Journal of Functional Morphology and Kinesiology最新文献

{"title":"Correlation of Physical Activity Level with Muscle Strength and Size During One Week of Knee Joint Immobilization.","authors":"Kylie K Harmon, Zahra Pourhatami, Dylan Malinowski, Ryan M Girts, Jonathan P Beausejour, Jeremy S Wydra, Joshua C Carr, Jeanette Garcia, Matt S Stock","doi":"10.3390/jfmk10020192","DOIUrl":"10.3390/jfmk10020192","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b>Background</b>: Knee joint immobilization is common after surgery or injury. Whether remaining physically active during immobilization preserves muscle strength and size has not been studied. <b>Objectives</b>: This observational study examined correlations between muscle strength, size, and physical activity (PA) levels during one week of knee joint immobilization. <b>Methods</b>: Nine healthy adults (five males, four females) immobilized their left knee and ambulated with crutches for one week. Ankle accelerometers monitored compliance and tracked PA. Isometric and concentric isokinetic peak torque at 30°/s and 180°/s and vastus lateralis (VL) cross-sectional area (CSA) were assessed before and after immobilization. Bivariate correlations were used to examine relationships between time spent in sedentary, light, moderate, and vigorous PA, and changes in isometric and concentric isokinetic peak torque, as well as VL CSA. <b>Results</b>: After immobilization, isometric strength declined by 17.1%. Concentric isokinetic peak torque declined by 5.5% at 30°/s and 2.3% at 180°/s. VL CSA declined by 6.7%. There were weak correlations between strength measures and PA levels (<i>r</i> = -0.497-0.574; <i>p</i> = 0.106-0.709). For CSA, an unexpected pattern was found in which greater sedentary time was correlated with decreased atrophy (<i>r</i> = 0.701; <i>p</i> = 0.035), but light (<i>r</i> = -0.673; <i>p</i> = 0.047) and moderate (<i>r</i> = -0.738; <i>p</i> = 0.023) PA levels were correlated with increased atrophy. Vigorous PA had weak correlations with CSA (<i>r</i> = -0.321; <i>p</i> = 0.399). <b>Conclusions</b>: Contrary to our hypothesis, increased PA levels were not correlated with the preservation of strength and were correlated with greater declines in CSA during knee joint immobilization.</p>","PeriodicalId":16052,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Functional Morphology and Kinesiology","volume":"10 2","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.6,"publicationDate":"2025-05-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12194531/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144497257","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":"Analysis of the Effect of Training Driving on Electromyographic Parameters in Trained Karting Drivers: A Study of Fatigue and Its Relationship with Training Practice.","authors":"Aleksander Zarębski, Marcel Słomiński, Małgorzata Smoter, Rafał Studnicki","doi":"10.3390/jfmk10020190","DOIUrl":"10.3390/jfmk10020190","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b>Objectives:</b> The present study aimed to investigate changes in forearm muscle activity associated with short-term go-kart driving (680 m) and its potential effect on muscle activation patterns. <b>Methods</b>: Eleven male karting league drivers (mean age: 23.18 ± 1.40 years; body mass: 83.27 ± 10.98 kg; height: 182.73 ± 5.66 cm) volunteered to participate. Electromyographic (EMG) activity was recorded from four muscles: extensor carpi radialis (ECR), extensor carpi ulnaris (ECU), flexor carpi radialis (FCR), and flexor carpi ulnaris (FCU). Baseline EMG was measured before the intervention, followed by two consecutive kart-driving sessions on a 680 m closed track. Post-exercise EMG data were then collected. A repeated-measures analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) was used to analyze the effects of time (pre vs. post) while controlling for cumulative race time as a covariate. <b>Results</b>: A significant time effect with cumulative time as a covariate was observed, particularly in the ECR and ECU muscles on both the left and right sides. Notable findings include increases in maximum and mean activity of the left and right ECR (e.g., ECR right max: F = 51.57; <i>p</i> < 0.001; η² = 0.851) and ECU (e.g., ECU right max: F = 36.170; <i>p</i> < 0.001; η² = 0.801). Additionally, a significant increase was found in the maximum activation of the left FCR (F = 11.019; <i>p</i> = 0.009; η² = 0.550, which remained significant after controlling for total driving time. This heightened activation likely reflects an acute neuromuscular fatigue response to the demands of kart steering, rather than a long-term adaptation. <b>Conclusions</b>: The findings suggest that even short bouts of kart driving can induce measurable changes in neuromuscular activation of the forearm muscles, particularly in those involved in grip control and steering stability. This highlights the physical demands of karting and its potential impact on the upper limb muscle conditioning.