Journal of Functional Morphology and Kinesiology最新文献

{"title":"Multilevel Determinants of Acromiohumeral Distance Within a Systems-Based Functional Morphology Framework and Their Implications for Personalized Neuromusculoskeletal Modelling.","authors":"Luis Alfonso Arráez-Aybar, Carlos Miquel García-de-Pereda-Notario, Luis Palomeque-Del-Cerro, Juan José Montoya-Miñano","doi":"10.3390/jfmk11030314","DOIUrl":"10.3390/jfmk11030314","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b>Background:</b> The acromiohumeral distance (AHD) is a widely used imaging parameter for evaluating the subacromial region and shoulder function. Traditionally, it has been interpreted as a static anatomical measurement reflecting the available subacromial space and associated with rotator cuff pathology, superior humeral migration, and subacromial impingement. However, inconsistent relationships between AHD, symptoms, and function suggest that purely structural interpretations may be insufficient. <b>Objectives:</b> To propose a systems-based functional morphology framework that reinterprets AHD as an emergent functional state variable reflecting the instantaneous state of the glenohumeral system. <b>Methods:</b> A conceptual synthesis integrated evidence from shoulder biomechanics, functional morphology, movement science, connective tissue research, systems theory, and personalized neuromusculoskeletal modelling. Structural, connective tissue, neuromuscular, and mechanical determinants of AHD were integrated within a multilevel systems perspective. <b>Results:</b> The proposed framework conceptualizes AHD as emerging from the dynamic interaction of four organizational domains: structural constraints, connective tissue properties, neuromuscular regulation, and mechanical context. Rather than representing a fixed anatomical space, AHD is interpreted as a potential systems-level functional biomarker whose value varies according to the functional state of the glenohumeral system. This perspective explains the variability observed across imaging studies and the frequent discordance between structural findings, symptoms, and functional outcomes. <b>Conclusions:</b> Reframing AHD as an emergent functional state variable provides a theoretical basis for integrating anatomy, biomechanics, movement behavior, and neuromuscular control within personalized shoulder assessment. This systems-based perspective may help bridge the traditional gap between structural imaging and clinical presentation while supporting future developments in precision rehabilitation and subject-specific computational modelling.</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/PMC13510521/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148829359","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":"Position-Specific Differences in Physical Fitness Characteristics Among Adult Male Rugby Players-Systematic Review.","authors":"Karol Czyż, Krzysztof Kasicki, Łukasz Rydzik, Winicjusz Sokół, Julita Kalinowska, Andrzej Kędra, Jarosław Jaszczur-Nowicki","doi":"10.3390/jfmk11030313","DOIUrl":"10.3390/jfmk11030313","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b>Background</b>: Rugby union and rugby league are among the most physically demanding contact team sports, in which playing positions impose distinct physical requirements. The aim of the review was to collect and synthesize available data on positional differences in physical fitness between forwards and backs in adult male rugby players. <b>Methods</b>: The systematic review was conducted in accordance with PRISMA 2020 and SWiM guidelines and was prospectively registered in the OSF database (10.17605/OSF.IO/E4Y37). Four electronic databases were searched: PubMed, SPORTDiscus, Web of Science, and Scopus up to June 2026. The search identified 3058 records, which were reduced to 1343 after language and document-type limits and then screened. Eligibility criteria were applied within the PICOs framework. Methodological quality was assessed using JBI Critical Appraisal Checklists and the AXIS tool as a validation instrument. Due to considerable methodological heterogeneity, narrative synthesis with directional meta-synthesis was applied. <b>Results</b>: Thirty-seven studies were included (n > 2000 players; 15 countries; 1996-2025). Forwards achieved higher values of absolute muscular strength and power, body mass, and sprint momentum, whereas backs performed better in sprint tests (10-50 m), maximum sprint velocity, aerobic fitness (VO₂max, Yo-Yo IRTL1), CMJ height, and relative power. Following normalization to body mass, positional differences in strength and power were attenuated or reversed. In the only study that isolated the change in direction deficit, no clear positional difference was observed. <b>Conclusions</b>: Body mass appears to be the principal explanatory factor underlying positional differences in absolute strength and power. Position-specific fitness profiles are observable as early as the U20 category and become more pronounced with increasing competitive level. Strength and conditioning coaches should compare positional groups using body mass normalized ratio or, where justified, allometrically scaled measures rather than absolute values.