Journal of Functional Morphology and Kinesiology最新文献

{"title":"Between-Season Changes in the Cycling Power Profile in Relation to Training Volume and Moderate-to-High Intensity in International Junior and U23 Triathletes: A Longitudinal Study.","authors":"Raúl Espejo, Jesús Martínez-Sobrino, Jesús Santos Del Cerro, Santiago Veiga","doi":"10.3390/jfmk11020138","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3390/jfmk11020138","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b>Background:</b> The power profile is a reliable tool for monitoring performance in the cycling segment of triathlon. This study aimed to analyze the evolution of Mean Maximal Power (MMP) in international triathletes and to examine its relationship with external load-based training characteristics. <b>Methods</b>: Cycling training and competition data from 14 junior and U23 international triathletes (seven males: 21 ± 1 years, 69 ± 3 kg, and 181 ± 7 cm; seven females: 22 ± 3 years, 54 ± 5 kg, and 166 ± 3 cm) were analyzed longitudinally for three consecutive seasons. The MMP from the power profile was recorded, along with the training volume accumulated in each 2.0 W·kg^-1 power band. <b>Results</b>: All the MMP values, except values of 10 s, 30 s and 5 min, increased (<i>p</i> < 0.05) over the three seasons (Δ = 0.9% to 4.8%; ES = 0.30-0.47), as did the total time (Δ = 22.1%; ES = 0.42) and total distance (Δ = 32.8%; ES = 0.61). Specifically, the percentage of time spent in the 4-6 W·kg^-1 power band (ES = 0.42) and MMP values for 1-20 min durations (ES = 0.25-0.47) increased (<i>p</i> < 0.05) from the second to the third season. MMP values ≤ 30 s showed a very large correlation (above r = 0.74) with the percentage of time spent in power bands of 12-14 W·kg^-1. All the MMP values showed a negative correlation with the percentage of time spent in the 0-2 W·kg^-1 power band. <b>Conclusions</b>: Improvements in MMP ≥ 1 min values over consecutive seasons were associated with greater total training volume and time spent in moderate-intensity power bands, whereas MMP ≤ 30 s were linked to very high-intensity power outputs.</p>","PeriodicalId":16052,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Functional Morphology and Kinesiology","volume":"11 2","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2026-03-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13108197/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147773529","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":"Shoulder Complex Dysfunction Through an Evolutionary Lens: The Need for Closed Kinetic Chain Loading in Upper Extremity Program Design.","authors":"David Luedeka, Keila Strick, Nickolas Roche, Caroline Williams","doi":"10.3390/jfmk11020131","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3390/jfmk11020131","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>This review examines rotator cuff and shoulder complex dysfunction through an evolutionary framework and aims to translate these concepts into practical resistance training applications for strength and conditioning and rehabilitation professionals. Comparative anatomy and functional biomechanics of the human and non-human primate shoulder complexes are reviewed to illustrate how evolutionary pressures shaped an upper extremity system optimized for stability and force transmission under closed kinetic chain (CKC) loads. In contrast, many contemporary resistance training practices emphasize high-load, open kinetic chain (OKC) exercises that may impose elevated soft tissue strain and shear forces while potentially diminishing the engagement of the scapulothoracic and trunk stabilization mechanisms evolved to protect the shoulder complex. This proposed evolutionary mismatch may contribute to the high prevalence of shoulder dysfunction observed in the modern human population. Rotator cuff pathology arises through a combination of mechanisms, including, but not limited to, age-related tendon degradation, anatomical variations, mechanical overload factors, as well as systemic comorbidities. The contribution of habitual loading patterns to this multifactorial etiology has been considered in the literature, but this review advances a novel evolutionary mismatch hypothesis as one framework through which a primary biomechanical cause of overuse shoulder pathology may be examined. Applications of these concepts to exercise program design are presented. Specifically, training modifications consider moderately loaded CKC exercises performed at higher volumes with an emphasis on movement velocity and power generation. Incorporating moderate-load, high-volume, high-velocity CKC exercises may preserve rotator cuff integrity and optimize upper extremity function across the lifespan while potentially reducing the loading demands and associated mechanical stress that, under high-load or high-volume conditions, traditional OKC training models place on the shoulder and therefore, challenge the shoulder's evolved structural tolerance.