Journal of Functional Morphology and Kinesiology最新文献

{"title":"Executive Function Response to Moderate-to-High-Intensity Rope Skipping in Overweight Adolescents Aged 12-14: A Preliminary Study.","authors":"Qian Yu, Xiaodong Wang, Lin Zhang","doi":"10.3390/jfmk10020152","DOIUrl":"10.3390/jfmk10020152","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b>Background</b>: Previous studies have shown that a high body mass index (BMI) is detrimental to executive function (EF) in children and elderly populations but may be improved by physical activity (PA). However, research on adolescents aged 12-14 is lacking. This study explores two parts: Part 1: cross-sectional correlation between BMI and EF; Part 2: the effect of an 8-week rope skipping intervention. <b>Methods</b>: Recruit 166 adolescents to participate in EF tasks. Screen and select 96 adolescents to be assigned to the normal weight control group (N-C, <i>n</i> = 23) and the normal weight exercise group (N-E, <i>n</i> = 23), the overweight control group (OV-C, <i>n</i> = 13), and the overweight exercise group (OV-E, <i>n</i> = 14), the obese control group (OB-C, <i>n</i> = 12), and the obese exercise group (OB-E, <i>n</i> = 11). Exercise program: moderate-to-high-intensity rope skipping training. Control program: Self-directed reading. Data were recorded for BMI and EF tasks. <b>Results</b>: Part 1, EF and BMI exhibit a negative linear correlation. Part 2, the reaction time of EF tasks in N-E, OV-E and OB-E decreased about 9, 14, 13% (<i>p</i> < 0.05), respectively, while the average BMI in OV-E and OB-E decreased about 10% and 11% (<i>p</i> < 0.05), suggesting a potential correlation between the reduction in BMI and the improvement in EF, which means that the exercise intervention significantly improved EF performance. <b>Conclusions</b>: Among adolescents aged 12-14, overweight and obese individuals exhibit weaker EF compared with normal weight individuals. An 8-week moderate-to-high-intensity rope skipping exercise program can improve EF in adolescents aged 12-14 with different BMIs, and the improvement is greater in overweight and obese individuals.</p>","PeriodicalId":16052,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Functional Morphology and Kinesiology","volume":"10 2","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.6,"publicationDate":"2025-04-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12101173/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144127525","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":"Contributions of Medications, Physical and Hydrotherapy Programs in Reducing Endothelial Dysfunction in Hypertensive Patients.","authors":"Roxana Cristina Rad Bodan, Adina Octavia Dușe, Eniko Gabriela Papp, Răzvan Marian Melinte, Minodora Andor","doi":"10.3390/jfmk10020150","DOIUrl":"10.3390/jfmk10020150","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b>Background</b>: Hypertension is in first place in Europe among cardiovascular diseases. Worldwide, only 1 in 5 adults pursue proper treatment that controls their high blood pressure. Endothelial dysfunction is a marker that indicates the progression of hypertension. The study aims to evaluate the efficacy of antihypertensives and physical and hydrotherapy cardiovascular rehabilitation programs to control hypertension and improve endothelial dysfunction. <b>Methods</b>: A total of 100 patients with hypertension degree 1 (46 years ± 0.32) were divided into four homogenic groups. All subjects of the A, B, C and D groups benefited from recommendations for a healthy lifestyle; groups B, C and D also received antihypertensive medication; additionally, group C had a physical cardiovascular program and group D a cardiovascular hydrotherapy program. Several clinical endothelial damage markers and blood and urine parameters were registered, along with systolic and diastolic blood pressure, before and after 8 weeks of rehabilitation. <b>Results</b>: Group A registered a statistically significant decrease for 1 parameter LDL (<i>p</i> = 0.002). Group B showed statistically significant values for 14 parameters (<i>p</i> ≤ 0.05). The C and D groups registered significantly improved statistic values for 17 parameters each (<i>p</i> ≤ 0.0001). <b>Conclusions</b>: Groups B, C and D that were given antihypertensive medication during rehabilitation registered improved endothelial dysfunctional markers and controlled blood pressure values, compared with group A which was given only recommendations for a healthy lifestyle.