Journal of Sports Medicine and Physical Fitness最新文献

{"title":"Postural influence on postexercise hypotension: a randomized crossover study of supine, seated, and standing recovery following high-intensity exercise.","authors":"Jacob Laufenberg, Megan Bratetic, Kannon Jacobson, Kaitlyn Wabakken, Cody Takenaka, Kathy Ostrander, Zachary S Zeigler","doi":"10.23736/S0022-4707.25.17322-2","DOIUrl":"10.23736/S0022-4707.25.17322-2","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Postexercise hypotension (PEH) is a well-established cardiovascular benefit of acute exercise, yet the influence of recovery posture on hemodynamic mechanisms remains understudied. This study investigated how different recovery positions affect postexercise cardiovascular responses.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Ten healthy adults (23.1±6.8 years, Body Mass Index [BMI] 24.5±3.7 kg/m²) completed a randomized crossover trial comparing four conditions: control (no exercise), and high-intensity interval exercise followed by supine, seated, or standing recovery. Cardiovascular parameters of blood pressure, heart rate, stroke volume, and systemic vascular resistance were measured continuously for 60 minutes postexercise.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Standing recovery produced the greatest heart rate increase (61.5%) versus supine (18.5%, P<0.001). Stroke volume showed significant condition × pre-/postexercise interactions (F<inf>(3, 2097)</inf>=134.219, P<0.001), with standing recovery causing dramatic reductions (-69.6%) compared to supine (+0.1%) and seated (-20.3%). Cardiac output interactions were significant (F<inf>(3, 2097)</inf>=45.292, P<0.001), with standing decreasing (-21.4%) while supine increased (+19.0%). Systemic vascular resistance demonstrated significant interactions (F<inf>(3, 2097)</inf>=55.977, P<0.001), increasing markedly during standing (+31.9%) while decreasing during supine recovery (-17.7%). Diastolic blood pressure showed significant condition × pre-/postexercise interactions (F<inf>(3, 592)</inf>=4.512, P=0.004), with standing producing the highest increase (+8.9%).</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Recovery posture significantly influences postexercise cardiovascular responses through gravitational effects on blood distribution. Standing recovery attenuates hypotensive benefits due to orthostatic stress, while supine recovery optimizes acute blood pressure reduction.</p>","PeriodicalId":17013,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Sports Medicine and Physical Fitness","volume":" ","pages":"475-483"},"PeriodicalIF":1.3,"publicationDate":"2026-04-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146142795","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Further evidence on the psychometric properties and convergent validity of the expanded exercise addiction inventory (EAI-3) in recreational exercisers.","authors":"Dalit Lev Arey, Orr Levental, Yosi Yaffe","doi":"10.23736/S0022-4707.25.17274-5","DOIUrl":"10.23736/S0022-4707.25.17274-5","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Exercise addiction (EA) is a maladaptive pattern of excessive exercise despite negative physical, psychological, and social consequences. The Expanded Exercise Addiction Inventory (EAI-3) was developed to improve the assessment of EA. This study validates the Hebrew version of the EAI-3 in Israel, where physical fitness is closely tied to national identity and military culture.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A sample of 367 recreational exercisers (140 men, 227 women; aged 18-45) completed the Hebrew EAI-3, the Exercise Dependence Scale-Revised (EDS-R), and the Eating Attitudes Test (EAT-26). Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) and measurement invariance testing were conducted.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>CFA supported a two-factor structure (Health Relevance and Addiction Tendency). A 7-item version demonstrated superior psychometric properties compared to the original 8-item scale. Internal consistency was moderate (α=0.61), but McDonald's omega (ω=0.68) indicated better reliability. The EAI-3 showed strong convergent validity with the EDS-R (r=0.45) and concurrent validity with the EAT-26 (r=0.24). The 7-item version achieved scalar invariance across gender, allowing for meaningful comparisons.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>The Hebrew EAI-3 is a valid tool for assessing risk of exercise addiction in Israeli exercisers. The 7-item version is recommended for clinical and research applications, particularly for gender-based analyses.</p>","PeriodicalId":17013,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Sports Medicine and Physical Fitness","volume":" ","pages":"464-474"},"PeriodicalIF":1.3,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146010862","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Effects of squat training with different ranges of motion on muscle strength, jump performance, and change of direction ability.","authors":"Takamichi Inoguchi, Hiroki Homma, Yukina Mochizuki, Ayumu Kozuma, Minoru Deguchi, Takuto Naito, Mika Kamiya-Saito, Naoki Kikuchi","doi":"10.23736/S0022-4707.25.17438-0","DOIUrl":"10.23736/S0022-4707.25.17438-0","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>This study aimed to examine the effects of short-term, high-load full squat (F-SQ) and half squat (H-SQ) training on muscle strength, jump performance, and change of direction in resistance-trained athletes.