</p>","PeriodicalId":16052,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Functional Morphology and Kinesiology","volume":"11 2","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2026-03-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13108067/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147773659","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":"Effects of Limited Wrist Motion and Forearm Rotation on Scapular Kinematics and Muscle Activity During Spoon-Feeding in Healthy Young Adults.","authors":"Noboru Chiba, Kazuki Ogawa, Ai Suzuki, Tadayoshi Minamisawa","doi":"10.3390/jfmk11020135","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3390/jfmk11020135","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b>Background:</b> Wrist-forearm orthoses used during self-feeding may alter scapular and shoulder mechanics and increase proximal load, but this has not been quantified. <b>Methods:</b> Seventeen right-hand-dominant young adults performed a spoon-feeding task under free and restricted conditions. A thermoplastic wrist-forearm orthosis positioned the wrist at approximately 30° dorsiflexion at rest and was intended to constrain wrist motion during the task without rigidly immobilizing forearm pronation-supination. Three-dimensional kinematics (scapula, shoulder, trunk, and distal joints) were recorded using inertial sensors, and surface electromyography was obtained from the upper trapezius, middle deltoid, and biceps brachii. Maximum joint angles and mean %MVC over the feeding cycle were compared between conditions (α = 0.05). <b>Results:</b> The restriction condition resulted in a more anteriorly tilted and downwardly rotated scapular posture, greater shoulder abduction and external rotation, and increased thoracic flexion, whereas maximum distal joint angles did not differ, suggesting a functional distal constraint rather than rigid immobilization. Middle deltoid and biceps brachii activities increased significantly, with a nonsignificant trend toward higher upper trapezius activation. <b>Conclusions:</b> In healthy young adults, limited wrist motion and forearm rotation during spoon-feeding were associated with altered proximal coordination, including scapular, shoulder/trunk, and proximal muscle changes.</p>","PeriodicalId":16052,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Functional Morphology and Kinesiology","volume":"11 2","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2026-03-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13108218/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147773568","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":"Special Issue \"Biomechanical Analysis in Physical Activity and Sports-2nd Edition\".","authors":"Pedro Forte","doi":"10.3390/jfmk11020132","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3390/jfmk11020132","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Biomechanics continues to represent a fundamental pillar for understanding human movement, athletic performance, injury mechanisms, and rehabilitation processes [...].</p>","PeriodicalId":16052,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Functional Morphology and Kinesiology","volume":"11 2","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2026-03-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13108153/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147773656","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":"Phase-Based Motor Skill Acquisition in Preschool Children with Different Participation Experience in a Kinesiology Program.","authors":"Kristian Plazibat, Tihomir Vidranski, Renata Barić","doi":"10.3390/jfmk11020133","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3390/jfmk11020133","url":null,"abstract":"&lt;p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;b&gt;Background:&lt;/b&gt; Early childhood is a critical period for the development of motor competence, which is closely related to later physical activity, educational readiness, and broader developmental outcomes. However, the temporal dynamics of motor skill acquisition in preschool children, particularly the time required to reach initial and early refinement phases of learning, remain insufficiently described. The aim of this study was to examine whether different levels of previous participation experience in an organized kinesiology program are associated with differences in the speed and quality of novel motor skill acquisition in preschool children, and to explore the relationship between baseline motor proficiency and phase-based indicators of motor learning. &lt;b&gt;Methods:&lt;/b&gt; A total of 161 preschool children aged 5-6 years participated in the study and were grouped according to their previous participation experience in an organized kinesiology program (0 h, ~120 h, ~350 h, and ~470 h). Following BOT-2 assessment, all participants completed a standardized 7-week motor learning program that included nine previously unfamiliar motor tasks. Using a phase-based video analysis protocol, three learning indicators were recorded: time to Phase 1 (F1; first successful execution), time to Phase 2 (F2; initial refinement of performance), and final performance quality (K). Group differences and associations were first examined descriptively and correlationally, after which additional multivariable regression models were performed to determine whether previous participation experience and baseline motor proficiency were independently associated with motor learning outcomes. &lt;b&gt;Results:&lt;/b&gt; The findings showed consistent differences across groups, with children who had greater previous participation experience generally reaching F1 and F2 more rapidly and achieving higher final performance quality scores. Higher BOT-2 scores were also associated with shorter learning times and better final performance quality. In the multivariable models, both previous participation experience in an organized kinesiology program and BOT-2 total score were independently associated with Phase 1 attainment time and final performance quality, whereas only previous participation experience remained independently associated with Phase 2 attainment time. The applied phase-based observational protocol demonstrated good to excellent inter-rater reliability across the evaluated motor learning variables. &lt;b&gt;Conclusions:&lt;/b&gt; These findings provide phase-based temporal indicators of motor learning progression in preschool children and suggest that previous participation experience in an organized kinesiology program and baseline motor competence are meaningfully associated with the speed and quality of acquiring new motor tasks. The findings also demonstrate the potential of phase-based approaches for quantifying motor learning dynamics in early childhood settings. Such indicators","PeriodicalId":16052,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Functional Morphology and Kinesiology","volume":"11 2","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2026-03-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13108015/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147773611","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":"Intramyocardial Bridge in Sports Medicine: Proposal of a Possible Follow-Up Strategy in Asymptomatic Athletes.","authors":"Roberto Palazzo, Melissa Orlandi, Federico Fu, Vittorio Bini, Laura Stefani","doi":"10.3390/jfmk11020134","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.3390/jfmk11020134","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b>Background:</b> Intramyocardial bridge (MB) is a coronary anomaly characterized by a segment of the artery tunneling within the myocardium. While often asymptomatic, it may lead to ischemic events. Despite traditional disqualification from competitive sports, 2023 guidelines now permit participation for athletes with MBs that do not meet specific high-risk morphological criteria. This study aims to evaluate a novel combined provocative test, integrating Cardiopulmonary Exercise Testing (CPET) and stress echocardiography for the assessment of myocardial deformation (twist), to assess the functional impact of MB in asymptomatic athletes. <b>Methods:</b> This cross-sectional case-control study included 18 participants (nine cases with \"significant\" MB diagnosed via Computed Tomography (CT) coronary angiography and nine healthy, trained controls), aged 18-78 years. All subjects underwent evaluation at our facility for competitive certification. Assessment protocols included resting echocardiography, Global Longitudinal Strain (GLS), and Cardiopulmonary Exercise Testing (CPET) to quantify exercise capacity and dynamic myocardial function. <b>Results:</b> No significant differences in echocardiographic parameters were observed between groups at rest. However, during exercise, athletes with MB demonstrated a significant reduction in GLS and ventricular twist compared to the control group. These findings indicate a notable loss of apical reserve in the MB cohort during physical stress. <b>Conclusions:</b> The integration of CPET and myocardial deformation analysis provides an effective diagnostic tool for identifying functional impairment in asymptomatic athletes with MB. This combined approach offers a superior follow-up strategy for managing athletes who may be at risk for ischemic events despite lack of clinical symptoms.</p>","PeriodicalId":16052,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Functional Morphology and Kinesiology","volume":"11 2","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2026-03-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13108157/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147773558","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":"Collagen Supplementation on Tendon-Related Structural and Performance Outcomes: A Systematic Review.","authors":"Albert Buchalski, Michael Jeanfavre, Colby Altorelli, Gretchen Leff","doi":"10.3390/jfmk11010130","DOIUrl":"10.3390/jfmk11010130","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b>Background:</b> Tendons adapt to mechanical loading by increasing cross-sectional area (CSA), stiffness, and matrix organization, with structural remodeling critical for both rehabilitation and performance. Collagen supplementation has been proposed