</p>","PeriodicalId":16052,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Functional Morphology and Kinesiology","volume":"10 2","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.6,"publicationDate":"2025-05-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12194199/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144497239","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":"Determining the Effects of a 6-Week Training Intervention on Reactive Strength: A Single-Case Experimental Design Approach.","authors":"Benjamin Southey, Dirk Spits, Damien Austin, Mark Connick, Emma Beckman","doi":"10.3390/jfmk10020191","DOIUrl":"10.3390/jfmk10020191","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b>Objectives</b>: Single-case experimental designs (SCEDs) provide a robust way to observe adaptations to training in highly specific populations. Furthermore, they provide unique insights into inter-participant variance in responses to interventions, which traditional randomized control trials cannot obtain. However, there is limited sports science literature that has applied this methodology to assess the effectiveness of training interventions. Thus, the aim of this study was to determine the individual and combined changes to reactive strength following a 6-week strength and plyometric training intervention. <b>Methods</b>: A non-concurrent multiple baseline SCED was used, where four participants completed weekly 10/5 repeated jump (RJ), drop jump (DJ), and loaded squat jumps during a 5-7-week baseline phase and a 6-week intervention phase. The intervention consisted of traditional resistance and plyometric training. <b>Results</b>: The results found inter-participant variance in changes to reactive strength, with some individuals having significant improvements whilst others declined. The combined results found that during the intervention, the reactive strength index (RSI) of the RJ significantly decreased (baseline: 2.15 vs. intervention: 2.0) whilst no change in DJ occurred. This led to a significant increase in the reactive quality ratio (RQR) (baseline: 1.02 vs. intervention: 1.08). <b>Conclusions</b>: These findings highlight the importance of considering individual responses to training reactive strength rather than cohort observations alone, and the SCED is a viable methodology to achieve this. Practitioners should consider exercise selection, maximum strength levels and responsiveness of individuals when prescribing plyometric exercise to improve high and low amplitude reactive strength qualities.</p>","PeriodicalId":16052,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Functional Morphology and Kinesiology","volume":"10 2","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.6,"publicationDate":"2025-05-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12194246/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144497244","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":"Post-Exercise Hypotension Induced by a Short Isometric Exercise Session Versus Combined Exercise in Hypertensive Patients with Ischemic Heart Disease: A Pilot Study.","authors":"Matteo Vitarelli, Francesco Laterza, Saúl Peñín-Grandes, Marco Alfonso Perrone, Alejandro Santos-Lozano, Maurizio Volterrani, Giuseppe Marazzi, Vincenzo Manzi, Elvira Padua, Barbara Sposato, Valentina Morsella, Ferdinando Iellamo, Giuseppe Caminiti","doi":"10.3390/jfmk10020189","DOIUrl":"10.3390/jfmk10020189","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b>Background:</b> Short sessions of isometric exercise have been shown to reduce blood pressure (BP) in normotensive and hypertensive subjects. However, there are few data in hypertensive patients with underlying ischemic heart disease (IHD). In the present study, we compared post-exercise hypotension (PEH) induced by isometric versus combined, aerobic plus dynamic resistance exercise in IHD patients. <b>Methods</b>: Twenty-five stable patients with established IHD and with treated hypertension were enrolled. The study had a cross-over design. All patients performed in a random order and on different days: (1) isometric exercise session (IES) consisting of bilateral knee extension, performed at 20% of maximal voluntary contraction and lasting 20 min; (2) combined exercise session (CES) including moderate-intensity continuous exercise at and dynamic resistance exercise performed at 60% of one repetition maximum, and lasting 60 min and (3) control session (no exercise). BP was measured at rest, immediately after the training and then every 15 min up to 90 min. <b>Results:</b> The repeated measures ANOVA analysis showed that systolic BP significantly decreased after the CES session compared to the control (F = 6.2; <i>p</i> 0.001) and IES (F = 4.4; <i>p</i> 0.004). Systolic BP significantly decreased after IES compared to the control (F = 3.6; <i>p</i> 0.036). Diastolic BP did not show significant changes after CES and IES compared to the control (CES vs. control: F = 2.2; <i>p</i> 0.142; IES vs. control (F = 2.5; <i>p</i> 0.062). There were no significant differences in diastolic BP changes between CES and IES (CES vs. IES: F = 1.8; <i>p</i> 0.156). <b>Conclusions:</b> We observed that CES was more effective than IES in reducing systolic BP; IES was as effective as CES in inducing diastolic PEH in hypertensive patients with underlying IHD.