Journal of Functional Morphology and Kinesiology最新文献

{"title":"Long-Term Flywheel Resistance Training Enhances Cognitive Flexibility in Older Women: A 36-Week Randomized Controlled Trial.","authors":"Maria Luiza da Cruz Santos, Pablo Augusto Garcia Agostinho, Wanderson Matheus Lopes Machado, Thalia Miranda Rufino, Leonardo Silveira Goulart Silva, Isabella Evangelista Leite, Cláudia Eliza Patrocínio de Oliveira, Édison Andrés Pérez-Bedoya, Osvaldo Costa Moreira","doi":"10.3390/jfmk11030325","DOIUrl":"10.3390/jfmk11030325","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b>Background</b>: Executive functions (EFs) decline with aging, impacting functional independence. While resistance training (RT) is a promising non-pharmacological intervention, the optimal modality and duration for cognitive benefits remain unclear. Flywheel RT (FRT) imposes greater motor control and attentional demands than traditional RT (TRT), potentially enhancing EFs. <b>Objective</b>: To compare the effects of a 36-week FRT versus TRT program on executive function and serum insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) levels in healthy older women. <b>Methods</b>: This parallel-group randomized controlled trial allocated 64 older women (overall mean age 66.8 ± 4.6 years; FRT group: 68.0 ± 4.8 years; TRT group: 65.5 ± 4.1 years) to either FRT (n = 25) or TRT (n = 21) for two weekly sessions over 36 weeks. Executive function was assessed using the Victoria Stroop Test (inhibitory control), Digit Span Test (working memory), and Trail Making Test (cognitive flexibility). Serum IGF-1 was quantified via chemiluminescence. Intention-to-treat analyses with ANCOVA were performed. <b>Results:</b> After 36 weeks, both groups showed significant within-group improvements in inhibitory control (mean reduction from pre to post: FRT: 15.2 ± 10.4 to 14.8 ± 7.4 s; TRT: 20.4 ± 11.8 to 15.6 ± 7.3 s; <i>p</i> = 0.028, ηp² = 0.38) and working memory (Digit Span Forward: FRT: 6.2 ± 1.7 to 7.9 ± 2.0; TRT: 6.7 ± 1.5 to 8.7 ± 1.8; <i>p</i> < 0.001, ηp² = 0.84). The B/A ratio of the Trail Making Test improved significantly more in the FRT group (73.0 ± 65.2 to 87.5 ± 68.1 s) compared to the TRT group (67.3 ± 54.1 to 137.7 ± 83.6 s; group × time interaction: <i>p</i> = 0.001, ηp² = 0.13). No significant changes in serum IGF-1 concentrations were observed in either group (FRT: 112.9 ± 25.4 to 115.3 ± 21.3 ng/mL; TRT: 104.7 ± 27.5 to 103.0 ± 28.9 ng/mL; <i>p</i> = 0.88, ηp² = 0.002). Adherence was high (only 4 out of 46 participants did not complete all 72 sessions), and no severe adverse events were reported. <b>Conclusions</b>: Flywheel training appears particularly effective for enhancing cognitive flexibility, likely due to its higher cognitive-motor demands. The absence of significant changes in circulating IGF-1 suggests that the observed cognitive benefits may not be mediated by systemic endocrine pathways, although this does not exclude the possibility of local central nervous system adaptations or changes in other neurotrophic factors not assessed in this study.</p>","PeriodicalId":16052,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Functional Morphology and Kinesiology","volume":"11 3","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2026-08-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13511661/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148829422","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":"Associations Between Anthropometric Characteristics, Jump Performance and Recorded Tendon-Related Disorders in Youth Volleyball Players.","authors":"Gaetano Raiola, Giovanni Esposito, Francesco Laterza, Giuseppe Caminiti, Rosario Ceruso, Vincenzo Manzi","doi":"10.3390/jfmk11030323","DOIUrl":"10.3390/jfmk11030323","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b>Background</b>: Patellar tendon complaints and other tendon-related disorders are common in jumping sports; however, the relationship between recorded tendon problems, anthropometric characteristics, and neuromuscular performance in youth athletes remains poorly understood. This study explored the association between height, body mass, competitive age category, a retrospectively recorded history of tendon-related disorders, and jumping performance in youth volleyball players. <b>Methods</b>: Thirty-three male youth volleyball players competing in the Under-15, Under-17, and Under-19 categories participated in this