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Thirty resistance-trained males (aged 19.4±0.8 years; height 170.6±6.0 cm; body mass 70.4±6.4 kg) were allocated to three groups: F-SQ, H-SQ, and control. The F-SQ and H-SQ groups performed squat training twice weekly for 3 weeks, with intensity progressively increasing from 85% to 90% of one-repetition maximum (1RM). Post-intervention, participants underwent 1RM, pro-agility, and vertical jump tests.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The H-SQ group exhibited significantly higher training volume (P=0.001), while the F-SQ group achieved greater concentric work volume (P=0.005) and lifting velocity (P=0.017-0.048). A significant interaction was observed for F-SQ 1RM (P=0.025), with both the F-SQ (P=0.032) and H-SQ (P=0.024) groups showing significant improvements. No significant interaction was found in the pro-agility test (P=0.225), although a significant main effect of time was noted (P=0.001). The H-SQ group demonstrated slightly larger effect sizes (ES=0.50[95%CI: -0.94, 0.91]).</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Although training volume and quality differed between protocols, both F-SQ and H-SQ training yielded comparable improvements in muscle strength and performance, with no significant between-group differences.</p>","PeriodicalId":17013,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Sports Medicine and Physical Fitness","volume":"66 3","pages":"371-379"},"PeriodicalIF":1.3,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147306895","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Cervical spine injuries prevention in elite male rugby players: an electromyographic study on neck muscles activity.","authors":"Andrea Demeco, Alessandro de Sire, Nicola Marotta, Antonello Salerno, Giulia Bartocci, Antonio Frizziero, Stefano Palermi, Beyza Tanriöğen, Francesco Renzi, Antonio Ammendolia, Cosimo Costantino","doi":"10.23736/S0022-4707.25.17346-5","DOIUrl":"10.23736/S0022-4707.25.17346-5","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Rugby is a high-contact sport with a significant injury risk, particularly cervical spine trauma. The repeated mechanical overload can contribute to long-term cervical dysfunctions. Surface electromyography (sEMG) and inertial sensors (IMU) offer valuable insights into neuromuscular function.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>This observational cross-sectional study followed STROBE guidelines. We included male professional rugby players with at least two years of experience. An anamnestic assessment was performed to collect data on previous injuries; sEMG was applied to the sternocleidomastoid and cervical paraspinal muscles, and the IMU on the head. Athletes performed lateral bending, flexion-extension, and rotational head movements to analyze head kinetics, energy content, muscle symmetry, and activation timing.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Thirty-six players participated, including 25 forwards (14 1^st-line, 11 2^nd/3^rd-line) and 11 backs. Most athletes trained their necks 0 to 2 times per week, with 30.6% performing 2 sessions weekly. The 41.7% of players reported 1 concussion. Lateral bending and rotation exhibited low symmetry mostly on sternocleidomastoids. First line players showed reduced range of motion (ROM) in right head rotation (ROT-R ROM, r=-0.377, P=0.023) and flexion (FL ROM, r=-0.330, P=0.049). Backs players demonstrated significantly higher ROM across all movements, particularly in bilateral head rotations (ROT-R ROM, r=0.353, P=0.034; ROT-L ROM, r = 0.402, P<0.15).</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>This study highlights the importance of monitoring cervical muscle symmetry and mobility as potential risk factors for cervical pain. The findings suggest that personalized rehabilitation programs focusing on strengthening, mobility, and proprioception training could help mitigate cervical spine pain.</p>","PeriodicalId":17013,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Sports Medicine and Physical Fitness","volume":"66 3","pages":"410-417"},"PeriodicalIF":1.3,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147306914","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Cardioprotective and anti-inflammatory properties of blood flow restriction training in older or high-risk cardiovascular disease population: systematic review and meta-analysis.","authors":"Anggi G Yudiansyah, Krisanto Tanjaya, Jonathan Wendry, Michelle V Anggarkusuma, Karina S Wulandari, Mirza Adrianta, Muhammad B Nugroho","doi":"10.23736/S0022-4707.25.17122-3","DOIUrl":"10.23736/S0022-4707.25.17122-3","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Blood flow restriction (BFR) training combined with aerobic exercise (AE) is proposed to benefit elderly and high-risk cardiovascular populations due to its lower joint and cardiovascular strain. However, its safety remains unclear. This meta-analysis evaluates the efficacy and safety of BFR training in improving cardiovascular health and inflammatory markers in elderly and high-risk individuals.