Journal of Functional Morphology and Kinesiology最新文献

{"title":"Implementation of a Decision Support System to Enhance Movement Proficiency Assessment in Sport.","authors":"Xavier Schelling, Enrique Alonso-Perez-Chao, Sam Robertson","doi":"10.3390/jfmk10010086","DOIUrl":"10.3390/jfmk10010086","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b>Background/Objectives</b>: This study aimed to determine the relationships between seven descriptors of movement proficiency used by an expert to grade an athlete's single-leg squat and the overall subjective 'grade' and the ability to predict a 'grade' based on the descriptors. A secondary aim was to determine the relationships between biomechanical data, the expert-defined descriptors, and the subjective 'grade' and its ability to predict the descriptors' presence and the overall 'grade'. <b>Methods</b>: Single-leg squats in 55 male athletes were graded using expert evaluation, synchronized video, biomechanical data, and decision tree and logistic regression analysis. <b>Results</b>: The model that most accurately predicted 'grade' (94.7%) was a decision tree with the descriptors as inputs. The model with biomechanical data for the descriptor 'foot' was the most accurate one (96.3%), followed by 'lumbar' and 'depth' (85.2%), 'knee' (81.2%), 'pelvis/hip' (71.7%), and 'trunk' (62.3%). These accuracies followed similar order to the intra-rater agreement: 'foot' (0.789), 'lumbar' (0.776), 'knee' (0.725), 'depth' (0.682), 'pelvis/hip' (0.662), and 'trunk' (0.637), indicating that 'trunk', 'pelvis/hip', and 'depth' are potentially the hardest descriptors to assess by the expert. <b>Conclusions</b>: The models developed in this study demonstrate that subjective perceptions can be somewhat accurately explained through a small number of biomechanical indicators. The results of this study support the notion that human movement evaluations should consider both subjective and objective assessments in a complementary manner to accurately evaluate an athlete's movement proficiency.</p>","PeriodicalId":16052,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Functional Morphology and Kinesiology","volume":"10 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.6,"publicationDate":"2025-03-05","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11942645/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143710033","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":"Gross-Motor Coordination and Executive Functions Development in Soccer and Artistic Gymnastics Preadolescent Female Athletes.","authors":"Fioretta Silvestri, Matteo Campanella, Lorenzo Marcelli, Dafne Ferrari, Maria Chiara Gallotta, Faten Hamdi, Maicon Rodrigues Albuquerque, Maurizio Bertollo, Davide Curzi","doi":"10.3390/jfmk10010085","DOIUrl":"10.3390/jfmk10010085","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b>Background/Objectives</b>: The characteristics of open- and closed-skill sports can have a significant impact on the development of both motor and cognitive functions during late childhood and early adolescence. This study examined the impact of artistic gymnastics and soccer practice on physical/coordinative skills and executive functions in preadolescent female athletes. <b>Methods</b>: Gross-motor coordination (Körperkoordinations Test für Kinder battery), explosive lower limb power (countermovement jump) and executive functions (Flanker/Reverse Flanker; Digit Span) of ninety-eight soccer and gymnastics athletes (10.9 ± 0.6 years of age) were tested at the beginning and the end of a sports season. A <i>t</i>-test and a mixed linear method were used to detect differences between sports and expertise levels (amateur vs. elite) at baseline and over time, respectively. <b>Results</b>: Gymnasts scored higher in physical tests compared to soccer athletes, who obtained better scores in the Digit Span test. Elite gymnasts showed higher physical skills compared to both amateur gymnasts and elite soccer players, with executive function levels comparable to those of amateur gymnasts. Similarly, elite soccer players showed higher reaction time in executive functions tests compared to both elite gymnasts and amateur soccer athletes, with similar physical skills as amateur soccer players. Amateur gymnastics and soccer athletes showed similar levels of physical and cognitive skills. All groups improved their physical and executive function skills over time, with relevant effects of expertise level on physical tasks. <b>Conclusions</b>: Results revealed the impact of sport type and athletes' level of expertise in influencing both their motor and cognitive development.