cross-sectional study. For each athlete, Reach (maximum standing reach height), Vertec (maximum height attained during a maximal vertical jump), and vertical jump height, calculated as the difference between Vertec and Reach, were recorded. The presence or absence of tendon-related disorders was determined retrospectively from medical history information and club documentation. Data were analyzed using a multivariate general linear model, followed by univariate analyses and Bonferroni-adjusted post hoc comparisons. <b>Results</b>: Height showed a highly significant effect on the set of performance variables (Wilks' λ = 0.066; <i>p</i> < 0.001), and competitive age category was also significantly associated with performance (Wilks' λ = 0.655; <i>p</i> = 0.049). In contrast, neither body mass (<i>p</i> = 0.854) nor the tendon-related disorder variable (<i>p</i> = 0.293) demonstrated significant associations. Univariate analyses revealed significant effects of competitive age category on Vertec performance (<i>p</i> = 0.018) and vertical jump height (<i>p</i> = 0.008), but not on Reach (<i>p</i> = 0.542). Bonferroni-adjusted post hoc comparisons showed significant differences between the Under-19 and Under-15 categories for Vertec performance (<i>p</i> = 0.017), and between Under-19 and Under-15 (<i>p</i> = 0.007) as well as Under-17 and Under-15 (<i>p</i> = 0.034) for vertical jump height. <b>Conclusions</b>: Jumping performance in youth volleyball appears to be primarily influenced by anthropometric characteristics and developmental factors associated with competitive age category, whereas the dichotomous retrospective classification of tendon-related disorders adopted in the present study did not discriminate performance level. These findings highlight the importance of integrating functional, clinical, and training-load monitoring to better understand athletic development and tendon vulnerability.</p>","PeriodicalId":16052,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Functional Morphology and Kinesiology","volume":"11 3","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2026-08-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13511073/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148829338","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":"Hip Hinge Kinematics and Movement Confidence Before and After Founder Exercise Instruction in Healthy Adults: A Preliminary Study.","authors":"William J Hanney, Julia Chase, Tysen Coates, Christian Rodriguez-Rolas, Michael Massaracchio, Abigail W Anderson","doi":"10.3390/jfmk11030322","DOIUrl":"10.3390/jfmk11030322","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b>Background</b>: Impaired lumbopelvic control and inefficient bending mechanics are associated with low back pain and functional limitations. The Founder Exercise is a movement retraining strategy intended to promote hip-dominant movement, trunk control, and postural awareness during forward bending. However, empirical evidence examining movement performance following Founder Exercise instruction is limited. This study examined immediate pre-to-post differences in hip hinge kinematics and movement confidence surrounding a standardized Founder Exercise instructional session in healthy adults. <b>Methods</b>: A within-subject pretest-posttest design was used. Thirty-three healthy adults (72.7% female; mean age, 25.1 ± 2.9 years) completed assessments of foot orientation, sagittal-plane joint kinematics, and movement confidence before and after a single Founder Exercise instructional session. Joint kinematics were assessed using two-dimensional video analysis. Paired-samples <i>t</i>-tests or Wilcoxon signed-rank tests, as appropriate based on the distributions of the paired differences, were used to evaluate the kinematic outcomes. The exploratory summed confidence score and individual ordinal confidence items were evaluated using Wilcoxon signed-rank tests. Holm adjustments were applied separately to the 11 kinematic comparisons and the 10 individual-item comparisons. <b>Results</b>: Statistically significant immediate pre-to-post differences were observed in several kinematic variables. Hip flexion increased from 80.7° ± 18.1° at pretest to 104.6° ± 14.3° at posttest, shoulder flexion increased from 62.8° ± 23.9° to 145.3° ± 13.9°, and craniovertebral angle decreased from 25.7° ± 12.9° to 11.2° ± 10.0° (all <i>p</i> < 0.001). The summed score from the