</p>","PeriodicalId":16052,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Functional Morphology and Kinesiology","volume":"10 2","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.6,"publicationDate":"2025-05-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12194243/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144497285","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":"Impacts of Traditional Warm-Up and Post-Activation Potentiation on Muscle Endurance During the Back Squat: Response of Blood Lactate, Perceived Effort, and Time Under Tension.","authors":"Taianda M Amorim, Alexandre V Gurgel, Viviane Faleiro, Thiago T Guimarães, Estêvão R Monteiro, Felipe G Teixeira, Bruno Jotta, Tiago C Figueiredo, Raquel C Castiglione, Silvio R Marques-Neto","doi":"10.3390/jfmk10020188","DOIUrl":"10.3390/jfmk10020188","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Warm-up strategies are essential for optimizing strength-training performance. Traditional warm-ups improve neuromuscular readiness, whereas post-activation potentiation (PAP) has been proposed to acutely enhance muscular output. This randomized crossover study compared the acute effects of traditional and PAP-based warm-ups on local muscular endurance (LME) during free weight back squats in resistance-trained men.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Twelve trained males (age: 41.3 ± 5.7 years; one repetition maximum squat: 129.3 ± 14.3 kg) completed three randomized squat sessions: mobility with LME (M + LME), traditional warm-up with LME (T + LME), and PAP with LME (PAP + LME). The sessions were spaced 48 h apart. Outcomes included the number of repetitions, blood lactate concentration, time under tension (TUT), perceived exertion through OMNI Resistance Exercise Scale (OMNI-RES), and pain perception through visual analogue scale (VAS). One-way ANOVA and partial eta-squared (η²p) were used for statistical analyses.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>PAP + LME significantly increased the number of repetitions (15.63 ± 3.66) compared to both M + LME (12.38 ± 3.89) and T + LME (13.63 ± 3.82; <i>p</i> < 0.0001). Blood lactate levels were significantly higher in PAP + LME (8.98 ± 3.87 mmol/L) compared to M + LME (5.08 ± 0.97 mmol/L; <i>p</i> = 0.01). TUT was significantly shorter in both the PAP + LME and T + LME groups than in the M + LME group (<i>p</i> < 0.05). VAS scores were higher after PAP + LME (8.50 ± 0.45) than after M + LME (6.50 ± 1.20; <i>p</i> = 0.02), while OMNI-RES scores did not differ significantly between the protocols.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Both traditional and PAP-based warm-ups improved squat LME compared with mobility alone. PAP elicited greater repetition performance and metabolic stress but also increased discomfort. Warm-up selection should align with training goals, balancing performance benefits and perceived fatigue.</p>","PeriodicalId":16052,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Functional Morphology and Kinesiology","volume":"10 2","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.6,"publicationDate":"2025-05-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12194115/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144497277","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 Effects of Short-Term Heavy Load Squat vs. Moderate Load Olympic Weightlifting Training on Maximal Strength and Force-Velocity Profile in Young Female Handball Players.","authors":"Gergely Pálinkás, Csaba Ökrös, Zsófia Tróznai, Katinka Utczás, Leonidas Petridis","doi":"10.3390/jfmk10020187","DOIUrl":"10.3390/jfmk10020187","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b>Objectives</b>: This study examined changes in maximal strength and the force-velocity (FV) profile in young female handball players following an in-season heavy load squat or a moderate load Olympic weightlifting short-term training intervention. <b>Methods</b>: A total of 27 active young female handball players (age: 17.6 ± 0.98 years; height: 168.9 ± 5.1 cm; weight: 64.9 ± 10.6 kg) participated. 5RM back squats and unloaded and loaded countermovement jumps were assessed to establish the FV profile. Participants were divided into the following groups: the control group (CG; <i>n</i> = 8) followed its usual strength training including bodyweight exercises, the heavy load squat group (SQUAT; <i>n</i> = 7) performed heavy load back squats, and the Olympic weightlifting group (OWG; <i>n</i> = 12) used moderate load weightlifting derivates. <b>Results</b>: Absolute and relative 5RM back squat and vertical jump height increased in both intervention groups (5RM from 56.8 ± 5.5 to 62.2 ± 5.3 kg, <i>p</i> < 0.05 and CMJ height from 26.7 ± 4.7 to 28.4 ± 4.9 cm, <i>p</i> < 0.05 for SQUAT; 5RM from 56.6 ± 6.8 to 66.1 ± 6.9 kg, <i>p</i> < 0.05 and CMJ height from 26.9 ± 3.0 to 28.3 ± 3.2 cm, <i>p</i> < 0.05 for OWG), but not in the CG (5RM from 63.8 ± 12.5 to 63.4 ± 12.9 kg, CMJ height from 28.4 ± 2.2 to 27.7 ± 2.9 cm). The FV profile did not change significantly in either group. The theoretical maximal force remained almost unchanged in the SQUAT and OWG (+2% each), while only the OWG could slightly decrease FV imbalance (-14%). <b>Conclusions</b>: Both strength and Olympic weightlifting short-term training could improve strength and explosive performance, but without affecting the FV profile in young, less skilled female handball players. Olympic weightlifting may offer a slight advantage due to its potential to improve power production while optimizing FV imbalance.