to enhance this process by supplying key amino acids for collagen synthesis; however, inconsistent results across trials have limited its clinical and athletic application. <b>Methods:</b> A systematic review of randomized controlled trials evaluating collagen supplementation in humans was conducted. PubMed, EMBASE, CINAHL, and Web of Science were searched from database inception through May 2025. Risk of bias was assessed using the PEDro scale (≥6/10 classified as good-to-excellent quality). Due to substantial heterogeneity in supplementation protocols, training modalities, and outcome measures, results were synthesized narratively without meta-analysis. Data extraction included collagen type, dose, training modality, intervention duration, and outcome measures. <b>Results:</b> Of 887 unique citations, eight RCTs (<i>n</i> = 257; ages 18-52; 246 M:11 F) met the inclusion criteria. All studies incorporated resistance or plyometric training (3-15 weeks). Three of four studies reported significantly greater increases in tendon CSA in collagen groups versus placebo. Four studies investigated tendon stiffness and Young's modulus; the two using higher doses (15-30 g/day) demonstrated significant between-group improvements favoring collagen, while lower-dose studies (~5 g) showed only within-group effects. Muscle strength improved with training in all trials, but no additive effects of collagen were observed. One study reported improvements in eccentric rate of force development and deceleration impulse with collagen, though gross explosive metrics (e.g., jump height) were unaffected. <b>Conclusions:</b> Collagen supplementation (15-30 g) with vitamin C (≥50 mg) may enhance tendon remodeling when combined with high-intensity resistance training (≥70% 1 RM). The current literature suggests strong evidence (GRADE A) for increases in tendon CSA and stiffness, strong evidence (GRADE A) against an effect on muscle strength, and conflicting evidence (GRADE C) for muscle cross-sectional area and physical performance. Limitations include small sample sizes, heterogeneous protocols, and short intervention durations.</p>","PeriodicalId":16052,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Functional Morphology and Kinesiology","volume":"11 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2026-03-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13028264/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147529952","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":"High Tibial Osteotomy for Knee Osteoarthritis with Genu Varum: A Retrospective, Observational Study.","authors":"Ana Ramos, Jordi Zafra, Jordi Villalba","doi":"10.3390/jfmk11010129","DOIUrl":"10.3390/jfmk11010129","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b>Background:</b> High tibial osteotomy (HTO) is a joint-preserving alternative for patients with medial compartment knee osteoarthritis (KOA), although its use has declined in recent decades in favor of total knee arthroplasty (TKA). This study aimed to evaluate HTO outcomes in patients treated at a tertiary center over the past decade. <b>Methods:</b> We conducted a single-center, retrospective, observational cohort study of patients with medial femorotibial KOA and genu varum who underwent HTO. Failure was defined as conversion to TKA. A comparative analysis regarding HTO survival was conducted with preoperative variables and KOA stages in the follow-ups up to 5 years. Univariate and multivariate Cox regression models were built to assess their effect on HTO survival time. The Kaplan-Meier method was used to estimate overall and subgroup survival. Disease progression over time was evaluated with the Bhapkar test. In all cases, <i>p</i> < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. <b>Results:</b> HTO was successful in 74.6% of the 63 patients. Age was significantly higher in the failure group (<i>p</i> = 0.006), and each additional year increased the hazard of failure by 8% (95% CI, 1.01-1.16, <i>p</i> = 0.033), although this significance was lost in multivariate analysis (<i>p</i> = 0.104). Kaplan-Meier estimated survival was 76.7% at 5 years, with a median survival time of 10.1 years. KOA stage progression was significant 5 years after HTO (<i>p</i> < 0.001). <b>Conclusions:</b> HTO demonstrated 76.7% survival at 5 years, with radiographic KOA progression over time. The association between age and failure was not maintained after multivariable adjustment.