Journal of Functional Morphology and Kinesiology最新文献

{"title":"Effects of Tactile Sensory Stimulation Training of the Trunk and Sole on Standing Balance Ability in Older Adults: A Randomized Controlled Trial.","authors":"Toshiaki Tanaka, Yusuke Maeda, Takahiro Miura","doi":"10.3390/jfmk10010096","DOIUrl":"10.3390/jfmk10010096","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b>Background:</b> Aging is associated with a decline in both motor and sensory functions that destabilizes posture, increasing the risk of falls. Dynamic standing balance is strongly linked to fall risk in older adults. Sensory information from the soles and trunk is essential for balance control. Few studies have demonstrated the efficacy of targeted sensory training on balance improvement. <b>Objectives:</b> To assess vibratory sensation function in the trunk and sole using a vibration device and evaluate the effects of trunk and sole tactile sensation training on dynamic standing balance performance in older adults. <b>Methods:</b> In this randomized controlled trial, eighteen older adults were randomly assigned to three groups: control (n = 8, mean age 66.6 ± 3.4), trunk training (n = 5, mean age 71.0 ± 1.9), and sole training (n = 5, mean age 66.4 ± 3.6). The training lasted for 10 weeks, utilizing vibratory stimulation at 128 Hz through tuning forks for 15 min during each session, conducted three times a week. The primary outcomes were vibratory sensitivity, assessed with a belt-fitted device on the trunk and a plate equipped with vibrators on the soles, and dynamic balance, evaluated through force plate testing that measured limits of stability (LoS) in multiple directions. <b>Results:</b> Correct response rates for trunk vibratory stimulation significantly improved in the trunk training group (<i>p</i> < 0.05). The rate of two-stimuli discrimination improved in both training groups. Significant advancements in balance metrics were observed in the trunk and sole training groups when compared to the control group, especially regarding anterior-posterior tilts (<i>p</i> < 0.05). A positive correlation was identified between two-point vibratory discrimination and LoS test performance. <b>Conclusions:</b> Sensory training of the trunk and sole enhances balance performance in older adults, suggesting potential benefits for fall prevention. Future studies should assess long-term effects and explore optimal training duration with larger sample sizes.</p>","PeriodicalId":16052,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Functional Morphology and Kinesiology","volume":"10 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.6,"publicationDate":"2025-03-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11943072/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143710059","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 Relationship Between Physical Activity and Gait Rhythm with Motor Imagery -Trial Using the Finger Tap Test.","authors":"Keisuke Itotani, Mirai Taki, Shinnosuke Ueno, Hina Nakai, Yuta Miki, Ippei Suganuma, Shun Harada, Noriyuki Ogawa","doi":"10.3390/jfmk10010094","DOIUrl":"10.3390/jfmk10010094","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objectives: </strong>The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship of any error (delta; ∆) between the image of one's own walking rhythm and the actual walking rhythm and physical activity, as a new motor imagery assessment.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>The subjects were classified into two groups: a high activity group (HA-Group) having high physical activity with less than four hours of sitting time per day, and a low activity group (LA-Group) having low physical activity with more than four hours of daily sitting time. Visual rhythm, auditory rhythm, mental comfortable walking rhythm, and mental maximum walking rhythm were used to assess new motor imagery. Their beats per minute were measured and any error (delta; ∆) from the actual rhythm was calculated: ∆ visual rhythm, ∆ auditory rhythm, ∆ mental normal gait rhythm, and ∆ mental maximal gait rhythm.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>When comparing the two groups, the HA-Group had significantly higher ∆ visual rhythm, lower ∆ auditory rhythm, higher ∆ mental comfortable walking rhythm, and lower ∆ mental maximum walking rhythm ability than the LA-Group. Furthermore, in an ANCOVA with age, ∆visual rhythm, and ∆auditory rhythm as adjustment factors, the HA-Group had significantly lower ∆mental maximum walking rhythm than the LA-Group.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>These results showed that the rhythmic assessment of the imagery of maximum walking was associated with stationery time. It is possible that the more inaccurate the imagery of maximum walking, the longer the sitting or lying time.