</p>","PeriodicalId":16052,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Functional Morphology and Kinesiology","volume":"11 3","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2026-08-11","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13510983/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148829425","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":"Association Between Change-of-Direction Performance and Landing Impact Characteristics During a Single-Leg Forward Drop Jump Landing Task in Junior Soccer Players.","authors":"Shinya Kishi, Yuuji Kimura, Takao Minami","doi":"10.3390/jfmk11030312","DOIUrl":"10.3390/jfmk11030312","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b>Background and Objectives:</b> Efficient landing shock attenuation is important for both athletic performance and lower-extremity injury prevention in youth soccer players. Although landing biomechanics and change-of-direction (COD) performance have been widely investigated, the relationship between field-based COD performance and landing impact characteristics remains unclear. This study aimed to examine the relationships between linear sprint performance, COD performance, and landing impact during a standardized single-leg forward drop jump landing task in junior soccer players. <b>Methods:</b> Thirty-six junior soccer players (22 boys and 14 girls; 10-12 years) participated in this cross-sectional study. Linear sprint performance and COD performance were assessed using a 30 m sprint test and a 30 m zigzag run test, respectively. Landing impact was evaluated during a standardized single-leg forward drop jump landing task using a force plate. Body weight-normalized peak vertical ground reaction force (peak vGRF, %BW) was calculated for each trial, and the average of the final five successful trials was used for analysis. Relationships between performance measures and body weight-normalized peak vGRF were examined using Spearman's rank correlation coefficients and partial Spearman correlation analyses adjusted for sex. <b>Results:</b> No significant correlation was observed between 30 m sprint performance and body weight-normalized peak vGRF (ρ = 0.106, <i>p</i> = 0.537). In contrast, 30 m zigzag run performance showed a moderate positive correlation with body weight-normalized peak vGRF (ρ = 0.401, <i>p</i> = 0.015), indicating that poorer COD performance was associated with greater landing impact. This association remained significant after adjustment for sex (partial ρ = 0.474, <i>p</i> = 0.004). <b>Conclusions:</b> These findings suggest that landing impact characteristics may represent one biomechanical factor associated with COD performance. Although the observed association was moderate, field-based COD assessments may provide practical information regarding landing impact characteristics. Future studies should incorporate biological maturation, COD deficit, and additional biomechanical variables to further clarify these relationships.</p>","PeriodicalId":16052,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Functional Morphology and Kinesiology","volume":"11 3","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2026-08-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13511510/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148829299","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":"Exercise Training Characteristics and Psycho-Bio-Chemical Outcomes in Individuals with Addictive Behaviours: A Scoping Review.","authors":"Guilherme Eustáquio Furtado, Maria Inês Marques, António Rodrigues Sampaio, Daniel Duarte, Susana Ramos, Eduardo Carballera, Marta Sevilla-Sanchez, Edson Eduardo, Sónia Mateus, Patrícia Coelho, Francisco Rodrigues","doi":"10.3390/jfmk11030311","DOIUrl":"10.3390/jfmk11030311","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Addictive behaviours are associated with substantial neurobiological, psychological, and behavioural impairments. Exercise training has emerged as a potential complementary strategy in addiction treatment; however, the characteristics of exercise interventions and their associated outcomes remain insufficiently characterized. This scoping review (ScR) was conducted according to the Joanna Briggs Institute methodology and reported in accordance with the PRISMA-ScR guidelines. Searches were conducted across three electronic databases for studies published between January 2015 and March 2025. Eligible studies investigated structured exercise training interventions in individuals with substance-related or behavioural addictions. Data were extracted regarding study characteristics, addiction type, exercise modality, FITT parameters, and neurobiological, biochemical, psychological, behavioural, and addiction-related outcomes. Five human intervention studies met the inclusion criteria, all addressing substance-related addictions, including alcohol use disorder, methamphetamine use disorder, and polysubstance dependence. Three studies evaluated acute exercise interventions, whereas two investigated structured exercise programmes lasting 8-12 weeks. Aerobic exercise was the most frequently investigated modality, although combined aerobic and resistance training, yoga, cycling, soccer-based exercise, circuit training, and functional exercise were also identified. Exercise intensity ranged from moderate to vigorous, with substantial variability in frequency, session duration, intervention period, and reporting of progression, supervision, and adherence. Reported outcomes included dopamine-related measures, mood, anxiety, depressive symptoms, self-esteem, affect, and craving. The available evidence suggests potentially relevant effects of exercise across neurobiological, psychological, and addiction-related domains, but the limited number and heterogeneity of studies preclude conclusions regarding the effectiveness of specific exercise prescriptions. The current evidence base on structured exercise training in addictive behaviours remains limited and heterogeneous and is restricted, among the eligible intervention studies identified, to substance-related addictions. Exercise may represent a promising complementary approach, but evidence is insufficient to establish optimal exercise modalities, FITT prescriptions, or sustained clinical benefits. Future research should prioritize adequately powered longitudinal randomized controlled trials, standardized reporting of exercise prescription and adherence, and comprehensive assessment of clinically relevant addiction-related outcomes.