</p>","PeriodicalId":16052,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Functional Morphology and Kinesiology","volume":"10 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.6,"publicationDate":"2025-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11942952/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143710089","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":"Assessing the Test-Retest Reliability of MyotonPRO for Measuring Achilles Tendon Stiffness.","authors":"Krystof Volesky, Jan Novak, Michael Janek, Jakub Katolicky, James J Tufano, Michal Steffl, Javier Courel-Ibáñez, Tomas Vetrovsky","doi":"10.3390/jfmk10010083","DOIUrl":"10.3390/jfmk10010083","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b>Objectives</b>: This study evaluates the test-retest reliability and inter-rater reliability of the MyotonPRO for measuring Achilles tendon stiffness at two standardized sites over various time frames and settings. <b>Methods</b>: Eight healthy participants underwent assessments by three raters over six visits. Tendon stiffness was measured at proximal (mid-portion) and distal (insertional) regions of the Achilles tendon at various time frames (10-15 s, 10-15 min, 24 h, and 14 days apart). Measurements included participant repositioning and two activity stimuli (daily living and sport). Reliability was calculated using the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), its 95% confidence interval, coefficient of variation, standard error of measurement, and minimal detectable change. <b>Results</b>: Short-term reliability (10-15 min) was excellent, with an ICC of 0.956 (0.929-0.974). Between days reliability (24 h) was good, with an ICC of 0.889 (0.802-0.938). Between weeks reliability (2 weeks) was good with an ICC of 0.886 (0.811-0.931). Short-term reliability with the simulation of activity of daily living was good, with an ICC of 0.917 (0.875-0.945). Short-term reliability with the simulation of sport was good with an ICC of 0.933 (0.891-0.96). Between days reliability with the simulation of sport was good, with an ICC of 0.920 (0.859-0.955). <b>Conclusions</b>: When used in a standardized position, the MyotonPRO demonstrates reliable repeated measurements of Achilles tendon stiffness. This protocol provides a foundation for clinical research and rehabilitation by clarifying expected reliability across minutes, days, and weeks, thus aiding clinicians and researchers in monitoring tendon adaptations and making evidence-based decisions.</p>","PeriodicalId":16052,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Functional Morphology and Kinesiology","volume":"10 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.6,"publicationDate":"2025-02-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11942912/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143710230","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":"Similarity Index Values in Fuzzy Logic and the Support Vector Machine Method Applied to the Identification of Changes in Movement Patterns During Biceps-Curl Weight-Lifting Exercise.","authors":"André B Peres, Tiago A F Almeida, Danilo A Massini, Anderson G Macedo, Mário C Espada, Ricardo A M Robalo, Rafael Oliveira, João P Brito, Dalton M Pessôa Filho","doi":"10.3390/jfmk10010084","DOIUrl":"10.3390/jfmk10010084","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b>Background/Objectives</b>: Correct supervision during the performance of resistance exercises is imperative to the correct execution of these exercises. This study presents a proposal for the use of Morisita-Horn similarity indices in modelling with machine learning methods to identify changes in positional sequence patterns during the biceps-curl weight-lifting exercise with a barbell. The models used are based on the fuzzy logic (FL) and support vector machine (SVM) methods. <b>Methods</b>: Ten male volunteers (age: 26 ± 4.9 years, height: 177 ± 8.0 cm, body weight: 86 ± 16 kg) performed a standing barbell bicep curl with additional weights. A smartphone was used to record their movements in the sagittal plane, providing information about joint positions and changes in the sequential position of the bar during each lifting attempt. Maximum absolute deviations of movement amplitudes were calculated for each execution. <b>Results:</b> A variance analysis revealed significant deviations (<i>p</i> < 0.002) in vertical displacement between the standard execution and execution with a load of 50% of the subject's body weight. Experts with over thirty years of experience in resistance-exercise evaluation evaluated the exercises, and their results showed an agreement of over 70% with the results of the ANOVA. The similarity indices, absolute deviations, and expert evaluations were used for modelling in both the FL system and the SVM. The root mean square error and R-squared results for the FL system (R² = 0.92, r = 0.96) were superior to those of the SVM (R² = 0.81, r = 0.79). <b>Conclusions</b>: The use of FL in modelling emerges as a promising approach with which to support the assessment of movement patterns. Its applications range from automated detection of errors in exercise execution to enhancing motor performance in athletes.