</p>","PeriodicalId":16052,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Functional Morphology and Kinesiology","volume":"10 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.6,"publicationDate":"2025-03-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11943264/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143710263","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 Autologous Tenocyte Injection for Overuse and Degenerative Tendinopathies: A Systematic Review.","authors":"Andrea Demeco, Alessandro de Sire, Antonello Salerno, Nicola Marotta, Beatrice Comuni, Matteo Gabbi, Lorenzo Lippi, Marco Invernizzi, Antonio Ammendolia, Cosimo Costantino","doi":"10.3390/jfmk10010095","DOIUrl":"10.3390/jfmk10010095","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b>Background:</b> The term tendinopathy commonly describes a series of alterations in the tendon, leading in functional impairment and pain, treated with several approaches, including exercises, physical agents, and injection therapies. Among the latter, autologous tenocyte injection (ATI) involves harvesting tenocytes from a healthy tendon of the patients and then isolating the tenocytes and culturing for 4-5 weeks. To date, there is still a lack of consensus about the efficacy of ATI in improving pain and function; therefore, the present review aimed to assess the role of ATI in the treatment of chronic tendinopathies. <b>Methods:</b> Two authors conducted a comprehensive search across PubMed Medline, Web of Science, Scopus, Cochrane Library, and Google Scholar (PROSPERO: CRD42024565211). From 174 articles, we finally included 5 articles. <b>Results:</b> The main effect obtained was the pain relief and, consequently, the improvement of patients' quality of life. The clinical improvement is also evident at MRI in which it is possible to see a progressive reduction with a general disappearance of the T2 signal hyperintensity between 4 months and 1 year. All the articles agree on the safety of ATI in chronic tendinopathies. <b>Conclusions:</b> ATI might represent a safe and valuable option in the management of chronic tendinopathies as a second line treatment in the case of resistant tendinopathies, with a minimal risk of side effects.</p>","PeriodicalId":16052,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Functional Morphology and Kinesiology","volume":"10 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.6,"publicationDate":"2025-03-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11942842/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143710056","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":"Effect of a Community-Based Program on Preschoolers' Physical Activity and Nutrition in Chile.","authors":"Gabriela Salazar, Fabian Vasquez, Margarita Andrade, Maria Del Pilar Rodriguez, Rocio Berlanga, Juanita Rojas, Antonio Giadalah, Alvaro Muñoz","doi":"10.3390/jfmk10010093","DOIUrl":"10.3390/jfmk10010093","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b>Introduction:</b> Childhood obesity has reached critical levels in Chile, particularly among preschoolers from low-income families who face barriers to nutritious food and physical activity. Early interventions are essential to mitigate long-term health risks. This study evaluates the Chile Active Intervention, a community-based program promoting physical activity and healthy eating among preschoolers attending public daycare centers in Antofagasta, Santiago, and Temuco. <b>Objective:</b> To assess the effectiveness of a structured intervention in improving physical activity levels, dietary habits, and obesity-related risk factors in children aged 3 to 5 years old. <b>Methods:</b> A quasi-experimental design was implemented with intervention and control groups, including 1204 children from public daycare centers. The intervention-comprised educator training on healthy eating structured physical activity sessions tailored for young children and family engagement through \"Healthy Days\" events. Pre- and post-intervention assessments measured anthropometric variables, body composition, physical activity, and dietary intake. <b>Results:</b> The intervention led to positive changes in weight-for-height Z-scores, body fat percentage, and skinfold thickness, particularly among high-risk children. Physical activity assessments showed reduced sedentary time and increased active play. Dietary improvements included higher fruit and vegetable consumption and reduced ultra-processed food intake. <b>Conclusions:</b> This study demonstrates that early, community-based interventions can effectively improve health behaviors in preschoolers. The program's scalability across Chile is promising, with parental involvement and institutional support being key to sustaining impact. Long-term evaluations are recommended to assess its lasting effects on childhood health outcomes.