unvalidated, study-specific confidence scale was higher at posttest (median = 49.0, IQR = 40.0-50.0) than at pretest (median = 40.0, IQR = 36.0-50.0; <i>p</i> < 0.001). After Holm adjustment of the individual ordinal-item analyses, statistically significant differences remained for five of the 10 items; all confidence findings were considered exploratory. No statistically significant differences were observed in knee flexion or ankle motion after Holm adjustment. <b>Conclusions</b>: A brief Founder Exercise instructional session was followed by immediate differences in selected two-dimensional hip hinge angles and higher exploratory movement-confidence scores in healthy adults. These findings do not establish changes in lumbopelvic control, muscle activation, spinal loading, movement efficiency, or clinical outcomes. Controlled studies incorporating direct measures of lumbar and pelvic motion, muscle activity, external forces, and clinically relevant outcomes are needed before biomechanical or clinical conclusions can be drawn.</p>","PeriodicalId":16052,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Functional Morphology and Kinesiology","volume":"11 3","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2026-08-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13511462/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148829349","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":"Estimated Muscle Fiber Type and Blood Lactate Responses in NCAA Division III Sprint and Distance Swimmers: An Exploratory Feasibility Study.","authors":"Justin A DeBlauw, Elissa Miller, Kyle D Heise, Will K Quinn, Stephen J Ives","doi":"10.3390/jfmk11030321","DOIUrl":"10.3390/jfmk11030321","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b>Background and Objectives:</b> Swimming has sprint and distance events, with current performance often driving selection rather than physiological characteristics of the athlete (e.g., muscle fiber type, blood lactate, etc.), especially among NCAA Division III swimmers, where these characteristics are unknown. We aimed to characterize the differences in estimated muscle fiber types (% fast twitch, %FT) and blood lactate (B_lac) response to the maximal anaerobic lactate swim test (MANLT) between collegiate distance and sprint collegiate swimmers. <b>Methods:</b> Twenty-two college-aged (19.7 ± 1.0 yr) DIII swimmers (n = 13 sprint, n = 9 distance) performed an isokinetic muscular fatigue protocol to estimate their %FT, as well as their maximal and minimum B_lac values and clearance rate (B_lac recovery) (3 and 12 min post) after the MANLT was performed on two separate days (>48 h between). <b>Results:</b> There were no significant differences between sprint swimmers and distance swimmers in maximal B_lac levels (11.6 ± 2.5 vs. 10.5 ± 3.4 mM, <i>p</i> = 0.38, d = 0.3), minimal B_lac levels (9.3 ± 2.9 vs. 8.3 ± 3.3 mM, <i>p</i> = 0.45, d = 0.3), and percent decreases from 0 to 3 min (0.9 ± 13.1 vs. 9.9 ± 9.5, <i>p</i> = 0.09, d = 0.7), 0-12 min (15.4 ± 15.6 vs. 19.7 ± %, <i>p</i> = 0.52, d = 0.2), and 3-12 min (14.7 ± 12.5 vs. 11.04 ± 11.2%, <i>p</i> = 0.48, d = 0.3) B_lac recovery. No significant differences were identified in estimated %FT between sprinters and distance swimmers (52 ± 6.4 vs. 45 ± 10.51, <i>p</i> = 0.056). Both extensor and flexor %FT estimations showed 69.2% and 66.7% accuracy in matching coach-identified event, with their respective estimated fiber type. A positive relation was identified between %FT knee flexor fibers and B_lac (r = 0.44) and between %FT knee extensor fibers and B_lac (r = 0.48) for all swimmers. <b>Conclusions:</b> This preliminary study suggests that athlete specialization is generally accurate to the physiology of the swimmer, namely anaerobic capacity and estimated fiber type.