Journal of Functional Morphology and Kinesiology最新文献

{"title":"Immediate Effects of Focal Muscle Vibration on Squat Power and Velocity in Amateur Athletes: A Randomized Controlled Trial.","authors":"Sergi Rodríguez-Rodríguez, Max Canet-Vintró, Carlos López-de-Celis, Zhifan Shen-Chen, Iván Caballero-Martínez, Erik García-Ribell, Jacobo Rodríguez-Sanz","doi":"10.3390/jfmk10010060","DOIUrl":"10.3390/jfmk10010060","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b>Background:</b> Squat exercises are widely recognized for their ability to improve sports performance. Recent advancements in force/velocity profiling have highlighted the importance of power and velocity in explosive movements. While various training methods have been applied to enhance these parameters, their effectiveness remains inconsistent. Focal vibration has emerged as a potential intervention, yet its impact on squat performance has not been extensively explored. The aim was to evaluate the effectiveness of focal vibration with voluntary contractions on power/velocity during a squat exercise in amateur athletes in comparison with voluntary contraction in isolation. <b>Methods:</b> A double-blind, randomized clinical trial with 72 amateur athletes. Velocity, power, muscle activity, perceived effort, and clinical change were measured. The experimental group received focal muscle vibration therapy (100-180 Hz) combined with voluntary contraction, while the sham group underwent identical procedures and focal muscle vibration without the vibrating head, close to the muscle belly but without touching the skin. <b>Results:</b> Statistically significant improvements in the experimental group were found for mean power (<i>p</i> < 0.001; ES = 0.08), peak velocity (<i>p</i> < 0.010; ES = 0.42), and mean velocity (<i>p</i> < 0.001; ES = 0.66) during the squat. Between-group analysis favored the experimental group in peak power (<i>p</i> < 0.049; ES = 0.65), mean power (<i>p</i> < 0.034; ES = 1.42), peak velocity (<i>p</i> < 0.024; ES = 0.095), and mean velocity (<i>p</i> < 0.002; ES = 1.67). <b>Conclusions:</b> Focal muscle vibration (100-180 Hz) combined with active muscle contraction significantly enhances power and velocity during squat exercises in amateur athletes.</p>","PeriodicalId":16052,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Functional Morphology and Kinesiology","volume":"10 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.6,"publicationDate":"2025-02-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11843944/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143467956","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":"Relationship Between Body Mass Index and Fat Mass Percentage with Proprioception in Children.","authors":"Eduardo Guzmán-Muñoz, Yeny Concha-Cisternas, Guillermo Méndez-Rebolledo, Manuel Vásquez-Muñoz, Pablo Valdés-Badilla, Tomás Herrera-Valenzuela, Cristian Núñez-Espinosa, Jordan Hernández-Martínez","doi":"10.3390/jfmk10010059","DOIUrl":"10.3390/jfmk10010059","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background/objectives: </strong>Childhood obesity is linked to motor and sensorimotor impairments, including proprioceptive deficits. While research has predominantly focused on lower limb proprioception, less is known about the impact on upper limbs. This study investigated the relationship between body mass index, body fat percentage, and proprioception of children aged 11-12 years.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A quantitative, correlational, observational design was employed. BMI was calculated from weight and height measurements, body fat percentage was assessed via bioelectrical impedance analysis, and proprioception was measured using an active repositioning test with inertial sensors in 44 children.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Significant correlations were found between BMI and positional errors in the shoulder (r = 0.64, <i>p</i> < 0.001), elbow (r = 0.36, <i>p</i> = 0.007), and knee (r = 0.42, <i>p</i> = 0.002). Regarding body fat percentage, significant correlations were observed with positional errors in the shoulder (r = 0.28, <i>p</i> = 0.031), elbow (r = 0.46, <i>p</i> < 0.001), and knee (r = 0.29, <i>p</i> = 0.030). Regression analysis showed that BMI and body fat percentage significantly predicted positional errors in the shoulder, elbow, and knee. In the shoulder joint, girls demonstrated lower positional errors compared to boys, influenced by both BMI (β = -1.36, <i>p</i> = 0.015) and body fat percentage (β = -3.00, <i>p</i> < 0.001).</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Higher BMI and body fat percentage are associated with shoulder, elbow, and knee joint proprioceptive deficits. Interventions targeting weight reduction and proprioceptive training may mitigate these deficits and promote sensorimotor function in children.