</p>","PeriodicalId":16052,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Functional Morphology and Kinesiology","volume":"10 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.6,"publicationDate":"2025-03-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11943223/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143710003","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":"Assessment of Isometric Shoulder Strength in Swimmers: A Validation and Reliability Study of the ASH and iASH Tests.","authors":"Hugo Ogando-Berea, Santiago Virgós-Abelleira, Pablo Hernandez-Lucas, Fernando Zarzosa-Alonso","doi":"10.3390/jfmk10010092","DOIUrl":"10.3390/jfmk10010092","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b>Background/Objectives</b>: Shoulder pain is one of the most common injuries among athletes who perform overhead movements. The Athletic Shoulder Test (ASH) has been validated to measure isometric shoulder strength in rugby and baseball players but has not yet been applied to swimmers, where the prevalence of shoulder pathologies reaches up to 91%. The present study aims to validate the ASH and Inverse Athletic Shoulder Test (iASH) in swimmers and establish general values for both tests. <b>Methods</b>: A total of 21 swimmers from the Galician and Asturian Swimming Federation were evaluated using the ASH and iASH tests, measuring strength in three positions (180°, 135°, and 90°). Relative reliability was analysed using the Intraclass Correlation Coefficient (ICC), absolute reliability was assessed through the Standard Error of Measurement (SEM) and Minimal Detectable Change at 90% confidence (MDC90), and variability was determined using the Coefficient of Variation (CV%), applying statistical tests such as Wilcoxon. <b>Results</b>: The ASH and iASH tests demonstrated excellent reliability (ICC = 0.9) across all positions, with acceptable variability (CV% < 35%). No statistically significant differences were found between the preferred and non-preferred side (<i>p</i> > 0.05), except in the iASH test at 180°, where a difference was observed (<i>p</i> = 0.007). The SEM values ranged from 4.39 to 7.39 N, while the MDC90 varied between 10.22 and 17.19 N, ensuring the tests' sensitivity in detecting real changes in shoulder strength. <b>Conclusions</b>: The ASH and iASH tests are reliable tools for assessing shoulder strength in swimmers and can be used to monitor muscular imbalances and prevent injuries. The symmetry in strength between both sides supports their applicability in preventive programmes.</p>","PeriodicalId":16052,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Functional Morphology and Kinesiology","volume":"10 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.6,"publicationDate":"2025-03-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11942649/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143709592","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":"Foam Roller Post-High-Intensity Training for CrossFit Athletes: Does It Really Help with Recovery?","authors":"Fernando Zarzosa-Alonso, Alejandra Alonso-Calvete, Martín Otero-Agra, María Fernández-Méndez, Felipe Fernández-Méndez, Francisco Martín-Rodríguez, Roberto Barcala-Furelos, Myriam Santos-Folgar","doi":"10.3390/jfmk10010091","DOIUrl":"10.3390/jfmk10010091","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b>Background/Objectives</b>: Foam rolling is a new and emergent recovery tool in sports. The aim of this study seeks to compare the acute effects of foam rolling and passive rest on recovery markers in CrossFit athletes following a high-intensity workout. <b>Methods</b>: A quasi-experimental crossover study design was completed with 14 amateur CrossFit athletes. Participants completed the FRAN CrossFit WOD and then completed a recovery protocol including either a foam roller or passive rest. Heart rate, blood lactate, and perceived exertion were collected at three time points (pre-workout, post-WOD, and post-recovery). <b>Results</b>: The foam rolling group had no significant differences from the passive rest group on recovery markers. Blood lactate increased significantly post-WOD in both groups, yet there was no significant difference in blood lactate post-recovery. Perceived exertion and heart rate had a similar pattern to blood lactate. <b>Conclusions</b>: High-intensity training causes significant physiological changes; however, foam rolling offers no additional benefit over passive rest for lactate clearance, heart rate recovery, and perceived exertion. CrossFit athletes can choose their preferred method of recovery based on personal preference, as foam rolling neither enhances nor hinders recovery.</p>","PeriodicalId":16052,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Functional Morphology and Kinesiology","volume":"10 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.6,"publicationDate":"2025-03-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11942845/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143710022","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":"Fitness Profile of Police Officers from Rapid Intervention Teams of the Lisbon Metropolitan Command.","authors":"João Daniel Freitas, Luís Miguel Massuça","doi":"10.3390/jfmk10010090","DOIUrl":"10.3390/jfmk10010090","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b>Background</b>: A rapid intervention team is a broad category of special teams used by police and emergency respondents to cover various