</p><p><strong>Evidence acquisition: </strong>Following PRISMA guidelines, six databases were systematically searched for studies involving BFR training in elderly (>60 years) or high-risk cardiovascular populations. Primary outcomes included systolic and diastolic blood pressure (SBP, DBP), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1), high-density lipoprotein (HDL), hypoxia-inducible factor 1α, nitric oxide, interleukin-6, tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α), reactive oxygen species, and adverse events. Dichotomous outcomes were analyzed using odds ratios, and continuous outcomes using mean differences. Meta-analysis and meta-regression were conducted with RevMan 5.4 and RStudio.</p><p><strong>Evidence synthesis: </strong>Thirty-six studies met inclusion criteria. BFR training significantly increased VEGF (P=0.03) and IGF-1 (P=0.02), indicating angiogenic and metabolic benefits. No significant effects were found for blood pressure, HDL, or inflammatory markers overall. Subgroup analysis revealed increased SBP among healthy elderly individuals (mean difference: 7.48 mmHg; P=0.01), suggesting possible sympathetic activation and altered vascular compliance.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>BFR training shows potential for cardiovascular and metabolic improvements; however, its inconsistent effects on blood pressure and inflammation warrant further safety evaluation.</p>","PeriodicalId":17013,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Sports Medicine and Physical Fitness","volume":"66 3","pages":"437-452"},"PeriodicalIF":1.3,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147306867","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Effectiveness of core stability programs in the prevention of sports injuries: a scope review.","authors":"Roberto Tedeschi, Danilo Donati","doi":"10.23736/S0022-4707.25.17402-1","DOIUrl":"10.23736/S0022-4707.25.17402-1","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Core stability is essential for maintaining postural alignment and preventing injuries during athletic activities. A growing body of literature suggests that structured core stability programs can reduce the risk of both upper and lower limb injuries across various sports. However, the evidence remains scattered and inconsistent, particularly regarding specific populations and sports contexts.</p><p><strong>Evidence acquisition: </strong>This scoping review was conducted following the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) methodology and reported according to the PRISMA-ScR guidelines. A comprehensive literature search was carried out across MEDLINE (via PubMed), Cochrane Library, PEDro, Scopus, and grey literature databases. Studies were included if they investigated the impact of core stability training on injury prevention in athletic populations, using the PCC (Population, Concept, Context) framework. Data extraction focused on participant characteristics, interventions, outcomes, and conclusions.</p><p><strong>Evidence synthesis: </strong>Five randomized controlled trials (RCTs) met the inclusion criteria. The studies involved athletes aged 8 to 58 years across six sports disciplines (soccer, Gaelic football, basketball, volleyball, gymnastics, and swimming). All included interventions demonstrated positive outcomes in reducing injury incidence, improving neuromuscular control, and enhancing dynamic stability. However, variability in training protocols and methodological quality limited cross-study comparability. Most interventions were low-cost, equipment-free, and feasible in both team and individual settings.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Core stability training shows strong potential as a preventive strategy in sports injury management. Despite the variability among existing studies, the consistent positive effects suggest the need for broader integration into routine athletic training. Future research should aim to standardize protocols and explore long-term efficacy across diverse athletic populations.</p>","PeriodicalId":17013,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Sports Medicine and Physical Fitness","volume":" ","pages":"427-436"},"PeriodicalIF":1.3,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146010857","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Longitudinal analysis of body composition in Italian national U17 male handball players using bioelectrical impedance vector analysis.","authors":"Sofia Serafini, Olga Papale, Andrea DI Credico, Andrea Fusco, Gabriele Mascherini, Pascal Izzicupo","doi":"10.23736/S0022-4707.25.17440-9","DOIUrl":"10.23736/S0022-4707.25.17440-9","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Monitoring body composition is crucial for optimizing performance and preventing injuries in young athletes during a competitive season. This study evaluated changes in body composition and bioelectrical impedance vector analysis (BIVA) in 15 male U17 Italian national handball players (age: 16.44±0.60 years).