmk10030332","DOIUrl":"10.3390/jfmk10030332","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Rugby Union's physical demands lead to high injury rates, requiring players to optimize their abilities. Altitude training enhances performance but poses risks to injuries.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>This cross-sectional observational study compares the Portuguese Rugby team's injury rates and Global Positioning System (GPS) performance data during the Rugby World Cup (RWC) 2023 preparation phase. Two medical doctors from the medical Portuguese department diagnosed and recorded all the injuries occurred. GPS players data recorded the following: running distance (RD), high-speed running distance (HSRD), number of accelerations of high intensity (HI), maximum velocity (MV), and percentage of personal maximum velocity (% MV). Data were analyzed by position and growth rate (∆) comparing sea level (Cycle 1) and altitude (Cycle 2). The players were analyzed by injury severity, type, anatomical location, and GPS performance metrics.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>A higher number of injuries was recorded in Cycle 2 compared to Cycle 1 (∆ = +5 for forwards; ∆ = +3.5 for backs). While average values for MV and % MV showed a downward trend, RD, HSRD, and HI exhibited upward trends. However, none of these differences reached statistical significance.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Injury counts and training volume indicators showed upward trends, while MV and % MV declined, though none reached statistical significance. These patterns should be interpreted cautiously, and further research is needed to explore GPS metrics in injury monitoring.</p>","PeriodicalId":16052,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Functional Morphology and Kinesiology","volume":"10 3","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2025-08-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12452366/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145113486","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}
Roland van den Tillaar, Patrick Lunde, Milosz Mielniczek
{"title":"The Acute Effect of Warm-Up with Cold Water Immersion upon Calf Raise Performance, Muscle Tension, and Oxygen Saturation.","authors":"Roland van den Tillaar, Patrick Lunde, Milosz Mielniczek","doi":"10.3390/jfmk10030328","DOIUrl":"10.3390/jfmk10030328","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b>Objectives:</b> This study investigated the acute effects of pre-exercise cold-water immersion (CWI) on performance, muscle oxygen saturation, and mechanical muscle tension during calf raise training. <b>Method:</b> Twenty-four trained individuals (5 females, 19 males) were randomly assigned to either a CWI group (5 min at 10 ± 1 °C) or a non-CWI group (no intervention). Both groups performed three sets of standing calf raises to failure using a standardized protocol. Load lifted, repetitions, and rate of perceived exertion (RPE) were recorded. Muscle oxygenation (SmO<sub>2</sub>, total hemoglobin) and mechanical muscle properties (frequency and stiffness) were measured before and after each set. <b>Results:</b> The CWI group showed a significantly greater increase in barbell load from set 1 to set 2 compared to the non-CWI group (from 94.5 ± 18.1 kg to 98.0 ± 18.7 kg, <i>p</i> < 0.01). Repetitions decreased and RPE increased across sets in both groups. The non-CWI group exhibited earlier increases in muscle stiffness and frequency, whereas these responses were delayed in the CWI group. Gastrocnemius SmO<sub>2</sub> increased during the protocol in the non-CWI group only. Total hemoglobin change was greater in the CWI group in set 1. <b>Conclusions:</b> These findings suggest that pre-exercise CWI may acutely enhance performance and delay neuromuscular fatigue without negatively affecting perceived effort.</p>","PeriodicalId":16052,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Functional Morphology and Kinesiology","volume":"10 3","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2025-08-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12452596/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145112910","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}
Ximena Martínez-Mireles, José Omar Lagunes-Carrasco, Vianney Curiel-Cervantes, Ximena Ortega-Salinas, Mauro E Valencia, Ricardo López-García, Silvia García, Cristina Bouzas, Rogelio Salas-García, Erik Ramírez, Josep A Tur