</p>","PeriodicalId":16052,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Functional Morphology and Kinesiology","volume":"11 3","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2026-08-19","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13511497/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148829351","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 Influence of Dual Source Cerebellar Transcranial Direct Current Stimulation on Muscle Fatigue.","authors":"Janriek A Bognot, Eliza Clinton, Erik W Wilkins, Richard J Young, Mina Rezaeian Jam, Ryder Davidson, George Alhwayek, Reese Krider, Jonathan A Park, Zachary A Riley, Brach Poston","doi":"10.3390/jfmk11030320","DOIUrl":"10.3390/jfmk11030320","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b>Background:</b> Transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) applied unilaterally to the cerebellum (c-tDCS) can improve several aspects of human motor performance. The purpose of the study was to examine the influence of dual source tDCS delivered bilaterally over the cerebellar cortices (dsc-tDCS) on the time to task failure (TTF) of a fatiguing contraction in young adults. <b>Methods</b>: The study utilized a double-blind, randomized, SHAM-controlled, within-subjects, crossover design, and participants were given either dsc-tDCS or SHAM stimulation in two different experiments held 7 days apart in a fully counterbalanced order. Every aspect of the two experiments was the same except the type of stimulation (dsc-tDCS or SHAM) delivered during the fatiguing contraction. The fatiguing contraction was executed with a precision grip at 15% of the maximum voluntary contraction (MVC) force, and participants were instructed to maintain the contraction for as long of time as possible. <b>Results</b>: The TTF and fatigue index were both similar for the dsc-tDCS and SHAM stimulation conditions. In addition, the electromyographic (EMG) activity, force error, and standard deviation (SD) of force measured during the fatiguing contraction were also not statistically different between the dsc-tDCS and SHAM stimulation conditions. <b>Conclusions:</b> The findings suggest that dsc-tDCS does not decrease the rate of progression of muscle fatigue.</p>","PeriodicalId":16052,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Functional Morphology and Kinesiology","volume":"11 3","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2026-08-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13511099/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148829360","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":"Training Sequence Matters: Neuromuscular Training Followed by Small-Sided Games Enhances Physical Fitness and Soccer-Specific Performance in Prepubertal Soccer Players.","authors":"Sofiene Bouguerra, Mohamed Amine Selmi, Lotfi Bouguerra, Yassine Negra, Roland van den Tillaar, Raouf Hammami","doi":"10.3390/jfmk11030319","DOIUrl":"10.3390/jfmk11030319","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b>Background:</b> Physical and technical development in youth soccer depends on the integration of neuromuscular and small-sided games (SSG) training. However, the influence of training sequence on adaptations remains unclear in prepubertal players. Therefore, this study aimed to compare the effects of performing neuromuscular training before or after SSG on physical fitness and soccer-specific performance in trained prepubertal soccer players. <b>Methods:</b> Twenty-two trained prepubertal male soccer players were randomly assigned to either neuromuscular training followed by SSG or SSG followed by neuromuscular training. Both groups completed a 6-week in-season intervention, including two weekly sessions, with each group performing 3 weeks of neuromuscular training and 3 weeks of SSG training in a different order. Physical fitness (back extensor strength, five-jump test, 10 m sprint, and Yo-Yo IR1) and soccer-specific performance (change of direction with ball and Loughborough Soccer Passing Test) were assessed before and after the intervention. <b>Results:</b> All 22 participants completed the intervention (<i>n</i> = 11 per group). Both groups demonstrated significant improvements over time in most physical fitness and soccer-specific performance variables (<i>p</i> < 0.01). However, significant group × time interactions indicated that the magnitude of improvement was consistently greater when neuromuscular training preceded small-sided games (<i>p</i> ≤ 0.041). Compared with the SSG-before-neuromuscular group, the neuromuscular-before-SSG group achieved larger improvements in back strength (+9.8% vs. +2.7%), five-jump test (+17.1% vs. +10.0%), 10 m sprint (-10.3% vs. -6.3%), Yo-Yo IR1 distance (+35.4% vs. +20.4%), change of direction with ball (-7.4% vs. -1.0%), and Loughborough Soccer Passing Test (-16.0% vs. -7.8%). <b>Conclusions:</b> Training sequence may influence the magnitude of short-term adaptations in prepubertal soccer players. Although both training orders improved performance, performing neuromuscular training before SSG resulted in greater improvements in several physical fitness and soccer-specific performance outcomes. These findings suggest that training order may represent an important factor in youth soccer training design; however, further research is required to confirm the consistency of this sequencing effect and to explore the mechanisms underlying these adaptations.