</p>","PeriodicalId":16052,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Functional Morphology and Kinesiology","volume":"11 3","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2026-08-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13511728/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148829399","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 In-Season Velocity-Based Resistance Training on Boxing-Specific Performance in Collegiate Boxers: A Companion Report from a Randomized Controlled Trial.","authors":"Yemin Han, Yiqing Xie, Zhen Zhang, Amador García-Ramos","doi":"10.3390/jfmk11030310","DOIUrl":"10.3390/jfmk11030310","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b>Objective:</b> This article reports the prespecified boxing-specific component of a randomized controlled trial comparing velocity-based resistance training (VBT) with percentage-based training (PBT) in collegiate boxers. Boxing-specific performance was specified as a parallel primary outcome domain in the original ethics-approved protocol, although no single boxing-specific measure was designated as the sole primary endpoint; the five measures are therefore reported as prespecified exploratory outcomes. <b>Methods:</b> The trial was designed before participant recruitment to address two parallel research objectives: changes in general lower-limb performance and changes in boxing-specific performance. Twenty-eight male collegiate boxers were randomly allocated to VBT (<i>n</i> = 14) or PBT (<i>n</i> = 14). Results for lower-limb strength, jumping, and sprinting from the same trial have been reported previously. The present report focuses on lead and rear straight-punch (LSP and RSP) force and continuous-punch (CP) frequency over 10 s, 30 s, and 1 min. Both groups were prescribed the back squat, Bulgarian split-squat, and deadlift twice weekly for eight weeks. PBT participants completed four sets of five repetitions at 70% of one-repetition maximum (1RM), whereas VBT participants were prescribed four sets using the velocity associated with 70% 1RM and ended each set at 10% velocity loss. <b>Results:</b> The between-group differences in mean change, calculated as VBT minus PBT, were 6.97 kg for lead straight-punch force (95% CI: 0.40 to 13.54), 7.21 kg for rear straight-punch force (95% CI: 3.56 to 10.86), 4.47 punches·10 s^-1 for 10 s continuous-punch frequency (95% CI: 0.33 to 8.62), 5.05 punches·30 s^-1 for 30 s continuous-punch frequency (95% CI: 0.14 to 9.96), and -2.65 punches·min^-1 for 1 min continuous-punch frequency (95% CI: -13.97 to 8.67). <b>Conclusions:</b> Greater mean improvements in straight-punch force and short-duration continuous-punch performance were observed in the VBT group, although the precision of several estimates was limited and the findings should be interpreted cautiously because multiple exploratory outcomes were analyzed without formal multiplicity adjustment. For the 1 min test, there was no statistically conclusive evidence of a between-group difference. Registration: The trial was retrospectively registered with the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (ChiCTR2500111377), and the study materials were subsequently registered on the Open Science Framework (OSF; DOI: 10.17605/OSF.IO/VY6TS).</p>","PeriodicalId":16052,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Functional Morphology and Kinesiology","volume":"11 3","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2026-08-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13510493/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148829382","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":"Acceleration and Injury-Frame Biomechanics in Achilles Tendon Rupture: A Systematic Review.","authors":"Robert Olivar, Eleftherios Kellis","doi":"10.3390/jfmk11030309","DOIUrl":"10.3390/jfmk11030309","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b>Background and Objectives</b>: Achilles tendon rupture (ATR) incidence has increased across sport populations, and, given its impact on elite performance, the purpose of this systematic review was to synthesize the available video analysis evidence describing the biomechanics of ATR in sport. <b>Methods</b>: Four databases were searched to June 2026 for video analysis studies reporting the mechanics of ATR in athletes. Eleven studies (2019-2026) reporting overlapping samples of ATR events in professional basketball, soccer, and American football were included and synthesized at the study level to avoid double counting. Study quality was appraised using the QA-SIVAS scale. <b>Results</b>: Non-contact mechanisms predominated in all studies reporting injury dynamics (64-100%). Acceleration from a stationary or near-stationary position was the most common movement context, with the \"false step\" frequently described as a recurrent initiating action rather than a singular cause. Ankle dorsiflexion at the injury frame was present across all studies (25.3-47.9°). A recurrent injury-frame configuration was observed, comprising trunk flexion, hip extension, knee extension or early flexion, ankle dorsiflexion, and a flat foot, reached through a progression from initial contact. <b>Conclusions</b>: ATR was predominantly a non-contact injury, most often during acceleration from a near-stationary position, reaching a broadly convergent injury-frame configuration. A rearward preparatory step recurred across studies and movement categories, but inconsistent definitions and incomplete reporting mean its overall frequency cannot be established. It remains a candidate movement feature for controlled biomechanical investigation, and future work should compare successful and injurious steps within athletes.