</p>","PeriodicalId":16052,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Functional Morphology and Kinesiology","volume":"10 2","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.6,"publicationDate":"2025-05-23","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12194710/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144497305","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":"Building a Healthy Future: Functional Motor Skill Development in Precocious Prevention of Childhood Obesity.","authors":"Debora Porri, Malgorzata Wasniewska, Giovanni Luppino, Letteria Anna Morabito, Elisa La Rosa, Giorgia Pepe, Domenico Corica, Mariella Valenzise, Maria Francesca Messina, Giuseppina Zirilli, Alessandra Li Pomi, Aurora Lanzafame, Valentina Arena, Angela Alibrandi, Debora Di Mauro, Tommaso Aversa","doi":"10.3390/jfmk10020186","DOIUrl":"10.3390/jfmk10020186","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>The rising prevalence of childhood obesity (CO) has been strongly linked to physical inactivity and sedentary behavior. Early development of functional movement skills (FMS) is crucial for fostering active lifestyles and preventing CO.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>We assessed the FMS of 102 children aged 3-5 using the MOBAK test battery. Parents completed a Likert-scale questionnaire evaluating their perception of their child's motor competence.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>A total of 102 children and 92 parents participated. Although 61.1% of children engaged in regular sports activities, only 20.5% reached a satisfactory MOBAK total score (Score 3). Significant gender differences emerged in locomotor skills (Score 2) and overall performance (Score 3), with <i>p</i>-values < 0.026 and <0.016, respectively. A significant negative correlation between BMI and Score 2 was observed (<i>p</i> < 0.030). Parents significantly overestimated their children's FMS (<i>p</i> = 0.0001).</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Findings emphasize the importance of early interventions targeting FMS enhancement and parental education to effectively support CO prevention strategies and promote lifelong physical activity.</p>","PeriodicalId":16052,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Functional Morphology and Kinesiology","volume":"10 2","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.6,"publicationDate":"2025-05-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12194358/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144497249","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":"Validity and Reliability of 2D Video Analysis for Swimming Kick Start Kinematics.","authors":"Ivan Matúš, Bibana Vadašová, Tomáš Eliáš, Łukasz Rydzik, Tadeusz Ambroży, Wojciech Czarny","doi":"10.3390/jfmk10020184","DOIUrl":"10.3390/jfmk10020184","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Objective evaluation of the swimming start is crucial for sprint performance improvement. Traditional visual assessment of its phases-reaction, take-off, flight, and underwater glide-lacks precision. This study addresses the need for more integrated and accessible biomechanical tools by validating IQ LAB software (Version 250319), which is embedded in the SwimPro system and enables immediate video-based motion analysis without external processing. Existing tools like Dartfish (ProSuite 4.0) require separate video handling and licensing, whereas IQ LAB offers a built-in, streamlined solution suitable for applied environments.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>We evaluated the concurrent validity of the IQ LAB software, a desktop 2D motion analysis tool, using Dartfish (ProSuite 4.0) as the gold standard. The reliability was assessed using intrarater temporal stability and interrater agreement, considering selected kinematic parameters related to the swimming kick start (to 5 m). A sample of 13 competitive male swimmers (age 17.2 ± 1.1 years) was analyzed across two sessions. Concurrent validity was assessed by comparing IQ LAB outputs to those from Dartfish software in the sagittal plane. Intrarater reliability was measured using a test-retest design across two sessions spaced 7 days apart. Interrater reliability involved two independent raters analyzing the same video data using IQ LAB.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>IQ LAB and Dartfish kinematic parameters demonstrated strong agreement (Pearson r ≥ 0.95), with no significant systematic differences. The intrarater and interrater reliability were excellent (ICC ≥ 0.94, 95% CI included). The test-retest reliability of the selected parameters across seasons also showed excellent reproducibility (ICC ≥ 0.93).</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>IQ LAB software provides a valid and reliable 2D kinematic assessment of the swimming kick start, offering a practical and accessible tool for coaches and researchers. This study introduces a novel validated software solution for biomechanical analysis in swimming starts.