</p>","PeriodicalId":16052,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Functional Morphology and Kinesiology","volume":"10 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.6,"publicationDate":"2025-02-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11843859/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143468046","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":"Combined Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation and Elastic Taping Improves Ankle Range of Motion Equivalent to Static Stretching in Untrained Subjects.","authors":"Riyaka Ito, Tatsuya Igawa, Ryunosuke Urata, Shomaru Ito, Kosuke Suzuki, Hiroto Takahashi, Mika Toda, Mio Fujita, Akira Kubo","doi":"10.3390/jfmk10010058","DOIUrl":"10.3390/jfmk10010058","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b>Background/Objective</b>: Maintaining sufficient ankle joint range of motion (ROM) contributes to efficient movement in sports and daily activities. Static stretching (SS), while effective, demands significant time, highlighting the need for alternative, time-efficient approaches to improve ROM. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of combined intervention (CI) using neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) and elastic tape versus SS. <b>Methods</b>: This randomized crossover trial was conducted in healthy university students. They underwent both interventions with a 1-week washout period. The CI entailed the application of elastic tape to the plantar surface of the foot coupled with NMES targeting the posterior lower leg muscles for 1 min. SS was administered for 5 min using a tilt table. Outcome measures included the dorsiflexion angle (DFA), finger-floor distance (FFD), straight leg raise (SLR) angle, plantar flexor strength (PFS), and knee flexor strength (KFS), assessed pre- and post-intervention. DFA was analyzed using equivalence testing with a predefined margin. <b>Results</b>: Both interventions yielded significant improvements in DFA, FFD, and SLR. The combination of NMES and elastic tape demonstrated equivalence to 5 min of SS in enhancing DFA. Neither intervention resulted in a significant reduction in PFS or KFS. <b>Conclusions</b>: The CI of NMES and elastic tape effectively and safely improves flexibility in a short time. Its time efficiency makes it a promising alternative to SS, especially for brief warm-ups or limited rehabilitation time. Further research should explore its long-term effects and broader applicability.</p>","PeriodicalId":16052,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Functional Morphology and Kinesiology","volume":"10 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.6,"publicationDate":"2025-02-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11843824/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143468162","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":"Tennis Serve Speed in Relation to Isokinetic Shoulder Strength, Height, and Segmental Body Mass in Junior Players.","authors":"Jan Vacek, Michal Vagner, Jan Malecek, Petr Stastny","doi":"10.3390/jfmk10010057","DOIUrl":"10.3390/jfmk10010057","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b>Objectives:</b> The relationship between the isokinetic maximal strength of internal or external shoulder rotation and serve speed in tennis is well established, yet the influence of segmental mass, height, and high-speed shoulder rotation strength on serve performance in junior players remains unclear. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between concentric or eccentric isokinetic shoulder strength, segmental mass, height, and first-serve speed aimed at the T-target zone. <b>Methods:</b> Fifteen male junior competitive tennis players (mean ± SD: age 15.9 ± 0.9 years; height: 180.1 ± 7.2 cm; body mass: 66.1 ± 5.7 kg) were assessed for maximal isokinetic strength during concentric and eccentric internal and external shoulder rotations. Segmental mass (arm, leg, and trunk) was measured using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry, and serve speed was recorded using a radar gun. <b>Results:</b> Concentric shoulder rotations at 210°/s demonstrated significant positive correlations with serve speed for both external (ρ = 0.71, <i>p</i> ≤ 0.01) and internal rotation (ρ = 0.61, <i>p</i> ≤ 0.05). Although lean arm mass partially mediated the relationship between shoulder strength and serve speed (indirect effect = 0.502, 95% CI: -0.156 to 1.145), this mediation effect was not statistically significant. Height was moderately correlated with serve speed (ρ = 0.68, <i>p</i> ≤ 0.01) but did not moderate the relationship between shoulder strength and serve speed. <b>Conclusions:</b> Concentric shoulder strength at higher angular velocities and segmental mass contribute to serve speed in junior tennis players. While height provides structural advantages, strength and lean mass play important roles, emphasizing the need for targeted training programs.