</p>","PeriodicalId":16052,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Functional Morphology and Kinesiology","volume":"11 3","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2026-08-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13510858/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148829265","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":"Common Fascial Abnormalities in Five Thumb Pain Conditions: A Fifteen-Point Ultrasound-Guided Fascia Hydrorelease Clinical Protocol.","authors":"Hiroaki Kimura, Ryoya Asaka, Tadashi Kobayashi, Hideaki Obata","doi":"10.3390/jfmk11030308","DOIUrl":"10.3390/jfmk11030308","url":null,"abstract":"&lt;p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;b&gt;Background&lt;/b&gt;: Thumb pain frequently arises from multiple conditions-de Quervain's tenosynovitis, carpometacarpal (CMC) osteoarthritis, carpal tunnel syndrome, intersection syndrome, and myofascial pain syndrome-that often coexist yet are traditionally managed as separate entities. Fascial abnormalities, including hyaluronic acid-related densification and impaired interlayer gliding, have been proposed to constitute a shared pathological substrate underlying these conditions. Ultrasound-guided fascia hydrorelease (US-FHR) targeting fascial pathology has been used clinically for thumb-wrist pain; however, the anatomical targets and treatment regions have not been systematically described. &lt;b&gt;Aim&lt;/b&gt;: This article presents a fifteen-point US-FHR clinical protocol for five converging thumb pain conditions, based on shared fascial abnormalities-densification and impaired interlayer gliding-that these conditions may have in common. It further provides a shared practical framework for pain physicians, orthopedic specialists, hand therapists, and acupuncturists. &lt;b&gt;Methods&lt;/b&gt;: The protocol was organized based on a focused literature review on fascial biology, thumb-wrist anatomy, and the five converging conditions, combined with long-term clinical experience at Kimura Pain Clinic. For each POINT, the anatomical rationale, associated pain pattern, procedural concept, and major safety considerations were summarized. A four-direction screening test (thumb flexion, extension, abduction, and adduction) assessed in three modes (active contraction, resistance loading, and passive stretch), combined with nine established clinical tests, was integrated to identify the affected fascial structures. A diagnostic ultrasound finding characterized by multi-layered hyperechoic bands with reduced interlayer gliding-the sonographic appearance termed \"stacking fascia\" (a hyperechoic, stripe-shaped lesion), a previously described morphological sign that may reflect fascial densification-is described. &lt;b&gt;Results&lt;/b&gt;: The protocol comprises 15 POINTs distributed across two approaches: nine POINTs via a dorsal approach and six POINTs via a palmar approach. The dorsal approach (9 POINTs) covers the first and third extensor compartments, their intersections (1st-2nd and 2nd-3rd), the two radial-artery crossing points (Points 5 and 6, where the radial artery passes deep to the first-compartment and EPL/ECRB-ECRL tendons, respectively), Gokoku (Hegu), the adductor pollicis, and the deep palmar arch. The palmar approach (6 POINTs) covers the thenar muscles, transverse carpal ligament, paraneural sheath and interfascicular epineurium of the median nerve, the median-nerve/FPL/FCR interface, the median nerve within the carpal tunnel, and the deeper palmar ligamentous structures adjacent to the median nerve. Periarterial release around the radial artery is proposed as a hypothesis-generating approach to CMC osteoarthritis, in which fascial constriction of periarterial tissu","PeriodicalId":16052,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Functional Morphology and Kinesiology","volume":"11 3","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2026-08-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13511665/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148829437","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Physical Activity and Purkinje Cells: Mechanisms of Cerebellar Plasticity and Neuroprotection.","authors":"Nicoletta Palmeri, Agata Grazia D'Amico, Daniela Maria Rasà, Carla Cavallaro, Giuseppe Musumeci, Velia D'Agata, Grazia Maugeri","doi":"10.3390/jfmk11030307","DOIUrl":"10.3390/jfmk11030307","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The cerebellum plays a key role in regulating movement, coordination, and certain cognitive functions. Purkinje cells are the principal neurons of the cerebellum, essential for integrating information and modulating output to other parts of the central nervous system. Physical exercise is crucial for maintaining psychophysical well-being and improving quality of life. Moreover, its beneficial effects on brain health are well established. After a brief overview of cerebellar anatomy, this narrative review aims to summarize current experimental evidence on the effects of physical activity on Purkinje cells, particularly in the context of neuronal plasticity and neuroprotection. Special attention is given to structural and functional adaptations under both physiological and pathological conditions, including neurodegenerative diseases, neurodevelopmental disorders, traumatic brain injury, and aging. Overall, the available findings suggest that Purkinje cells represent a key cellular target of exercise-induced cerebellar plasticity. Physical activity may therefore contribute to preserving cerebellar function and promoting neuroprotection through mechanisms involving structural remodeling and synaptic adaptation of Purkinje cells.