{"title":"A National Study of Somatotypes in Mexican Athletes Across 43 Sports.","authors":"Ximena Martínez-Mireles, José Omar Lagunes-Carrasco, Vianney Curiel-Cervantes, Ximena Ortega-Salinas, Mauro E Valencia, Ricardo López-García, Silvia García, Cristina Bouzas, Rogelio Salas-García, Erik Ramírez, Josep A Tur","doi":"10.3390/jfmk10030329","DOIUrl":"10.3390/jfmk10030329","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b>Background</b>: In Mexico, research on somatotypes in athletes has primarily focused on team sports, taekwondo, climbing, and triathlon. However, the available evidence remains limited. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to determine the somatotype of Mexican athletes by sex, and to compare somatotype and body composition across sport macro-categories in 43 disciplines. <b>Methods</b>: Anthropometric measurements were conducted according to the International Society for the Advancement of Kinanthropometry (ISAK) protocol. Athletes who participated in regional, national, or international competitions between 2008 and 2024 were included. <b>Results</b>: A total of 889 Mexican athletes (477 males and 412 females) across 43 disciplines were evaluated. Among male athletes, the predominant somatotype was endomorphic mesomorph (52.4%), followed by balanced mesomorph (17.6%) and ectomorphic mesomorph (13.6%). Among female athletes, the most reported somatotypes were endomorphic mesomorph (24.5%), mesomorphic endomorph (24.0%), and mesomorph-endomorph (21.4%). Athletes in endurance sports showed significant differences for both sexes compared to those in power and skill-based sports for both sexes (<i>p</i> < 0.05). Among males, team sports showed the highest values for body mass, height, and body fat percentage (%BF), while mesomorphy was greatest in track and field and ectomorphy in sprint events. Among females, track and field athletes presented the highest values for body mass, height, %BF, mesomorphy, and endomorphy, whereas endurance athletes exhibited the highest ectomorphy values. <b>Conclusions</b>: The findings suggest that, compared to international athletes, Mexican athletes exhibited a higher endomorphic component. It is recommended that somatotype assessments should be incorporated into regular monitoring protocols at national sports centers and considered in physical training programs to optimize performance and reduce the risk of injury.</p>","PeriodicalId":16052,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Functional Morphology and Kinesiology","volume":"10 3","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2025-08-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12452521/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145113298","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}
Vívian Santos Xavier Silva, Rodrigo José Battibugli Rivera, Eunice Fragoso Martins, Marco Carlos Uchida, Jean Marcos de Souza
{"title":"The Role of Home-Based Exercise in Managing Common Musculoskeletal Disorders: A Narrative Review.","authors":"Vívian Santos Xavier Silva, Rodrigo José Battibugli Rivera, Eunice Fragoso Martins, Marco Carlos Uchida, Jean Marcos de Souza","doi":"10.3390/jfmk10030326","DOIUrl":"10.3390/jfmk10030326","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b>Background</b>: Physical exercise can improve certain musculoskeletal conditions, but adherence remains low due to intimidating environments, limited government support, and financial constraints faced by many individuals. Home-based exercise is a potential strategy to treat that population. <b>Objective:</b> Discuss the main home-based resistance exercise protocols that have been studied and implemented for six highly prevalent musculoskeletal disorders. <b>Methods</b>: A narrative literature review was conducted, using the PubMed database to search for six highly prevalent musculoskeletal conditions: shoulder impingement syndrome (SIS), nonspecific low back pain (NSLBP), greater trochanteric pain syndrome (GTPS), knee osteoarthritis (OA), patellofemoral pain syndrome (PFPS), and Achilles tendinopathy (AT). The strategy included the listed pathologies and the keywords \"physical exercise\" or \"physiotherapy\". Clinical trials, reviews, and retrospective studies from the last 30 years published in English, Portuguese, or Spanish were included. Only studies with sufficient details on the training protocols used and outcome measures were included in the analysis. <b>Results</b>: In SIS, exercise protocols have been more effective in the long term than in the short term. In PFPS and GTPS, strengthening the quadriceps and hip muscles helps reduce pain and improve function. For NSLBP, exercises like Pilates and core training demonstrate pain relief. In knee osteoarthritis, physical exercise improves pain, function, and quality of life both immediately and over time. Eccentric training promotes type I collagen formation in the tendons of patients with Achilles tendinopathy. <b>Conclusions</b>: Home-based resistance exercises studied and implemented in this review offer several general health benefits, including pain reduction, improved functionality, increased muscle strength, and enhanced motor control.</p>","PeriodicalId":16052,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Functional Morphology and Kinesiology","volume":"10 3","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2025-08-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12452313/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145112878","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}
Sonia Bédard, Alexandre Bédard, Nathaly Gaudreault, Matteo Izzo, François Vézina