</p>","PeriodicalId":16052,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Functional Morphology and Kinesiology","volume":"10 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.6,"publicationDate":"2025-02-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11843948/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143468176","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":"Impact on Body Composition and Physical Fitness of an Exercise Program Based on Immersive Virtual Reality: A Case Report.","authors":"Andrés Godoy-Cumillaf, Paola Fuentes-Merino, Frano Giakoni-Ramírez, Marcelo Maldonado-Sandoval, José Bruneau-Chávez, Eugenio Merellano-Navarro","doi":"10.3390/jfmk10010056","DOIUrl":"10.3390/jfmk10010056","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b>Background/Objectives:</b> The practice of physical activity contributes to obtaining adequate values of body composition and physical fitness, which is beneficial for people's health. However, a large part of the adult population does not comply with the recommendations for physical activity, due to factors such as lack of time and nearby sports venues. Immersive virtual reality is a tool that allows individuals to immerse themselves in a simulated world and perceive visual, auditory, and tactile sensations. Its use in physical activity interventions favors exercise in situations that, due to time and space, could be limited in real life. The objective of this case report is to measure the impact on body composition and physical fitness of an exercise program executed through immersive virtual reality. <b>Methods</b>: The design is a case study with a quantitative approach developed through a physical activity intervention with immersive virtual reality in which body composition was evaluated considering fat and muscle components, and physical fitness considering cardiorespiratory fitness, speed-agility, and hand grip strength, through pre- and post-testing. The physical exercise program based on immersive virtual reality lasted 8 weeks. The subject of the study was a 24-year-old man, a second-year student of Pedagogy in Physical Education at a Chilean university, with no previous experience in this virtual tool. <b>Results</b>: The results indicate that for body composition the study subject decreased the fat component and slightly improved the musculature, while for physical fitness cardiorespiratory fitness and speed-agility improved, but manual grip strength decreased. <b>Conclusions</b>: It is concluded that the training developed through immersive virtual reality proves to be a tool that can promote improvements in body composition and physical fitness; it is necessary to carry out more research to validate the potential of this instrument as a means of contributing to the health of the population.</p>","PeriodicalId":16052,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Functional Morphology and Kinesiology","volume":"10 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.6,"publicationDate":"2025-02-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11843897/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143468000","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":"Pantalar Intact Dislocation: A Systematic Review.","authors":"Eleonora Dell'Agli, Marco Sapienza, Mirko Domenico Castiglione, Maria Agata Musumeci, Sebiano Pitronaci, Andrea Sodano, Vito Pavone, Gianluca Testa","doi":"10.3390/jfmk10010055","DOIUrl":"10.3390/jfmk10010055","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>This scoping review analyzes the available literature on pure total talar dislocation, focusing on its epidemiology, clinical presentation, imaging techniques, surgical options, rehabilitation protocols, and complications.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Following the PRISMA-ScR guidelines, a comprehensive search was conducted across the PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus databases. The search yielded 185 articles, of which 30 satisfied the inclusion criteria and focused on pure total talar dislocation without fractures. Data from each study were extracted, including patient demographics, injury characteristics, treatment methods, and outcomes.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The studies included case reports, case series, and reviews. Despite the heterogeneity of the studies, the key findings suggest that early reduction, careful wound management, and soft tissue preservation are crucial in minimizing complications such as avascular necrosis (AVN), post-traumatic arthritis, and infection. The long-term outcomes varied, and the risk of AVN remained high, particularly in cases with compromised blood supply to the talus.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Pure total talar dislocation is a rare and challenging condition with no established management protocol. While talar reimplantation and joint fixation offer promising outcomes in preserving function, the risk of complications, particularly AVN, remains significant. Additional research is necessary to standardize treatment protocols and improve clinical outcomes for this rare but severe injury.