</p>","PeriodicalId":16052,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Functional Morphology and Kinesiology","volume":"11 3","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2026-08-16","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13511154/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148829389","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":"Sex-Specific Analysis of Quadriceps and Hamstring Strength Following Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction With or Without Meniscal Repair.","authors":"Christopher J Cleary, Olivia Federico, Lexy N Farrington, Nicholas S Dombrowski, Christopher D Bernard, Zachary D Denton, Bryan G Vopat, Ashley A Herda","doi":"10.3390/jfmk11030318","DOIUrl":"10.3390/jfmk11030318","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b>Background and Objectives</b>: Strength deficits are extremely common following anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR). These deficits may be further impacted by concomitant meniscus repair during ACLR. However, there remains limited evidence investigating the effect of meniscus repair on lower-limb strength after ACLR, and particularly if there are between-sex differences in strength after ACLR with and without meniscus repair. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to investigate sex-specific differences in meniscus repair during ACLR on quadriceps and hamstring isometric strength. <b>Methods</b>: Eighty-five (37 females; 19.0 ± 6.6 years old) patient charts were retrospectively evaluated after undergoing ACLR. Variables documented included meniscal status, maximal isometric quadriceps and hamstring strength of the operative (OP) and non-operative (NOP) legs. Three separate 3-way [leg (OP vs. NOP) × sex (males vs. females) × meniscus repair status (yes vs. no)] mixed-factorial analyses of variance (ANOVA) assessed differences in quadriceps and hamstring strength, and the hamstring-to-quadriceps strength ratio (H:Q), at an alpha level of <i>p</i> ≤ 0.05. <b>Results</b>: For H:Q there was a sex by meniscus repair status interaction (<i>p</i> = 0.007). Females who underwent meniscus repair had lower H:Q (18.2%) than those without. Females without meniscus repair had a 20.3% greater H:Q than males without meniscus repair. Males had greater quadriceps strength than females (mean difference ± standard error; 0.58 ± 0.28 N∙kg^-1) and the NOP leg was stronger than OP for quadriceps (0.34 ± 0.08 N∙kg^-1) and hamstring (0.14 ± 0.04 N∙kg^-1) strength across sex. <b>Conclusions</b>: These findings suggest that the H:Q ratio differed according to sex and meniscus repair status. Further, there was a between-limb difference for strength in the quadriceps and hamstrings along with sex-related differences in strength. However, meniscus repair status did not influence raw strength values.</p>","PeriodicalId":16052,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Functional Morphology and Kinesiology","volume":"11 3","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2026-08-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13510495/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148829213","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 Functional Magnetic Stimulation on Pain, Function, and MRI-Derived Outcomes in Athletes with Tibial Bone Stress Injury: A Randomized Controlled Trial.","authors":"Dimitrios Lytras, Ioannis Algiounidis, Vasileios Georgoulas, Konstantinos Kasimis, Georgia Maria Kamparoudi, Georgios Tsigaras, Georgia Vergidou, Nikolaos Sidiropoulos, Georgia Tarfali, Ilias Kallistratos, Paris Iakovidis","doi":"10.3390/jfmk11030317","DOIUrl":"10.3390/jfmk11030317","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b>Background:</b> Tibial bone stress injury (TBSI) with associated bone marrow edema (BME) is a common and clinically challenging condition in athletes, often requiring prolonged load restriction and delayed return to sport. Evidence for adjunctive interventions that improve both symptoms and MRI-derived recovery remains limited. The aim of this study was to