{"title":"The Musculoskeletal Advanced Transillumination Technique (MATT): A Descriptive Proof-of-Concept Study of a New Method for the Study of the Iliotibial Tract Tested on Fresh Cadaveric Specimens.","authors":"Sonia Bédard, Alexandre Bédard, Nathaly Gaudreault, Matteo Izzo, François Vézina","doi":"10.3390/jfmk10030327","DOIUrl":"10.3390/jfmk10030327","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b>Background:</b> The iliotibial band (ITB) is an anatomically complex structure with multiple proximal and distal attachments, making its mechanical behavior difficult to interpret. In the study of iliotibial band syndrome (ITBS), prior research has often considered the underlying lateral femoral epicondyle (LFE) as a fixed reference to describe ITB movement during knee flexion, potentially misrepresenting true tissue dynamics. This proof-of-concept study introduces the musculoskeletal advanced transillumination technique (MATT) to visualize and measure LFE displacement relative to the ITB and the tubercule of the ITB (tITB) on the tibia during passive knee flexion. <b>Methods:</b> Un-embalmed donor knees (n = 8) were dissected to expose the ITB and positioned on a device allowing standardized passive motion from 0° to 30°. A trocar was inserted between the femoral epicondyles, and a 300-watt xenon light source illuminated the LFE. Video was recorded with an iPhone 15, and key frames were analyzed using ImageJ Version 1.54i, and a custom Python (Version 3.12.5) script to quantify LFE displacement relative to the ITB and to the tITB. <b>Results:</b> Median absolute LFE displacement from 0° to 30° was 9.18 mm (IQR 7.23-10.95). Between 0° and 30°, the LFE shifted anteriorly by -1.76 mm (IQR -10.28 to -8.72) relative to the anterior border of the ITB, and by 11.26 mm (IQR 8.27 to 26.33) relative to its posterior border. The LFE-tITB distance increased from 51.98 mm (IQR 49.13-52.36) at 0° to 53.66 mm (IQR 50.08-60.11) at 30°, with a median displacement of 3.92 mm (IQR: 2.48-5.73). <b>Conclusions:</b> Musculoskeletal Advance Transillumination Technique (MATT) is a straightforward and reproducible technique that offers direct visualization of the dynamic relationship between a skeletal landmark and myofascial structures, such as the LFE and the ITB. By challenging the assumption that the LFE is a fixed reference point, MATT opens new perspectives for investigating the biomechanical mechanisms underlying conditions like iliotibial band syndrome.</p>","PeriodicalId":16052,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Functional Morphology and Kinesiology","volume":"10 3","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2025-08-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12452698/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145112928","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}
Ana Ristovski, Marko Kapeleti, Igor Zlatović, Vladimir Mrdaković
{"title":"Acute Effects of Diaphragmatic Breathing on Trunk and Shoulder Mobility and Pulmonary Function in Healthy Young Adults.","authors":"Ana Ristovski, Marko Kapeleti, Igor Zlatović, Vladimir Mrdaković","doi":"10.3390/jfmk10030325","DOIUrl":"10.3390/jfmk10030325","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b>Background:</b> This study investigated whether diaphragmatic breathing intervention could lead to acute improvements in trunk and shoulder mobility and pulmonary function in healthy young adults. <b>Methods:</b> Twenty-six physically active males (aged 24.3 ± 2.0 years, body height of 182.9 ± 6.4 cm, and body weight of 82.8 ± 10.4 kg) were randomly assigned to either an experimental or a control group. The experimental group underwent a 22 min diaphragmatic breathing intervention in a lying position. The control group lay passively, breathing naturally. Mobility assessments (chest expansion, thoracic spine rotation, lateral trunk flexion, and shoulder girdle mobility) and pulmonary function tests (forced vital capacity, forced expiratory volume in one second and their ratio) were conducted before and after the intervention. <b>Results:</b> Only experimental group showed significant improvements after the intervention (<i>p</i> ≤ 0.01) in the chest expansion (+22.2%, ES = 0.62), thoracic spine rotation (+21.7%, ES = 0.76 on the left and +23.3%, ES = 0.84 on the right side), lateral trunk flexion (+11.7%, ES = 0.62 on the left and +15.4%, ES = 1 on the right side), shoulder girdle mobility (+20.2%, ES = 0.44 on the left and +21.5%, ES = 0.38 on the right side), forced vital capacity (+4.7%, ES = 0.39) and reduction (<i>p</i> ≤ 0.01) in ratio between forced expiratory volume in one second and forced vital capacity (-4.6%, ES = 0.47). <b>Conclusion:</b> The results revealed that a 22 min diaphragmatic breathing intervention could immediately improve trunk and shoulder mobility and pulmonary function, likely due to anatomical relationships and more efficient use of respiratory muscles, especially the diaphragm.</p>","PeriodicalId":16052,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Functional Morphology and Kinesiology","volume":"10 3","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2025-08-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12452328/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145113330","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}