</p>","PeriodicalId":16052,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Functional Morphology and Kinesiology","volume":"10 2","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.6,"publicationDate":"2025-04-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12101180/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144127471","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":"Positional Differences in Youth Water Polo Players: Cognitive Functions, Specific Swimming Capacities and Anthropometric Characteristics.","authors":"Neven Kovačević, Frane Mihanović, Linda Lušić Kalcina, Tatjana Matijaš, Tea Galić","doi":"10.3390/jfmk10020151","DOIUrl":"10.3390/jfmk10020151","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b>Objectives:</b> Water polo players ought to possess various physical capacities and well-developed cognitive functions that reflect the requirements of their specific playing position. Therefore, the objective of this study was to compare the cognitive performance, anthropometric characteristics and specific swimming capacities of youth water polo players in different playing positions. <b>Methods:</b> The present cross-sectional study involved 106 youth water polo players. The subjects were recruited as part of a project for talent identification and selection for the Croatian National Water Polo Team. Testing included anthropometric measurements, specific swimming capacities and cognitive performance (Stroop test). <b>Results:</b> Among the 106 youth water polo players, there were 15 goalkeepers (14.2%), 21 center-defenders (19.8%), 17 center-forwards (16.0%), 34 drivers (32.1%) and 19 wings (17.9%), with the mean age of 14.14 ± 0.38 years. The wings performed faster than center-forwards in both StroopOff time (wings: 57.14 ± 10.04 s vs. center-forwards: 67.03 ± 9.72 s, <i>p</i> = 0.016) and StroopOn time (wings: 66.18 ± 15.86 s vs. center-forwards: 80.24 ± 15.64 s, <i>p</i> = 0.019). <b>Conclusions:</b> In conclusion, this study demonstrated significant differences between different playing positions in youth water polo players, specifically between center-forwards and wings. They performed faster than center-forwards in all tested variables of the Stroop test, measures of psychomotor ability, response inhibition and motor speed, as well as in specific swimming capacities measured in the 50 m crawl and the 400 m crawl. The results of this study provide a valuable foundation for establishing developmental recommendations for different playing positions, aimed at improving player's performance. These recommendations should take into account anthropometric characteristics, specific functional swimming capacities and cognitive functions that influence players' game intelligence, which can be enhanced through properly designed training programs.</p>","PeriodicalId":16052,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Functional Morphology and Kinesiology","volume":"10 2","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.6,"publicationDate":"2025-04-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12101324/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144127780","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 Coracohumeral Ligament and Its Fascicles: An Anatomic Study.","authors":"Emilio González-Arnay, Isabel Pérez-Santos, Camino Braojos-Rodríguez, Artimes García-Parra, Elena Bañón-Boulet, Noé Liria-Martín, Lidia Real-Yanes, Mario Fajardo-Pérez","doi":"10.3390/jfmk10020149","DOIUrl":"10.3390/jfmk10020149","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b>Background:</b> The coracohumeral ligament (CHL) is inserted in the coracoid process, from which it extends laterally and caudally, blending with the tendinous insertions of the subscapularis muscle and the supraspinatus muscle, with a third intermediate area between the muscles inserted between the humeral tubercles, and it contributes to the fibrous tunnel that engulfs the long head of the biceps tendon. Most previous studies mention insertions from the base of the coracoid process, but not from the tip, and some authors describe anterior and posterior columns. In contrast, others stress the existence of superficial and deep fascicles. Also, the relationship between the coracohumeral and the glenohumeral ligaments is unclear. Given the position of the CHL covering most of the rotator interval, and its role in the stability of the shoulder capsule and pathologies like frozen shoulder, a