investigate whether adding Functional Magnetic Stimulation (FMS) to standardized rehabilitation improves pain, function, and MRI-derived outcomes over 16 weeks in athletes with MRI-confirmed TBSI. <b>Materials and Methods:</b> Forty athletes with Fredericson grade 2-3 TBSI were randomized to FMS plus rehabilitation (<i>n</i> = 20) or rehabilitation alone (<i>n</i> = 20). Both groups completed a 4-week load-based rehabilitation program, while the FMS group additionally received eight 30 min FMS sessions at 40 Hz. Outcomes were assessed at baseline, 4 weeks, and 16 weeks. The primary outcome was activity-related pain (NPRS), while secondary outcomes included lower-limb function (LEFS-GR), BME extent, and Fredericson grade. Continuous outcomes were analyzed using two-way mixed ANOVA, whereas Fredericson grade was analyzed using an ordinal generalized estimating equation model. The level of statistical significance was set at <i>p</i> < 0.05. <b>Results:</b> Groups were comparable at baseline. Significant group × time interactions favored FMS for NPRS, F(2, 76) = 12.46, <i>p</i> < 0.001, η²p = 0.247; LEFS-GR, F(1.08, 41.09) = 81.56, <i>p</i> < 0.001, η²p = 0.682; and BME extent, F(1.44, 54.85) = 49.33, <i>p</i> < 0.001, η²p = 0.565. At 16 weeks, the FMS group showed lower NPRS scores, higher LEFS-GR scores, and lower BME extent than controls. Fredericson grade also showed a significant group × time effect, Wald χ²(2) = 20.38, <i>p</i> < 0.001. The FMS group had significantly lower cumulative odds of classification in a higher Fredericson grade at 4 weeks (OR = 0.045, 95% CI: 0.012-0.163, <i>p</i> < 0.001), whereas the corresponding difference at 16 weeks remained directionally favorable but did not reach statistical significance (OR = 0.033, 95% CI: 0.001-1.029, <i>p</i> = 0.052). <b>Conclusions:</b> The addition of FMS to load-based rehabilitation was associated with greater clinical and functional improvements, greater reductions in BME extent, and a more favorable longitudinal trajectory in MRI severity classification than rehabilitation alone in athletes with TBSI. However, because the study did not include a sham-FMS condition and participants could not be blinded, the self-reported pain and functional outcomes should be interpreted cautiously. FMS may represent a useful adjunct to structured rehabilitation, although sham-controlled and longer-term studies should determine its effects on return-to-sport progression and recurrence risk.</p>","PeriodicalId":16052,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Functional Morphology and Kinesiology","volume":"11 3","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2026-08-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13511723/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148829391","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":"Efficacy and Cost-Effective Treatment of Isometric Resistance Training for Blood Pressure Control: A Narrative Review in Healthy Individuals and People with Cardiovascular Diseases.","authors":"Matteo Vitarelli, Domenico Mario Giamundo, Alberto Grossi, Giuseppe Caminiti, Gabriele Morganti, Francesca Strassoldo di Villanova, Bruno Ruscello, Elvira Padua, Maurizio Volterrani, Valentina Morsella, Marco Alfonso Perrone, Vincenzo Manzi, Gennaro De Rosa, Lorenzo Loffredo, Enrico Maggio","doi":"10.3390/jfmk11030316","DOIUrl":"10.3390/jfmk11030316","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Isometric resistance training (IRT) has emerged as a promising non-pharmacological intervention for blood pressure (BP) management. Although current hypertension guidelines primarily recommend aerobic and dynamic resistance exercise, growing evidence indicates that IRT is an effective, feasible, and time-efficient alternative. This narrative review summarizes the current evidence on the efficacy, physiological mechanisms, and clinical applications of IRT. We reviewed randomized controlled trials, systematic reviews, and meta-analyses evaluating the effects of different IRT modalities, including isometric handgrip (IHG), isometric wall squat (IWS), and isometric leg extension (ILE), on BP in normotensive individuals, patients with hypertension, and those with cardiovascular disease. IRT consistently reduces resting systolic BP by approximately 5-8 mmHg and diastolic BP by 3-4 mmHg; these effects may approach those reported with first-line antihypertensive therapy and potentially be equivalent to