</p>","PeriodicalId":16052,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Functional Morphology and Kinesiology","volume":"10 2","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.6,"publicationDate":"2025-05-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12101390/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144127478","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 Impact of Deep Core Muscle System Training Through Virtual Reality on Selected Posturographic Parameters.","authors":"Jakub Čuj, Denisa Lenková, Miloslav Gajdoš, Eva Lukáčová, Michal Macej, Katarína Hnátová, Pavol Nechvátal, Lucia Demjanovič Kendrová","doi":"10.3390/jfmk10020185","DOIUrl":"10.3390/jfmk10020185","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b>Objective:</b> The aim of this study was to investigate the immediate effects of deep core muscle training in the plank position, using the Icaros^® system, integrated with virtual reality (VR), on selected posturographic parameters. <b>Methods:</b> To meet the stated objective, we utilized the Icaros^® therapeutic system (Icaros GmbH, Martinsried, Germany) for VR-based exercise. The posturographic parameters were measured using the FootScan^® force platform (Materialise Motion, Paal, Belgium). A representative sample of 30 healthy participants, 13 females and 17 males (age: 22.5 ± 2.1 years; weight: 65 ± 2.9 kg; height: 1.68 ± 0.4 m; BMI: 23.04 ± 1.75) was included in the study. All participants had no prior experience with VR. The selected posturographic parameters were the ellipse area (mm²) and traveled distance (mm), assessed four times at five-minute intervals, following a 15 min VR-based training session on the Icaros^® system. <b>Results:</b> The results revealed that the participants experienced a sense of instability after completing the 15 min VR session, as objectively demonstrated by changes in the measured parameters. Both the ellipse area and traveled distance showed a worsening trend during the first three measurements: immediately post-exercise, at 5 min, and at 10 min post-exercise. A downward trend was observed in the fourth measurement, taken 15 min after exercise. Statistically significant differences were found between both parameters: ellipse area (<i>p</i> = 0.000) and traveled distance (<i>p</i> = 0.000). Post hoc analysis further confirmed significant differences between the time points. <b>Conclusions:</b> Based on the findings, it is recommended that trainers and physiotherapists supervising athletes or patients using the Icaros^® VR system allow for a minimum rest period of 15 min in a seated or lying position following exercise. This recovery period appears essential to mitigate the sensation of instability and to reduce the risk of complications or injury due to potential falls.</p>","PeriodicalId":16052,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Functional Morphology and Kinesiology","volume":"10 2","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.6,"publicationDate":"2025-05-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12101222/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144127824","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":"Physical Activity as a Central Pillar of Lifestyle Modification in the Management of Chronic Musculoskeletal Pain: A Narrative Review.","authors":"Rodrigo Núñez-Cortés, Joaquín Salazar-Méndez, Jo Nijs","doi":"10.3390/jfmk10020183","DOIUrl":"10.3390/jfmk10020183","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b>Objective</b>: This narrative review aims to analyze physical activity as a central pillar of lifestyle modification in the management of chronic musculoskeletal pain by examining its effects on pain modulation as well as related lifestyle domains, including sleep, stress regulation, dietary habits, and smoking behavior. <b>Methods</b>: A narrative structured review was conducted. We searched MEDLINE/PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Reviews using terms related to chronic pain and lifestyle. Randomized controlled trials, observational studies, systematic reviews, and narrative reviews reporting on the concepts of interest were included. The results were synthesized and described narratively. <b>Results</b>: Through the release of neuromodulatory compounds such as endorphins, endocannabinoids, dopamine, and serotonin, exercise improves analgesia, promotes emotional resilience, and reduces the reward response associated with addictive behaviors such as smoking. Its effects on the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis reduce cortisol levels, while melatonin regulation promotes circadian synchronization and deeper sleep stages. In addition, exercise modulates appetite by increasing insulin sensitivity and altering hormones such as leptin and ghrelin, contributing to appetite control and energy balance. These mechanisms support a comprehensive approach to chronic pain management. <b>Conclusions</b>: Physical activity is a core component of lifestyle-based chronic pain management, not only because of its analgesic effects, but also because of its positive influence on sleep, stress regulation, dietary habits, and smoking reduction. Although the available evidence is promising, more randomized controlled trials are needed to examine the effects of exercise on other healthy lifestyle behaviors, such as stress reduction, dietary modification, and smoking cessation, to consolidate its role in the comprehensive prevention and management of chronic pain.</p>","PeriodicalId":16052,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Functional Morphology and Kinesiology","volume":"10 2","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.6,"publicationDate":"2025-05-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12101186/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144127777","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}