</p>","PeriodicalId":16052,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Functional Morphology and Kinesiology","volume":"11 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2026-03-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13027401/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147529913","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":"Beyond the Disc: Positional Differences in Morphological and Physical Performance Characteristics Among Male Ultimate Frisbee Players.","authors":"Cristian Hernández, María Alejandra Camacho-Villa, Nuria Sánchez-Hernández, Luis Gabriel Rangel Caballero, Jorge Gómez-Camacho, Juan Carlos Saavedra, Jorge Enrique Buitrago-Espitia, Adrián De la Rosa","doi":"10.3390/jfmk11010128","DOIUrl":"10.3390/jfmk11010128","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b>Background:</b> Ultimate Frisbee (UF) is an intermittent team sport with distinct positional roles (cutters and handlers), yet evidence integrating anthropometric, body composition, and physical performance profiles by playing position remains limited. This study aimed to examine positional differences in these variables among male UF players. <b>Methods:</b> Forty male players (age: 25.13 ± 3.76 years; 7.0 ± 2.5 years of training experience) participated in this cross-sectional design, including 20 cutters and 20 handlers. Anthropometry, body composition, and dynamic balance variables were analyzed using independent-samples <i>t</i>-tests or Mann-Whitney U tests, as appropriate. Positional differences in somatotype and physical performance were analyzed using a one-way multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA). <b>Results:</b> No positional differences were observed in general anthropometric variables (<i>p</i> > 0.05). However, handlers exhibited higher body fat percentage (14.32 ± 2.37 vs. 11.95 ± 2.45; <i>p</i> = 0.028), fat mass (11.08 ± 2.51 vs. 8.95 ± 2.67 kg; <i>p</i> = 0.049), and endomorphy (4.15 ± 1.22 vs. 2.99 ± 1.30; <i>p</i> = 0.002) than cutters. In contrast, cutters demonstrated higher speed (20 m sprint: 3.11 ± 0.17 vs. 3.21 ± 0.15 s; <i>p</i> < 0.05), agility (10.16 ± 0.69 vs. 10.69 ± 0.61 s; <i>p</i> < 0.05), and vertical jump performance (Counter Movement Jump: 40.93 ± 6.54 vs. 36.38 ± 4.71 cm; <i>p</i> < 0.05; Abalakov: 46.39 ± 7.88 vs. 40.20 ± 4.68 cm; <i>p</i> < 0.01). No differences were found in intermittent endurance (Yo-Yo Intermitent Recovery Test1): 982 ± 354 vs. 940 ± 348 m), upper-limb power, or dynamic balance. <b>Conclusions:</b> These findings indicate that playing position in UF is characterized by distinct body composition and lower-limb neuromuscular performance profiles, whereas intermittent endurance, upper-limb power, and balance represent shared physical requirements across positions.</p>","PeriodicalId":16052,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Functional Morphology and Kinesiology","volume":"11 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2026-03-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13027780/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147529784","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":"Evaluating the Effect of the Schroth Method on Sensorimotor Control in Adolescents with Idiopathic Scoliosis: A Controlled Clinical Trial.","authors":"Alexandros Kastrinis, Nikolaos Strimpakos, George A Koumantakis, Dionysios Tzatzaliaris, Marianna Oikonomaki, Zacharias Dimitriadis","doi":"10.3390/jfmk11010127","DOIUrl":"10.3390/jfmk11010127","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b>Background</b>: Adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS) is often associated with central nervous system disorders and deficits in sensorimotor function. While the Schroth method is a common clinical intervention, research evidence regarding its effectiveness in enhancing sensorimotor control remains limited. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of the Schroth method on sensorimotor control and quality of life (QoL) in AIS patients. <b>Methods</b>: Sixty female participants (mean age 13.4 years) with Cobb angles between 10° and 45° were divided into an intervention group (<i>n</i> = 30), receiving Schroth exercises and bracing for 10 weeks, and a control group (<i>n</i> = 30), receiving bracing alone. Outcome measures included static and dynamic balance, spine lateral flexion joint position sense (JPS), upper-limb functional proprioception, and the GR-BSSQ Brace questionnaire. <b>Results</b>: Statistical analysis using two-way mixed ANOVA revealed significant Group × Time interactions across several parameters. The Schroth group showed significant improvements in static and dynamic balance, with ellipse area reduction (<i>p</i> = 0.005) and reduced Fukuda test distance (<i>p</i> = 0.007), respectively. Significant enhancements were noted in spine lateral flexion JPS (Bilateral <i>p</i> = 0.008) and upper-limb proprioception (Bilateral <i>p</i> = 0.000). Furthermore, the intervention group reported a significant improvement in QoL scores compared to the control (<i>p</i> = 0.000). <b>Conclusions</b>: The findings demonstrate that the Schroth method was associated with enhanced sensorimotor control, supporting its use as a targeted approach to improve functional outcomes in individuals with AIS. These results highlight the clinical value of the method, beyond spinal curve correction.</p>","PeriodicalId":16052,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Functional Morphology and Kinesiology","volume":"11 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2026-03-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13027788/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147529877","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}