those of other exercise modalities. These benefits have been demonstrated across normotensive and hypertensive populations and appear largely independent of age, sex, medication use, and the muscle groups involved. Preliminary evidence also supports the feasibility and safety of appropriately prescribed IRT in selected patients with ischemic heart disease and heart failure with preserved ejection fraction. Proposed mechanisms include improvements in endothelial function, nitric oxide bioavailability, autonomic regulation, oxidative stress, arterial baroreflex sensitivity, and myocardial efficiency. IRT has emerged as an effective, safe, and practical adjunct to lifestyle modification for BP control, particularly in older adults and individuals with limited ability to perform conventional exercise. However, current evidence derives from relatively small studies with limited follow-up; further large-scale randomized trials are needed to define the optimal exercise prescription, clarify the underlying mechanisms, and establish the role of IRT in patients with cardiovascular disease.</p>","PeriodicalId":16052,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Functional Morphology and Kinesiology","volume":"11 3","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2026-08-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13511142/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148829430","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":"Electromyographic Analysis of Latissimus Dorsi Activation During Common Resistance Training Exercises: A Narrative Review.","authors":"Domenico Di Fonza, Gloria Di Claudio, Gianmaria Colantuono, Lorenzo Persichini, Nicola Cerulo, Benedetta Sangregorio, Andrea Buonsenso, Giovanni Fiorilli, Giuseppe Calcagno, Alessandra di Cagno","doi":"10.3390/jfmk11030315","DOIUrl":"10.3390/jfmk11030315","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b>Background</b>: The latissimus dorsi (LD) is a primary muscle involved in pulling exercises used in resistance training, contributing to shoulder extension, adduction and internal rotation, with relevance to athletic performance, injury prevention and rehabilitation as well as to upper-body aesthetics. <b>Aim</b>: to identify which exercise configurations are most consistently associated with greater latissimus dorsi electromyographic (EMG) amplitude. <b>Methods</b>: This SANRA-informed narrative review synthesized surface and high-density EMG evidence across major pulling exercises, for the lat pull-down, pullover, seated row, barbell row, bent-over row and pull-up. Twenty-three eligible studies were included and appraised using a six-criterion methodological checklist. <b>Results</b>: In the lat pull-down, an anterior bar path was the configuration most consistently associated with greater LD EMG amplitude, whereas the effects of grip width were inconsistent. In the seated row, a narrower grip and a lower shoulder-abduction angle were each associated with greater LD amplitude in separate studies; these two variables have not been tested in combination and should not be read as a single validated configuration. Among rowing variants, the inverted row produced the highest LD amplitude in a single, small preliminary study that requires replication. Pull-up variations showed broadly similar LD activation across grip configurations, while the pullover appeared to preferentially activate the pectoralis major rather than selectively target the LD. <b>Conclusions</b>: Current evidence tentatively supports the anterior lat pull-down and, within the seated row, a narrower grip and a lower shoulder-abduction angle (evaluated independently) as the configurations most consistently associated with greater LD EMG amplitude; these findings reflect acute EMG amplitude rather than longitudinal training outcomes and should be treated as an evidence-informed starting point rather than a definitive exercise prescription. Across pulling exercises, the humerus-to-trunk relationship may be a key biomechanical determinant of muscular load distribution.</p>","PeriodicalId":16052,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Functional Morphology and Kinesiology","volume":"11 3","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2026-08-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13510307/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148829405","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}