needs. It is essential to ensure the safety and well-being of people in emergencies, minimising the risk of harm and maximising the chances of survival. <b>Objective</b>: This study aimed (i) to identify the fitness profiles and levels of POs from the EIR of the Lisbon Metropolitan Command (COMETLIS, PSP, Portugal), considering age classes; (ii) to directly compare the observed fitness profiles to previous research and normative data; and (iii) to compare the fitness profile of POs from the EIR with cadets from the Police Academy. <b>Methods</b>: This cross-sectional observational study included the participation of 121 male POs from the EIR of the Lisbon Metropolitan Command (Portugal) and 92 male cadets from the Police Academy (Lisbon, Portugal). The assessment protocol sequence involved the collection of biosocial data (age classes: ≤29 years; 30-39 years; 40-49 years), a body size assessment, and a fitness assessment (horizontal jump, handgrip strength, 60 s sit-ups and 20 m shuttle run). <b>Results</b>: (i) In the ≤29 years age class, POs performed better in all fitness tests (highlighting that the age class had a statistically significant effect on performance in the horizontal jump, sit-ups, 20 m shuttle run, and predicted <i>V</i>O₂max), and they showed significantly better performance than cadets in handgrip (left, right, and sum), and significantly worse performance in sit-ups and predicted <i>V</i>O₂max. (ii) In the 30-39 years age class, POs had significantly worse performance than cadets in the horizontal jump, sit-ups, 20 m shuttle run, and predicted <i>V</i>O₂max, even after controlling for age. <b>Conclusions</b>: (i) The fitness performance decreased as the age class became older; (ii) the handgrip strength and cardiovascular capacity attributes were between the standard and excellent levels according to the ACSM guidelines for the general population; (iii) POs from the EIR were stronger than cadets in terms of handgrip strength but weaker in terms of lower limb power, abdominal muscular endurance, and aerobic capacity; and (iv) the differences observed between POs from the EIR and cadets in the 30-39 years age class emphasise the importance of physical training after the training period and throughout professional life.</p>","PeriodicalId":16052,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Functional Morphology and Kinesiology","volume":"10 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.6,"publicationDate":"2025-03-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11943280/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143710074","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":"Optimizing Running Mechanics, Effects of Cadence, Footwear, and Orthoses on Force Distribution: A Quasi-Experimental Study.","authors":"Marie Adelaide Nicolas-Peyrot, Yves Lescure, Eleonore Perrin, Magdalena Martinez-Rico, Corentin Travouillon, Gabriel Gijon-Nogueron, Eva Lopezosa-Reca","doi":"10.3390/jfmk10010089","DOIUrl":"10.3390/jfmk10010089","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b>Background</b>: Running is a popular physical activity known for its health benefits but also for a high incidence of lower-limb injuries. This study examined the effects of three biomechanical interventions-cadence adjustments, footwear modifications, and foot orthoses-on plantar pressure distribution and spatiotemporal running parameters. <b>Methods</b>: A quasi-experimental, repeated-measures design was conducted with 23 healthy recreational runners (mean age 25, mean BMI 22.5) who ran at least twice per week. Five conditions were tested: baseline (C0), increased cadence (C1), orthoses (C2), low-drop footwear (C3), and a combination of these (C4). Data were collected on a Zebris treadmill, focusing on rearfoot contact time, peak forces, and stride length. <b>Results</b>: Increasing cadence (C1) reduced rearfoot impact forces (-81.36 N) and led to a shorter stride (-17 cm). Low-drop footwear (C3) decreased rearfoot contact time (-1.89 ms) and peak force (-72.13 N), while shifting pressure toward the midfoot. Orthoses (C2) effectively redistributed plantar pressures reducing rearfoot peak force (-41.31 N) without changing stride length. The combined intervention (C4) yielded the most pronounced reductions in peak forces across the rearfoot (-183.18 N) and forefoot (-139.09 N) and increased midfoot contact time (+5.07 ms). <b>Conclusions</b>: Increasing cadence and low-drop footwear significantly reduced impact forces, improving running efficiency. Orthoses effectively redistributed plantar pressures, supporting individualized injury prevention strategies. These findings suggest that combining cadence adjustments, footwear modifications, and orthoses could enhance injury prevention and running efficiency for recreational runners.