</p>","PeriodicalId":16052,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Functional Morphology and Kinesiology","volume":"10 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.6,"publicationDate":"2025-02-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11942819/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143710188","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 Anthropometric Profile, Body Composition, and Physical Performance in Spanish Professional Female Soccer Players at Pre-Season Onset: A Cross-Sectional Study.","authors":"Marta Ramírez-Munera, Raúl Arcusa, Francisco Javier López-Román, Vicente Ávila-Gandía, Silvia Pérez-Piñero, Juan Carlos Muñoz-Carrillo, Antonio Jesús Luque-Rubia, Javier Marhuenda","doi":"10.3390/jfmk10010079","DOIUrl":"10.3390/jfmk10010079","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b>Background</b>: Body composition plays a key role in both anaerobic and aerobic performance in professional soccer. However, its relationship with physical performance in female players remains underexplored. Assessing these parameters at the beginning of the pre-season provides valuable insights for optimizing player readiness. This study investigates the correlation between anthropometric profile, body composition, and physical performance in professional female soccer players at pre-season onset. Additionally, it analyzes positional differences and their relation to the specific physical demands of women's soccer. <b>Methods</b>: A cross-sectional study of thirty-four female soccer players (age: 23.06 ± 4.29 years, height: 164.15 ± 5.84 cm, weight: 58.39 ± 6.62 kg, and ∑6 skinfolds: 74.57 ± 18.48 mm) who performed anthropometric measurements, the Countermovement Jump (CMJ), Wingate Anaerobic Test (WAnT), and Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery Level 1 (Yo-Yo IR1) on the first day of the pre-season. One-way ANOVA with Tukey's post hoc test assessed positional differences, while Pearson's or Spearman's correlation coefficients evaluated relationships between anthropometric variables and performance outcomes. <b>Results</b>: Very high positive correlations were found between body and muscle mass with the power variables in CMJ and WAnT (r = 0.70-0.89; <i>p</i> < 0.001). An almost perfect correlation was observed between body mass and peak power in WAnT (r = 0.904; <i>p</i> < 0.001). In contrast, fat mass showed moderate negative correlations with jump height and aerobic performance (Yo-Yo IR1 distance) (r = 0.30-0.49; <i>p</i> < 0.04). Significant differences were observed in the mean (757.60 ± 95.59 W) and peak power (773.59 ± 101.88 W) of CMJ pre-WAnT, with goalkeepers showing higher values compared to defenders and midfielders (<i>p</i> < 0.05). <b>Conclusions</b>: Body composition significantly influences athletic performance, showing positive correlations of muscle and body mass with anaerobic power and capacity. In contrast, fat mass showed negative correlations with explosive strength, recovery, and aerobic capacity.</p>","PeriodicalId":16052,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Functional Morphology and Kinesiology","volume":"10 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.6,"publicationDate":"2025-02-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11943354/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143710169","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":"Determinants of Health and Performance in Wildland Firefighters: A Narrative Review.","authors":"Fabio García-Heras, Jorge Gutiérrez-Arroyo, Juan Rodríguez-Medina, Belén Carballo-Leyenda, Pilar Sánchez-Collado, Gerardo Villa-Vicente, Jose A Rodríguez-Marroyo","doi":"10.3390/jfmk10010080","DOIUrl":"10.3390/jfmk10010080","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background/objectives: </strong>Wildland firefighters (WFFs) are subjected to significant physical and physiological demands that expose them to substantial occupational risks, including thermal stress, prolonged physical exertion, and exposure to harmful substances. These factors not only affect their immediate performance but also have long-term implications for their health. This narrative review seeks to analyze the main factors influencing the health and performance of WFFs, with a particular focus on physical, environmental, and psychological challenges.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A narrative review was performed, synthesizing data from diverse sources. The analysis centered on studies addressing the physiological, environmental, and psychological aspects of WFF performance. Specific topics included physical workload, exposure to environmental stressors, use of protective equipment, hydration, sleep patterns, and mental health.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The review highlights several critical challenges faced by WFFs, including the extreme physical demands of carrying heavy equipment during extended interventions, elevated physiological strain induced by protective gear, and significant health risks associated with smoke inhalation and dehydration. Additionally, inadequate sleep and heightened mental stress were found to impair both cognitive and physical performance. Variations in injury prevalence and patterns of chronic pain were observed, often influenced by factors such as sex, age, and professional experience.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>To mitigate these risks and enhance the health and performance of WFFs, targeted interventions are essential. These include tailored physical training programs, heat acclimatization strategies, and improved resource management. Future research should aim to integrate these measures comprehensively and address existing knowledge gaps to ensure the long-term well-being of these professionals.