</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Bioelectrical parameters were analyzed across four time points: end of the season (T0), pre-season (T1), season onset (T2), and winter break (T3), using repeated measures mixed models, while Mahalanobis' tests track vector shifts and ellipse distances (D). Statistical significance was set at P<0.05.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The vector significantly lengthened from T0 to T1 (D=1.95), then shortened from T1 to T2 (D=1.63) and T2 to T3 (D=0.88). Stature-adjusted resistance significantly decreased at T2 (262.9 Ω/m±26.1) compared to T1 (275.6 Ω/m±27.8) and at T3 (249.7 Ω/m±21.4) compared to T0 (269.7 Ω/m±27.9), T1, and T2. Stature-adjusted reactance significantly increased at T1 (39.00 Ω/m±3.7) compared to T0 (35.3 Ω/m±3.6) then decreased at T2 (36.2 Ω/m±3.2) and T3 (35.7 Ω/m±3.4) compared to T1. From T0 to T3, phase angle, total body water, and fat-free mass increased significantly from 7.4°±0.5 to 8.1±0.6°, 59.9±3.6% to 61.1±3.7%, and 82.0±4.5% to 84.0±5.1%, respectively.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Bioelectrical analysis effectively tracks hydration indices and training adaptations in young athletes, representing a valuable tool for managing performance and recovery.</p>","PeriodicalId":17013,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Sports Medicine and Physical Fitness","volume":" ","pages":"393-399"},"PeriodicalIF":1.3,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"146010910","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Effect of the FIFA 11+ on anterior cruciate ligament injury incidence rates in collegiate female football players over three consecutive seasons.","authors":"Hirohisa Magoshi, Takuma Hoshiba, Miwako Tohyama, Norikazu Hirose, Toru Fukubayashi","doi":"10.23736/S0022-4707.25.17071-0","DOIUrl":"10.23736/S0022-4707.25.17071-0","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>This non-randomized controlled trial aimed to investigate the preventive effects of the FIFA 11+ on anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury incidence rates in collegiate female football players in terms of intervention duration (one-season and over three consecutive seasons).</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A total of 763 collegiate female football players from seven teams belonging to Kanto University Women's Football Association Division 1 during 2013-2015 were included in the study. At the study's start (2013), 235 players from seven teams were assigned to the FIFA 11+ intervention (four teams, n = 115) and control groups (three teams, n = 120). The intervention period was from 2013 to 2015, and the allocated players were followed over three seasons. The one-season effect of the FIFA 11+ was investigated after each season, and the effect of continuous intervention was assessed in players who participated in all three seasons (N.=66 and 62 from the intervention and control groups).</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The one-season intervention showed no significant differences between the two groups in any season. In contrast, the intervention over three consecutive seasons showed a significantly lower incidence rate of ACL injuries in the intervention group compared to the control group (noncontact injuries: hazard ratio, 0.192 [95% CI, 0.041-0.896]; P=0.036).</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>These findings suggest that the FIFA 11+ is an effective program for ACL injury prevention in collegiate female football players, and the beneficial effect can be expected when the program is implemented for at least three consecutive seasons.</p>","PeriodicalId":17013,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Sports Medicine and Physical Fitness","volume":"66 3","pages":"400-409"},"PeriodicalIF":1.3,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147306921","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Improvement of athletic performance with haptics: results of the POWER-UP Trial.","authors":"Jason Taporco, Alex Adelman, Ryan A Park, John Konhilas, Peter Hurwtz, Mark Sakr","doi":"10.23736/S0022-4707.25.17301-5","DOIUrl":"10.23736/S0022-4707.25.17301-5","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Adult athletic performance in most sports relies on adequate muscle tone, strength, flexibility, and movement coordination. Neuromuscular training to improve athletic performance has been embraced in athletic programs aimed at aiding college athletes seeking a future professional sports career or high achievement in national/international athletic competitions. Since strength, power, and endurance are essential attributes for athletes playing sports, the aim of this study was to assess whether the use of haptic patch technology could improve muscular strength, power, and endurance.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Healthy college athletes aged 18-30 (N.