clear description of its fascicles in a plane-wise manner might be helpful for a selective surgical approach. <b>Methods</b>: We studied sixteen soft-embalmed shoulders to avoid misclassifying fascicles due to formalin-linked tissue amalgamation. Further histological assessment was performed on the two remaining non-embalmed shoulders. <b>Results</b>: In our sample, the coracohumeral ligament hung from the anterior and posterior edges of the coracoid process' inferior surface, defining two columns that converged near the tip of the coracoid process. Both columns were formed by superficial and deep fascicles directed to different depths of the rotator cuff, usually via the rotator interval, fusing with the connective tissue around the muscles without direct distal attachments. We performed histological and morphometrical assessments, and we discuss clinical and biomechanical implications. <b>Conclusions</b>: The coracohumeral ligament contains four fascicles that fuse with the connective tissue of the shoulder joint, forming a double necklace around the subscapularis and supraspinatus. Therefore, its functions probably extend beyond simple vertical stabilization.</p>","PeriodicalId":16052,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Functional Morphology and Kinesiology","volume":"10 2","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.6,"publicationDate":"2025-04-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12101240/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144127751","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 Systemic Inflammation and Glycemic Control in Firefighters.","authors":"Tiffany J Oberther, Andrew R Moore, Austin A Kohler, A Maleah Holland-Winkler","doi":"10.3390/jfmk10020148","DOIUrl":"10.3390/jfmk10020148","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b>Background</b>: Firefighters are at risk for developing metabolic diseases such as type 2 diabetes due to occupational-related stress and poor health behaviors. Firefighters often experience chronic inflammatory responses that may contribute to the development of insulin resistance. This study examined the relationship between systemic inflammation markers and glycemic control markers in firefighters. <b>Methods</b>: Blood samples were collected from twenty full-time male firefighters to assess HbA1c, fasting glucose, and insulin to estimate the Homeostatic Model of Assessment of Insulin Resistance (HOMA-IR), C-reactive protein (CRP), and homocysteine. Body composition and cardiovascular metrics were also recorded. Pearson partial correlation analyses were performed to evaluate relationships between homocysteine and CRP and the variables HOMA-IR and HbA1c while controlling for age and body fat percentage (BF%). SPSS version 29 was used for all analyses (α = 0.05). Data transformation was used where appropriate to ensure the normal distribution of each variable. <b>Results</b>: A significant positive correlation was found between homocysteine and HbA1c before (<i>p</i> = 0.006, <i>r</i> = 0.605) and after controlling for age and BF% (<i>p_partial</i> = 0.013, <i>r_partial</i> = 0.588), indicating that homocysteine levels are associated with impaired glycemic control in firefighters. No other relationships were found to be significant. <b>Conclusions</b>: The findings support a potential link between systemic inflammation and poor glycemic control in firefighters. Due to the occupational hazards that contribute to chronic inflammation, targeted interventions such as dietary modifications may help decrease the risk of diabetes and cardiovascular disease in this high-risk population.</p>","PeriodicalId":16052,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Functional Morphology and Kinesiology","volume":"10 2","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.6,"publicationDate":"2025-04-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12101145/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144127783","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":"Seasonal Changes in Performance Metrics, Hormonal, Hematological, and Biochemical Markers Among Semi-Professional Soccer Players: Implications for Training and Recovery.","authors":"Eleftherios Mylonis, Dimitrios I Bourdas, Natalia Kompodieta, Athanasios Tegousis, Panteleimon Bakirtzoglou, Athanasios Souglis, Evangelos Bekris","doi":"10.3390/jfmk10020147","DOIUrl":"10.3390/jfmk10020147","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b>Objectives</b>: This study examined physiological, biochemical, and performance adaptations in 18 semi-professional male soccer players across three seasonal phases: pre-season initiation (PS), pre-competition (PC), and mid-season (MS). <b>Methods</b>: Assessments included physical/performance/hormonal/biochemical markers. <b>Results</b>: From PS to PC, body fat (Cohen's <i>d</i> = -0.88; <i>p</i> ≤ 0.01) and speed drop rate (Cohen's <i>d</i> = -1.52; <i>p</i> ≤ 0.01) significantly decreased, while V̇O₂max (Cohen's <i>d</i> = 0.80; <i>p</i> ≤ 0.01), velocity at V̇O₂max (Cohen's <i>d</i> = 1.86; <i>p</i> ≤ 0.01), and velocity at the second ventilatory threshold (Cohen's <i>d</i> = 1.54; <i>p</i> ≤ 0.01) significantly increased. Significant fluctuations were observed in creatine kinase (Cohen's <i>d</i> = 4.34; <i>p</i> ≤ 0.01), myoglobin (Cohen's <i>d</i> = 0.66; <i>p</i> ≤ 0.01), and cortisol (Cohen's <i>d</i> = -1.14; <i>p</i> ≤ 0.01) levels. From PS to MS, further reductions in body fat (Cohen's <i>d</i> = -0.81; <i>p</i> ≤ 0.01) and speed drop rate (Cohen's <i>d</i> = -1.12; <i>p</i> ≤ 0.01) were observed, along with significant improvements in countermovement jump performance (Cohen's <i>d</i> = 1.08; <i>p</i> ≤ 0.01) and cardiorespiratory fitness (Cohen's <i>d</i> ≥ 0.83; <i>p</i> ≤ 0.01). Creatine kinase (Cohen's <i>d</i> = 3.82; <i>p</i> ≤ 0.01), myoglobin (Cohen's <i>d</i> = 1.50; <i>p</i> ≤ 0.01), interleukin-6 (Cohen's <i>d</i> = 1.24; <i>p</i> ≤ 0.01), and testosterone (Cohen's <i>d</i> = 0.92; <i>p</i> ≤ 0.01) significantly increased. Stability in lower limb strength, flexibility, triglycerides, C-reactive protein, ferritin, liver enzymes, and most hematological parameters suggest resilience to seasonal demands. <b>Conclusions</b>: Seasonal training enhanced fitness and hormonal balance while maintaining physiological stability. These findings underscore the importance of periodized training to manage muscle damage and sustain an anabolic hormonal profile for peak performance. Consistent diet and training support metabolic health, while tailored recovery strategies and season-specific interventions are essential for optimizing performance and minimizing injury risk.</p>","PeriodicalId":16052,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Functional Morphology and Kinesiology","volume":"10 2","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.6,"publicationDate":"2025-04-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12101407/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144127696","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":"Psychophysiological Acute Effects of Functional Neurology Intervention on Vestibulo-Ocular Reflex Dysfunction.","authors":"Guillermo Escribano-Colmena, Jorge Rey-Mota, Ana Isabel Beltrán-Velasco, Vicente Javier Clemente-Suárez","doi":"10.3390/jfmk10020146","DOIUrl":"10.3390/jfmk10020146","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b>Objectives</b>: The present study aimed to analyze the psychophysiological and neuromuscular reflex modifications following a single functional neurology intervention in individuals presenting vestibulo-ocular reflex (VOR) cancellation dysfunction. <b>Methods</b>: A total of 66 healthy participants, comprising an experimental group (<i>n</i> = 48; 22 females, 26 males; mean age 28.1 ± 7.8 years) and a control group (<i>n</i> = 18; 9 females, 9 males; mean age 28.6 ± 7.0 years), underwent comprehensive assessments at four distinct measurement moments: baseline, post-indicator muscle failure pre-intervention, immediately post-functional neurology intervention, and post-intervention indicator muscle failure, assessing neuromuscular (handgrip strength) and psychophysiological parameters, including blood oxygen saturation, heart rate, cortical arousal (critical flicker fusion threshold, CFFT), and pain perception (pressure pain threshold, PPT). The functional neurology treatment was tailored based on the ^®NeuroReEvolution protocol, emphasizing individualized proprioceptive recalibration, trigger point desensitization, and holistic neuroreflex modulation. <b>Results</b>: Statistical analyses indicated significant improvements within the experimental group following intervention. Specifically, tolerance to VOR cancellation stimuli significantly increased from a baseline of 1.0 ± 0.0 to 129.0 ± 36.7 post-intervention (<i>p</i> < 0.001, η² = 0.926), whereas the control group demonstrated no meaningful change. Furthermore, significant