</p>","PeriodicalId":16052,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Functional Morphology and Kinesiology","volume":"11 3","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2026-08-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13510622/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148829436","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":"Position-Specific External Load Between Official Matches and Small-, Medium- and Large-Sided Games in Professional Football.","authors":"Lukas Herzig, Jörg Stöckert, Matthias Lochmann, Michael C Rumpf","doi":"10.3390/jfmk11030306","DOIUrl":"10.3390/jfmk11030306","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b>Objectives:</b> Sided games are commonly used to condition players for the demands of official games (OGs). Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate if different sided games match position-specific locomotor and mechanical OG demands of professional football players. <b>Methods</b>: Twenty-one male professional football players from a second team of a professional football club were monitored during the second half of the 2024/25 season. External load was assessed during OGs and sided games. The latter were categorized by area per player (ApP) as small- (SSG, ApP < 100 m²), medium- (MSG, ApP 100-200 m²) and large-sided games (LSG, ApP > 200 m²). External load was analyzed for total distance (TD), high-speed running (HSR), sprint distance (SPD), and the number of accelerations (ACC) and decelerations (DEC). Players were grouped by position: center backs (CBs), full backs (FBs), central midfielders (CMs), wide midfielders (WMs), and strikers (STs). <b>Results</b>: Across all playing positions (CB, FB, CM, WM, ST), SSGs, MSGs and LSGs elicited significantly higher TD than the OG, except for CM, where no significant differences were observed during SSGs and LSGs. All positions displayed similar HSR during LSGs than OG demands, and some positions also during MSGs (CB, CM, FB) and SSGs (CB). SPD was similar across all positions only during LSGs. ACC and DEC were significantly higher for all positions in SSGs and MSGs than OGs and similar in LSGs. <b>Conclusions</b>: Position-specific OG demands were not statistically from different sided-game formats. ACC, DEC and TD in LSGs met OG demands; however, smaller formats (SSGs, MSGs) overload those variables. In contrast, HSR and SPR load in SSGs and MSGs did not meet OG demands for most positions. For that, coaches should use LSGs, knowing that TD may be overloaded, or supplement SSGs/MSGs with running-based drills for more accurate programming.</p>","PeriodicalId":16052,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Functional Morphology and Kinesiology","volume":"11 3","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2026-08-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13511198/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148829352","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":"SARS-CoV-2 Vaccination Status and Post-Infection Cardiopulmonary Exercise Performance in Elite Male Team-Sport Athletes.","authors":"Srdjan Markovic, Tamara Stojmenovic, Dragan Atanasov, Dragutin Stojmenovic, Milos Markovic, Marina Ostojic, Ivana Nedeljkovic","doi":"10.3390/jfmk11030305","DOIUrl":"10.3390/jfmk11030305","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b>Background</b>: SARS-CoV-2 infection may impair functional capacity in athletes, while prior vaccination status may be associated with post-infection functional status. However, evidence comparing objective post-infection exercise responses according to vaccination status in elite athletes remains limited. <b>Methods</b>: This study included a total of 220 male athletes with PCR-confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infections: 101 unvaccinated and 119 vaccinated with two doses prior to infection. Cardiopulmonary exercise testing (CPET) was performed 14 ± 1 days after confirmation of SARS-CoV-2 infection and before the athletes returned to full training. A two-way ANOVA was conducted for each CPET variable, using vaccination status and sport as fixed factors. <b>Results</b>: After accounting for the type of sport, vaccinated athletes showed significantly higher VO₂max, VO₂ at VT1, oxygen pulse, heart rate at VT1, and heart rate at VT2, as well as lower VE/VCO₂ values. No significant differences were found for VEmax, HRmax, or heart rate during recovery. The interaction between vaccination status and sport was not significant for the main CPET outcomes, indicating a similar pattern in both sports. <b>Conclusions</b>: These findings suggest that prior vaccination is associated with a more favorable early post-infection physiological profile in professional team-sport players.</p>","PeriodicalId":16052,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Functional Morphology and Kinesiology","volume":"11 3","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2026-08-03","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13510363/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148829040","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}