</p>","PeriodicalId":16052,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Functional Morphology and Kinesiology","volume":"10 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.6,"publicationDate":"2025-03-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11942926/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143710106","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":"Effect of Post-Activation Performance Enhancement in Combat Sports: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis-Part I: General Performance Indicators.","authors":"Artur Terbalyan, Karol Skotniczny, Michał Krzysztofik, Jakub Chycki, Vadim Kasparov, Robert Roczniok","doi":"10.3390/jfmk10010088","DOIUrl":"10.3390/jfmk10010088","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b>Background/Objectives:</b> Post-activation performance enhancement (PAPE) has been explored for its potential to improve general performance in combat sports. This systematic review and meta-analysis investigated the effects of PAPE protocols on physical performance, focusing on differences across disciplines, competitive levels, and testing methods. <b>Methods:</b> A PRISMA-guided search (2010-2023) identified 19 studies examining PAPE protocols in combat sports athletes. The inclusion criteria required human trials using defined PAPE protocols, with outcomes of general performance indicators such as countermovement jumps (CMJs). A meta-analysis was conducted on data from 866 athletes using random effects modeling. <b>Results:</b> The PAPE protocols yielded a pooled effect size of 0.136 (95% CI, 0.008-0.263) across 866 athletes. Taekwondo athletes exhibited the most pronounced improvements in CMJ performance, particularly when using protocols that combined repeated vertical jumps with heavy-resistance cluster sets, and with dynamic, sport-specific movements such as the bandal chagui protocol achieving an effect size of 1.19 (<i>p</i> < 0.001). Conversely, Muay Thai athletes experienced performance declines when the protocols incorporated highly specific techniques, such as roundhouse kicks (ES = -1.36, <i>p</i> = 0.009). Analysis by competitive level revealed pooled effect sizes of 0.14 (95% CI, -0.01 to 0.29) for amateur athletes and 0.13 (95% CI, -0.11 to 0.38) for elite athletes, with no statistically significant differences observed between these groups. <b>Conclusions:</b> PAPE's effectiveness depends on tailoring protocols to the competitive level and discipline. Short rest intervals support plyometric protocols for amateurs, while heavy-resistance exercises enhance elite performers. Further research is needed to standardize PAPE protocols and explore discipline-specific adaptations.</p>","PeriodicalId":16052,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Functional Morphology and Kinesiology","volume":"10 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.6,"publicationDate":"2025-03-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11943059/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143710053","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":"Gender Participation and Performance in Boccia International-Level Events.","authors":"Cátia C Ferreira, José M Gamonales, Jesús Muñoz-Jiménez, Mário C Espada","doi":"10.3390/jfmk10010087","DOIUrl":"10.3390/jfmk10010087","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b>Background/Objectives:</b> Boccia is an attractive and growing adapted sport. For approximately 30 years, this parasport was played together by male and female athletes, a fact that recently changed, to our best knowledge, without scientific support. Hence, this study aimed to analyse the relationship between gender participation and performance in Boccia international-level events. <b>Methods:</b> For data collection, four specific international-level Boccia events between 2012 and 2018 were selected as partials were available in the official competition websites (2708 partials, which represent a total of 32,496 ball throws). <b>Results:</b> We found that partials won by male athletes systematically increased between 2012 and 2018 but tended to stabilize between 2017 and 2018, contrary to females, with a growing trend from 2016 onwards. No differences were observed, considering the players' gender and the type of partials (adjusted, balanced, and unbalanced) in the Boccia classes BC1, BC2, and BC3. In BC4 differences were found, but with little variance or low association level (Cramer's Phi coefficient of 0.114). <b>Conclusions:</b> The results emphasize that based on performance, both men and woman can play Boccia together. Although, if the focus of separating genders in Boccia is toward growing and effective female participation and equal success and reward opportunities, this study highlights as a good perspective aiming regular practice of physical activity, exercise, and sport in people with disabilities, promoting their quality of life.</p>","PeriodicalId":16052,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Functional Morphology and Kinesiology","volume":"10 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.6,"publicationDate":"2025-03-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11943150/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143710024","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}