enhancements were noted in pressure pain threshold (27.49 ± 0.67 to 35.69 ± 0.60 kgf; <i>p</i> = 0.029), handgrip strength (20.41 ± 0.72 N to 26.56 ± 0.52 N; <i>p</i> = 0.012), and critical flicker fusion threshold (32.24 ± 0.45 Hz to 38.32 ± 0.60 Hz; <i>p</i> = 0.003). <b>Conclusions</b>: The results of this study demonstrate that a single functional neurology intervention significantly improved psychophysiological responses and neuromuscular reflex performance in participants with vestibulo-ocular reflex (VOR) cancellation dysfunction. Specifically, the intervention led to marked enhancements in pain tolerance, cortical arousal, and handgrip strength, and notably, an increased tolerance to VOR cancellation stimuli, indicating improved vestibular control. Cardiovascular parameters remained stable, highlighting the safety of the intervention. These findings support functional neurology as an effective therapeutic approach to address VOR-related dysfunctions by promoting neurophysiological resilience and motor function optimization.</p>","PeriodicalId":16052,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Functional Morphology and Kinesiology","volume":"10 2","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.6,"publicationDate":"2025-04-27","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12101182/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144127781","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":"Manipulating Resistance Exercise Variables to Improve Jumps, Sprints, and Changes of Direction in Soccer: What We Know and What We Don't Know.","authors":"Sandro Bartolomei, Marco Beato, Giuseppe Coratella","doi":"10.3390/jfmk10020145","DOIUrl":"10.3390/jfmk10020145","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The present review summarizes the effects of manipulating different resistance exercise variables on jumps, sprints, and changes of direction (CODs) in soccer. Regarding jumps, moderate-to-high loads, full range of movement (ROM), non-failure sets, and a moderate training volume are recommended. Different external resistances like constant-load, flywheel, or elastic bands, as well as various movement velocities and select exercises, are equally effective. As for sprints, moderate-to-high loads, constant load or flywheel but not elastic resistances, movements performed at full ROM, non-failure sets, and moderate-to-high training volume might be more effective, while numerous movement velocities and exercises could be chosen. As for CODs, moderate-to-high loads, flywheel more than constant-load resistance, and a moderate-to-high total number of repetitions are recommended, while several movement velocities and exercises could be selected, though ROM needs investigation. The effectiveness of concentric-only vs. eccentric-only training on jumps, sprints, and CODs has not been investigated, while an external focus and inter-set rest > 2 min are theoretically preferable, albeit not proven. Importantly, high movement velocity is not a prerogative of effectiveness, and limited ROM is not associated with sport-specific patterns such as jumps. Practitioners in soccer may manipulate resistance exercise variables depending on the purpose.</p>","PeriodicalId":16052,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Functional Morphology and Kinesiology","volume":"10 2","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.6,"publicationDate":"2025-04-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12101155/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144127763","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":"How Body-Centering Improves the Effects of Core Stability Training on the Motor Skills in Adolescent Female Volleyball Players.","authors":"Arianna Fogliata, Fioretta Silvestri, Lorenzo Marcelli, Maria Chiara Gallotta, Davide Curzi","doi":"10.3390/jfmk10020144","DOIUrl":"10.3390/jfmk10020144","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b>Background</b>: During growth, the reduction in motor control makes core stability training essential, especially in sports involving dynamic jumps. Given the limited training time of adolescent athletes, finding strategies to maximize the effects of core stability training is crucial. This study analyzed the effects of incorporating body-centering techniques (a method that involves conscious modulation of intra-abdominal pressure to enhance postural stability during motor gestures) into a core stability training protocol on balance, trunk