Jorge Arede, Jack Wells, Mark Williams, Franc Garcia, Wolfgang Schöllhorn
{"title":"Evaluating Differential Basic Resistive Skills Training Effects on Sprint, Jump, and Agility in Young Basketball Athletes.","authors":"Jorge Arede, Jack Wells, Mark Williams, Franc Garcia, Wolfgang Schöllhorn","doi":"10.3390/jfmk10030323","DOIUrl":"10.3390/jfmk10030323","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b>Objectives</b>: This study examined how differential basic resistive skills training influences basketball players' physical performance. <b>Methods</b>: Seventeen young male athletes completed two weekly sessions of bodyweight strength exercises based on movement variability for 6 weeks. Countermovement jump (CMJ), sprinting, and change of direction (COD) tests were used to evaluate performance before and after the intervention and after a retention phase. Based on previous research, the experimental group followed a differential strength training protocol incorporating movement fluctuations to promote adaptability alongside basketball training. The control group only engaged in standard basketball training. <b>Results</b>: Bayesian analysis showed moderate improvements in sprint performance (0-20 m and 10-20 m sprinting times) for the experimental group, though these gains were not sustained during the retention phase. Slight, non-significant increases in CMJ left leg height were observed, and no significant differences were found in COD performance. <b>Conclusions</b>: The findings suggest that differential strength training may enhance sprint performance and adaptability in young athletes. However, the findings suggest that modifications to the training protocol, such as increasing training volume (e.g., from one set to three sets of 10 repetitions) or incorporating external resistance (e.g., medicine balls, kettlebells, and barbells), may further optimize performance outcomes. This study highlights the potential of differential training methods to address the multidirectional and dynamic demands of youth basketball. Future research should explore refined protocols and their long-term impact on athletic performance and retention.</p>","PeriodicalId":16052,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Functional Morphology and Kinesiology","volume":"10 3","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2025-08-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12452399/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145113338","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}
Beltrán Cáceres-Diego, Pedro E Alcaraz, Cristian Marín-Pagán
{"title":"Neuromuscular and Psychological Performance Monitoring During One Season in Spanish Marine Corps.","authors":"Beltrán Cáceres-Diego, Pedro E Alcaraz, Cristian Marín-Pagán","doi":"10.3390/jfmk10030324","DOIUrl":"10.3390/jfmk10030324","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b>Background:</b> Training planning in military environments is complex due to diverse operational demands and constant exposure to stressors. When combined with high training volumes and insufficient recovery, this can result in physical and mental overload. Regular assessments are crucial to monitor the condition of personnel and adjust training accordingly, though more research is needed to effectively track performance in real operational settings. <b>Objectives:</b> This study aims to monitor neuromuscular and psychological performance in relation to training load in a military school, addressing the research gap in tracking performance in operational settings. <b>Methods:</b> Overall, 27 marines (age: 27.9 ± 4.8 years; height: 178.1 ± 6.3 cm; weight: 79.1 ± 7.8 kg) were monitored over a 13-week academic-military training period to assess neuromuscular performance and psychological fatigue. <b>Results:</b> Laboratory tests included the countermovement jump (<i>p</i> = 0.002), isometric mid-thigh pull (<i>p</i> = 0.001), and handgrip strength for both dominant (<i>p</i> = 0.947) and non-dominant hands (<i>p</i> = 0.665). Field tests involved maximum pull-ups (<i>p</i> = 0.015), push-ups (<i>p</i> = 0.001), and the medicine ball throw (<i>p</i> = 0.334). Psychological evaluation via the POMS questionnaire showed the highest negative mood scores in Tension-Anxiety, Depression-Melancholia, and Fatigue-Inertia, while Vigor-Activity was the highest positive state. RESTQ-Sport results indicated total recovery was 68.9% greater than total stress. <b>Conclusions:</b> Despite improvements in some field tests, no significant neuromuscular gains were observed, likely due to excessive training loads, limited recovery, and sustained stress.</p>","PeriodicalId":16052,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Functional Morphology and Kinesiology","volume":"10 3","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2025-08-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12452414/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"145113441","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}