=70; 30 males and 40 females) were randomized and enrolled as research participants in this blinded treatment versus placebo study. While 34 subjects initially received the active patch (VICTORY patch), 36 initially received a non-active patch that appeared identical to the active patch. After each group completed their study ARM, they crossed over to the other group, and received either an active or non-active placebo patch. Standard neuromuscular performance evaluative methods were used to acquire the data. This included obtaining measurements for neuromuscular changes in specified muscle groups through strength testing, and measurements pertaining to complex neuromuscular pattern performance. Neuromuscular data and comparative results for such aspects as peak power, concentric peak force, jump height, and knee extension/flexion was collected at a baseline; then retested after 1-24 hrs of patch use; then at 7-10 days a new baseline without a patch testing was completed with a repeat after 1-24 hrs of patch use. Descriptive statistical methods included the Shapiro-Wilk test, Wilcoxon signed-rank tests, Mann-Whitney U Tests, and Spearman's rank correlation were used for data analysis. Data analysis was also performed to compare results between the active patch group and placebo patch group.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Results showed that participants receiving the active patch demonstrated greatest improvement at 70-80 min of patch use, and the active patch group showed statistically significant improvements in the evaluated neuromuscular attributes in knee extension and knee flexion than the placebo patch group.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Incorporating haptic patch use in college athlete and other young adult athlete training programs aimed at improved neuromuscular functioning may be beneficial to improved athletic performance. Haptic patch use within an athletic training program may be an especially useful strategy in athletes who sustained minor injuries preventing participation in their usual daily training regimen to recover lost strength, power, or endurance, as well as college athletes who are attempting to achieve improved performance toward a goal of future professional or nationally-competitive sport play.</p>","PeriodicalId":17013,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Sports Medicine and Physical Fitness","volume":"66 3","pages":"355-361"},"PeriodicalIF":1.3,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147306927","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Ninja warrior injuries: from epidemiology to management and return to sports.","authors":"Dror Lindner, Tzadok Yona, Lauren Haichin, Dor Gilboa, Yiftah Beer, Ron Gilat","doi":"10.23736/S0022-4707.25.17400-8","DOIUrl":"10.23736/S0022-4707.25.17400-8","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Introduction: </strong>Ninja warrior activities have gained considerable popularity worldwide in recent years. Despite the increasing number of participants, there is limited research on the epidemiology of musculoskeletal injuries in these activities. This study aims to investigate the frequency, types, and severity of injuries sustained during ninja warrior activities, identify common treatment approaches and assess potential risk factors for delayed return to sports.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>This was a cross-sectional observational study based on self-reported data collected via an online questionnaire developed by orthopedic surgeons following a thorough review of the literature. The survey, disseminated online, was available from May 2023 to October 2024, and 103 Ninja Warrior athletes participated. The questionnaire assessed demographics, sports participation, injury characteristics, management, and post-injury outcomes, including return-to-sport metrics. T-test was used to compare normally distributed continuous data among two groups, and regression analysis was employed to identify and quantify factors influencing time to return to sport. The significance level was set at P<0.05.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>The most commonly injured body parts were the shoulder (19.1%), ankle (12.6%), and wrist (11.5%). The rings/laches obstacle accounted for 30.43% of all reported injuries. Overuse was identified as the leading mechanism of injury, responsible for 30.8% of cases. Tendon ruptures and/or ligament tears (25.8%), sprains (16.9%), and fractures (15.7%) were the most frequently reported injury types. Surgical intervention was required in 10.7% of injuries, including three arthroscopic labrum repairs for shoulder injuries and three anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstructions, among other procedures. RTS was found to be delayed in association with higher BMI (P=0.004), VAS score (P=0.001), and 5 or more training sessions per week (P=0.044).</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Ninja warrior training holds significant risk for musculoskeletal injuries, most commonly overuse and upper extremity injury. The rings/laches are particularly prone to injury, suggesting that adequate technical skill assessment prior to execution may be warranted. Additionally, increased BMI, higher VAS at time of injury, and 5 or more training sessions per week were found to be associated with delayed return to sport.</p>","PeriodicalId":17013,"journal":{"name":"Journal of Sports Medicine and Physical Fitness","volume":"66 3","pages":"418-426"},"PeriodicalIF":1.3,"publicationDate":"2026-03-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147306968","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":4,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}