control, and lower limb explosive strength in adolescent volleyball players. <b>Methods</b>: Forty-four female volleyball athletes (15.6 ± 1.4 years of age) were randomly divided into three experimental groups: G1 = body-centering + core stability training; G2 = core stability training; and G3 = standard conditioning session. The athletes performed 30 min of differentiated intervention training twice a week for 8 weeks. Balance ability (Berg Balance Scale-BBS and Stork balance stand test-SBST), trunk control (Trunk Control test-TCT), and lower limb explosive strength (broad jump-BJ, squat jump-SJ, and drop jump-DJ) were assessed at the beginning (T0) and the end (T1) of the intervention period, and 12 weeks later (T2). <b>Results</b>: Data showed a significant improvement of BBS, SBST, DJ (<i>p</i> < 0.01), and TCT (<i>p</i> < 0.05) in G1 and G2 at T1 compared to T0, which persisted until T2 except for DJ in both groups. SJ improved only in G1 at T1 compared to T0 (<i>p</i> = 0.016). G1 showed a higher rate of improvement in SBST (T1: +18.2%; T2: +16.8%) and in DJ (T1: +3%) compared to G2 (SBST T1: +7.6%, T2: +5.2%; DJ: +2.5%). In addition, only G1 showed a significant improvement rate in BBS score (+2.2%) compared to G3 (+0.4%) at T1. <b>Conclusions</b>: These results suggested that core training improves balance, trunk control, and explosive strength in young volleyball athletes with and without body-centering. However, integrating body-centering into core exercises leads to better balance and jumping power than core stability training alone.</p>","PeriodicalId":16052,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Functional Morphology and Kinesiology","volume":"10 2","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.6,"publicationDate":"2025-04-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12101249/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144127677","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 Impact of a High-Altitude Expedition on the Physical Performance and Nutritional Indices of Health Status of Alpinists.","authors":"Ewa Karpęcka-Gałka, Marek Bawelski, Aleksandra Pięta, Paulina Mazur-Kurach, Paweł Pięta, Barbara Frączek","doi":"10.3390/jfmk10020143","DOIUrl":"10.3390/jfmk10020143","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b>Objective:</b> The aim of the study was to determine the effect a mountain expedition (>3000 m) would have on the physical performance and nutritional indices of alpinists' health status. <b>Methods:</b> The study included 17 men aged 30.29 ± 5.8 years participating in mountain expeditions to peaks of 5000-8000 m, lasting an average of 34 ± 6 days. The following were assessed: aerobic and anaerobic capacity, body composition and the values of selected biochemical and hematological indices of blood and urine before and after returning from the expeditions and a quantitative analysis of the alpinists' diet. <b>Results:</b> There was a statistically significant decrease (<i>p</i> ≤ 0.05) in aerobic capacity, anaerobic capacity, subjects' body mass, muscle mass and the lean body mass of the upper and lower extremities. There was a significant increase (<i>p</i> ≤ 0.05) in erythrocytes, hemoglobin, hematocrit, leukocytes, platelets, neutrophils, monocytes and a significant decrease (<i>p</i> ≤ 0.05) in total and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, total bilirubin, albumin and total protein. A small percentage of the subjects met the requirements for iron (29.41%), folate (35.29%) and vitamin D (17.65%) supply with diet, as reflected in the blood test results. <b>Conclusions:</b> Despite the observed positive effect of three-week hypoxic exposure on the climbers' health, the deterioration of aerobic and anaerobic capacity was shown, which, in addition to environmental conditions and systemic inflammation, may have been influenced by adverse changes in body composition. To improve the nutritional status of the body during the expedition and upon return, alpinists should consider including the necessary supplementation of deficient components.</p>","PeriodicalId":16052,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Functional Morphology and Kinesiology","volume":"10 2","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.6,"publicationDate":"2025-04-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12101321/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144127811","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}