</p>","PeriodicalId":16052,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Functional Morphology and Kinesiology","volume":"10 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.6,"publicationDate":"2025-02-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11943278/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143709987","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":"A Comparison of Bilateral vs. Unilateral Flywheel Strength Training on Physical Performance in Youth Male Basketball Players.","authors":"Bogdan Belegišanin, Nikola Andrić, Tatjana Jezdimirović Stojanović, Alen Ninkov, Gordan Bajić, Nedžad Osmankač, Mladen Mikić, Marko D M Stojanović","doi":"10.3390/jfmk10010081","DOIUrl":"10.3390/jfmk10010081","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b>Background/objectives:</b> This study aimed to compare the effects of bilateral and unilateral flywheel training programs on leg strength, sprint performance, jumping, and change of direction ability in young basketball players. <b>Methods:</b> Twenty-two youth male basketball players were randomly assigned to two groups: the unilateral group (UG; n = 11; age = 15.5 ± 0.5 years) and the bilateral group (BG; n = 11; age = 15.2 ± 0.4 years). Both groups participated in a six-week flywheel training intervention (UG: split squat; BG: half squat) alongside their regular basketball activities. Performance measures included change of direction ability (5-0-5 test), knee extension 60 degrees/s leg strength (EX60), bilateral and unilateral countermovement jump heights (CMJ, CMJL, and CMJD), reactive strength index (RSI), and 5 m and 20 m sprint times (SPR5m and SPR20m). A 2 × 2 ANOVA was used to evaluate pre- to post-intervention changes. <b>Results:</b> Significant interaction effects were observed for the 5-0-5 test (F = 13.27; <i>p</i> = 0.02), with pre-post improvements of 8.4% and 13.3% for the BG and UG, respectively. Both groups showed significant CMJ improvements (11.4%, ES = 0.69 for the BG; 14.6%, ES = 1.4 for the UG). The UG demonstrated greater unilateral jump improvements compared to the BG. Significant RSI improvements were found for both groups (BG: 19.6%, ES = 0.95; UG: 19.6%, ES = 0.77). Both groups improved on sprint performance, with the UG showing slightly larger effect sizes. <b>Conclusions:</b> Unilateral flywheel strength training appeared to be a more effective strategy than bilateral training for enhancing strength, sprinting, jumping, and change of direction ability in youth basketball players.</p>","PeriodicalId":16052,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Functional Morphology and Kinesiology","volume":"10 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.6,"publicationDate":"2025-02-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11943462/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143710282","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-Based Differences in Biomechanical Walking Patterns of Athletes Using Inertial Sensors.","authors":"Elina Gianzina, Christos K Yiannakopoulos, Georgios Kalinterakis, Spilios Delis, Efstathios Chronopoulos","doi":"10.3390/jfmk10010082","DOIUrl":"10.3390/jfmk10010082","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b>Background</b>: Wearable inertial sensors are essential tools in biomechanics and sports science for assessing gait in real-world conditions. This study explored gender-based differences in biomechanical walking patterns among healthy Greek athletes using the BTS G-Walk system, focusing on key gait parameters to inform gender-specific training and rehabilitation strategies. <b>Methods</b>: Ninety-five healthy athletes (55 men, 40 women), aged 18 to 30 years, participated in this study. Each athlete performed a standardized 14 m walk while 17 biomechanical gait parameters were recorded using the BTS G-Walk inertial sensor. Statistical analyses were conducted using SPSS to assess gender differences and left-right foot symmetry. <b>Results</b>: No significant asymmetry was found between the left and right feet for most gait parameters. Men exhibited longer stride lengths (left: <i>p</i> = 0.005, Cohen's d = 0.61; right: <i>p</i> = 0.009, Cohen's d = 0.53) and longer stride and gait cycle durations (left: <i>p</i> = 0.025, Cohen's d = 0.52; right: <i>p</i> = 0.025, Cohen's d = 0.53). Women showed a higher cadence (<i>p</i> = 0.022, Cohen's d = -0.52) and greater propulsion index (left: <i>p</i> = 0.001, Cohen's d = -0.71; right: <i>p</i> = 0.001, Cohen's d = -0.73), as well as a higher percentage of first double support (<i>p</i> = 0.030, Cohen's d = -0.44). <b>Conclusions</b>: These findings highlight the impact of biological and biomechanical differences on walking patterns, emphasizing the need for gender-specific training and rehabilitation. The BTS G-Walk system proved reliable for gait analysis, with potential for optimizing performance, injury prevention, and rehabilitation in athletes. Future research should explore larger, more diverse populations with multi-sensor setups.