</p>","PeriodicalId":16052,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Functional Morphology and Kinesiology","volume":"10 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.6,"publicationDate":"2025-02-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11843910/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143468041","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 Progressive Resistance Training After Hip Fracture: A Systematic Review.","authors":"Pablo Soro-García, Noelia González-Gálvez","doi":"10.3390/jfmk10010054","DOIUrl":"10.3390/jfmk10010054","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Hip fracture presents high morbidity, mortality, and healthcare costs. Some programs have focused on the effect of progressive strength work on post-hip fracture recovery. Therefore, the objective of this systematic review was to understand the effect of a progressive resistance training program on different variables in adults after hip fracture. This review includes randomized controlled trials that apply progressive strength programs in subjects after a hip fracture. The selected databases are PubMed, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), and Ebsco. A total of 7 studies were selected after screening. These studies were published between 2005 and 2022. Most of the research included adults over 65 years of age, showing a mean age of 77.80 years. In the majority of cases, the programs are applied between 3 and 12 months post-fracture. The most commonly applied intervention time is 3 months. The intervention time of the programs typically lasts for 3 months and includes 3-4 lower limb exercises involving, mainly hip and knee movements. All the investigations assess functional capacity and nearly all research the strength. It is shown that the intensity of strength work progresses from 60 to 80% of 1RM. Progressive strength training programs in post-hip fracture patients generally show an improvement in functional capacity, strength, balance, walking speed, flexibility, and cardiorespiratory fitness. However, the effects on independence, quality of life, self-reported physical disability, depression, and cognitive ability do not show conclusive results, and there is little research in this regard.</p>","PeriodicalId":16052,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Functional Morphology and Kinesiology","volume":"10 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.6,"publicationDate":"2025-02-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11843970/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143468037","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":"Learning to Cycle: Body Composition and Balance Challenges in Balance Bikes Versus Training Wheels.","authors":"Cristiana Mercê, David Catela, Rita Cordovil, Mafalda Bernardino, Marco Branco","doi":"10.3390/jfmk10010053","DOIUrl":"10.3390/jfmk10010053","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b>Background/Objectives:</b> Empowering our children and youth to cycle empowers them to pursue a healthier, fuller, and more responsible life. The present study implemented the Learning to Cycle program with the following aims: (i) to promote learning to cycle; (ii) to investigate and compare the use of different learning bicycles, i.e., balance bicycle (BB) and bicycle with training wheels (BTW); (iii) to investigate the influence of body composition during this learning process. <b>Methods:</b> The program was implemented through a quasi-experimental study involving two intervention groups, with pre- and post-test evaluations. The program was applied to 50 children (M = 5.82 ± 0.94 years, 23 girls) who did not know how to cycle previously. One group explored the BB and the other the BTW for six sessions, followed by four more sessions with the conventional bicycle (CB) for both groups. The assessment of independent cycling was considered as the ability to perform, sequentially and unaided, and the various cycling milestones: self-launch, ride, and brake. The children's body composition was accessed by the BMI's percentile and classification according to their age and sex. <b>Results:</b> The program had a success rate of 88.24% for acquiring independent cycling, with 100% success in the BB group and 76.92% in the BTW group. The BB children learned significantly faster to self-launch, ride, brake, and cycle independently. Children with higher BMI percentiles faced greater challenges in achieving balance milestones. <b>Conclusions:</b> BB are recommended, especially for overweight and obese children, as they help develop balance from the onset, and showed to be more efficient in learning to cycle than the BTW.</p>","PeriodicalId":16052,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Functional Morphology and Kinesiology","volume":"10 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.6,"publicationDate":"2025-01-31","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11843937/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143468002","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 Priming with Light vs. Heavy Loads on Weightlifting Performance.","authors":"Theodoros Stavropoulos, Nikolaos Zaras, Georgia-Kassandra Kelekian, Thomas Mpampoulis, Alexandra Avloniti, Athanasios Chatzinikolaou, Gerasimos Terzis","doi":"10.3390/jfmk10010052","DOIUrl":"10.3390/jfmk10010052","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background/objectives: </strong>The purpose of the study was to investigate the effects of a priming training session with either a light or heavy load snatch and clean pulls on weightlifting performance.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Twelve well-trained weightlifters (seven males and five females) participated in the study. The athletes followed a counterbalanced study design comparing three treatments, including a day of rest (control) and two priming sessions involving two different weightlifting derivatives-the snatch and the clean pulls-which were performed either with 80% of the one-repetition maximum (1-RM) (LP) or with 110% of the 1-RM (HP). Twenty-four hours later, the 1-RM strength test for the snatch and clean and jerk, as well as the barbell kinematic characteristics at 100% of the 1-RM in the snatch and clean and jerk, were measured. The rate of perceived exertion (RPE) was measured following the priming sessions.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Performance in snatch remained unchanged following the LP and HP. However, performance in the clean and jerk increased significantly by 3.1% following the HP compared to the control. No significant differences were observed in barbell kinematics. The RPE was significantly higher for HP compared to LP.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>These results suggest that an HP performed 24 h prior to the 1-RM evaluation in weightlifting may have significantly increased performance in the clean and jerk. These changes may not be explained by barbell kinematics.</p>","PeriodicalId":16052,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Functional Morphology and Kinesiology","volume":"10 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.6,"publicationDate":"2025-01-30","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11843885/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143468247","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":"Optimising Sprint Performance in Rugby: Insights from a Systematic Review of Training Methods.","authors":"Manuel Sanz-Matesanz, Francisco Tomás González-Fernández, David Blanco-Luengo, Luis Manuel Martínez-Aranda","doi":"10.3390/jfmk10010051","DOIUrl":"10.3390/jfmk10010051","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Sprint performance is crucial in rugby, impacting offensive and defensive actions. Despite increasing research on team sports, specific sprint training guidelines for rugby remain limited. This review evaluates the effectiveness of various training methods to improve sprint performance in semi-professional and professional players.</p><p><strong>Objectives: </strong>To identify and assess the most effective training methodologies for improving rugby sprint performance and provide evidence-based recommendations for coaches.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A systematic review adhering to PRISMA guidelines was conducted across PubMed, Web of Science, and SPORTDiscus, including studies published before November 2024. Eligible studies focused on Rugby Union, Rugby League, or Rugby Sevens players undergoing resistance-based or sprint-specific training for at least four weeks. Exclusion criteria included amateur players, athletes under 16, or interventions using advanced technologies. Methodological quality was assessed using the PEDro scale.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Twenty-six studies involving 644 rugby players were analysed. Training programmes ranged from 4 to 18 weeks (average: 8 weeks) and were categorised into resistance training, small-sided games, and sprint-specific methods. Resistance training combined with plyometrics and agility drills achieved the most significant sprint improvements. Small-sided games enhanced sprint performance by simulating game-like scenarios, while resisted sprint training showed notable results for short-distance acceleration but limited maximum speed gains.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Rugby sprint performance improves through periodised training protocols incorporating resistance exercises, plyometrics, and sport-specific drills. Coaches should use small-sided games and resisted sprint training to target short-distance acceleration and agility. Further research should examine the long-term effects of these methods and their influence on match performance.</p>","PeriodicalId":16052,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Functional Morphology and Kinesiology","volume":"10 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.6,"publicationDate":"2025-01-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11843853/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143468005","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}