</p>","PeriodicalId":16052,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Functional Morphology and Kinesiology","volume":"10 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.6,"publicationDate":"2025-02-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11943335/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143710087","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 Differences and the Relationship Between Athlete Anthropometrics and Long Jump Performance at National Elite Level.","authors":"Godwin Chinedu Uzomba, Philip X Fuchs, Cristina Cortis, Andrea Fusco","doi":"10.3390/jfmk10010078","DOIUrl":"10.3390/jfmk10010078","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Objectives: </strong>Anthropometric characteristics influence performance and development in athletic activities such as long jumping. This study aimed to analyze sex differences in anthropometrics among high-level long jumpers and investigate the relationship between anthropometrics and long jump distance.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>During the national championships, body height, mass, segment lengths, and circumferences of 39 male and 22 female competitors were obtained via a stadiometer, weight scale, and non-stretchable tape. Officials measured jump distances during the competition. ANOVA, correlation, and stepwise-forward regression analysis were conducted at a significance level of <i>p</i> < 0.05. The half-split method was used to cross-validate the final regression model.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Height, mass, and more than 50% of the measured segment lengths and circumferences differed between sexes (η² = 0.053-0.422, <i>p</i> < 0.05). Jump distance correlated with sex, mass, height, arm span, shank and leg length, and upper arm and chest circumference (<i>r</i> = 0.264-0.686, <i>p</i> < 0.05). The final regression model identified sex and chest circumference as predictors of jump distance (adjusted <i>R</i>² = 0.519, <i>p</i> < 0.001).</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>This study enhances the understanding of key anthropometric features influencing long jump performance at an elite level. Recognizing the importance of these characteristics has practical implications for talent identification, athlete assessment, and strength program development.</p>","PeriodicalId":16052,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Functional Morphology and Kinesiology","volume":"10 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.6,"publicationDate":"2025-02-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11942946/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143710180","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":"Kicking, Throwing, Grappling: How Combat Sports Shape Muscular Fitness and Motor Competence in Children.","authors":"Stevan Stamenković, Hrvoje Karničić, Jadranka Vlašić, Anja Topolovec, Damir Pekas","doi":"10.3390/jfmk10010076","DOIUrl":"10.3390/jfmk10010076","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b>Background/Objectives</b>: This study aimed to examine differences in motor competence and muscular fitness between children engaged in combat sports and their peers who do not participate in structured physical activity. <b>Methods</b>: The sample consisted of 120 healthy eight-year-old children, evenly divided into two groups: 60 children practicing combat sports (karate, judo, and wrestling) for at least one year and 60 children without structured sports involvement. Motor competence was assessed using the Test of Gross Motor Development-2 (TGMD-2), while muscular fitness was evaluated through standing broad jump, grip strength, 30 s sit-ups, bent arm hang, medicine ball throw, and push-ups. For differences between groups, the independent samples <i>t</i>-test was performed. <b>Results</b>: Results indicated that children practicing combat sports demonstrated significantly higher locomotor and manipulative skills (<i>p</i> < 0.01, ES = 0.76-1.25) and superior muscular fitness across all tests (<i>p</i> < 0.01, ES = 0.53-1.09) compared to their peers. <b>Conclusions</b>: These findings highlight the positive impact of combat sports on overall physical development, particularly in enhancing motor competence, muscle strength, and endurance. Given the critical role of motor competence and physical fitness at this age, integrating combat sports into daily routines can support long-term athletic development, encourage physical activity, and enhance overall health. Future research should explore the influence of specific combat sports on distinct physical attributes and consider additional factors such as total physical activity levels.</p>","PeriodicalId":16052,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Functional Morphology and Kinesiology","volume":"10 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.6,"publicationDate":"2025-02-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC11942753/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143710036","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}