Scandinavian Journal of Medicine & Science in Sports最新文献

{"title":"Influence of Manipulating Running Foot Strike Angle on Internal Loading of the Tibia.","authors":"Sanghyuk Han,Jeheon Moon,Jusung Lee,Sooji Han,Thorsten Sterzing,Dominic Farris,Hannah Rice","doi":"10.1111/sms.70066","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1111/sms.70066","url":null,"abstract":"Tibial stress injuries are problematic among runners. Foot strike pattern upon landing may alter internal tibial loading, which could potentially affect the risk of stress injuries during running. The purpose of this study was to quantify internal loading at the distal 1/3 of the tibia during running with imposed rearfoot and forefoot strikes. Nineteen habitual rearfoot strikers were recruited to run with their preferred foot strike and then with imposed rearfoot and forefoot strikes in a randomly assigned order. Force and motion capture data were collected synchronously, and the foot strike in the sagittal plane was identified from the kinematic data. The tibial bending moments were estimated using musculoskeletal modeling and beam theory, and cumulative-weighted tibial impulse per kilometer was derived. Significant differences in peak bending moments were found among foot strike patterns (p < 0.001). Running with an imposed forefoot strike increased tibial loading, especially during early to mid-stance (2%-67% stance, p < 0.001). However, imposed rearfoot striking resulted in lower bending moments than both habitual rearfoot striking (p < 0.001) and forefoot striking (p < 0.001). Additionally, cumulative-weighted impulse per kilometer was significantly greater when running with an imposed forefoot strike compared to both habitual (p = 0.001) and imposed rearfoot strikes (p < 0.001). Running with an imposed nonhabitual forefoot strike results in higher tibial loading than rearfoot striking due to increased mechanical demands placed on the plantar flexors. Transitioning from a habitual rearfoot strike to a forefoot strike may not be advisable for runners aiming to reduce tibial loading.","PeriodicalId":21466,"journal":{"name":"Scandinavian Journal of Medicine & Science in Sports","volume":"37 1","pages":"e70066"},"PeriodicalIF":4.1,"publicationDate":"2025-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143932728","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Biomechanical Changes During Running on a Lower Body Positive Pressure Treadmill in Competitive Runners.","authors":"Dominik Fohrmann,Isabelle Winter,Alexander Simon,Dimitris Dalos,Thomas Gronwald,Tim Hoenig,Tim Rolvien,Karsten Hollander","doi":"10.1111/sms.70063","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1111/sms.70063","url":null,"abstract":"Lower body positive pressure treadmills (LBPPTs) offer precise body weight unloading for injury rehabilitation and performance training in runners. This study investigated biomechanical changes during running at varying body weight support (BWS) levels (0%-80%) in competitive runners, including sex-specific responses. Twenty-six runners (age: 33.6 ± 9.8 years; 15 female, 11 male) completed randomized 3-min running bouts at 12 km/h across nine BWS levels. Spatiotemporal parameters, plantar force, peak tibial acceleration, and running stability were measured using pressure insoles and inertial sensors placed at the tibia and foot. Our results revealed significant reductions in step rate (b = -0.24 steps•min-1/%BWS, p < 0.001), normalized ground contact time (b = -0.001 1/%BWS, p < 0.001), maximum plantar force (b = -0.010 BW/%BWS, p < 0.001), and peak tibial acceleration (b = -0.03 g/%BWS, p < 0.001) with increased BWS. Swing time increased (b = 1.50 ms/%BWS, p < 0.001), while stance time decreased (b = -0.41 ms/%BWS, p < 0.001). Running stability showed marginal changes (foot: b = -0.001 1/%BWS, p = 0.017; tibia: b = 0.001 1/%BWS, p = 0.009). Sex differences were observed in step rate (b = -6.79 steps•min-1, p = 0.045) and maximum plantar force (b = -0.128 BW, p = 0.034), but there were no significant sex × BWS interaction effects for any of the investigated parameters. Findings from this study highlight the effectiveness of LBPPTs for reducing musculoskeletal loading while revealing associated gait changes. Athletes, therapists, and coaches should consider individual biomechanical responses to optimize rehabilitation and performance strategies. Future research should explore long-term adaptations and injury prevention outcomes.","PeriodicalId":21466,"journal":{"name":"Scandinavian Journal of Medicine & Science in Sports","volume":"21 1","pages":"e70063"},"PeriodicalIF":4.1,"publicationDate":"2025-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143932730","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Exploring the Use of 5 Different Yo-Yo Tests in Evaluating V ̇ O 2 max $$ dot{mathrm{V}}{mathrm{O}}_{2max } $$ and Fitness Profile in Team Sports: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.","authors":"Zhiyuan Tan,Carlo Castagna,Peter Krustrup,Del P Wong,Susana Póvoas,Daniel Boullosa,Kai Xu,Ivan Cuk","doi":"10.1111/sms.70054","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1111/sms.70054","url":null,"abstract":"This review aims to examine the relationship between five different Yo-Yo tests and V ̇ O 2 max $$ dot{mathrm{V}}{mathrm{O}}_{2max } $$ as well as performance in various fitness tests, to provide practical guidance for fitness assessment. Thirty-three studies (n = 1362) were analyzed to qualitatively score correlation magnitude (r-values) between five different Yo-Yo tests with V ̇ O 2 max $$ dot{mathrm{V}}{mathrm{O}}_{2max } $$ . The association between Yo-Yo tests and physical fitness tests were examined including 36 studies (n = 1262 participants). Large correlations were found between V ̇ O 2 max $$ dot{mathrm{V}}{mathrm{O}}_{2max } $$ and Yo-Yo Intermittent Endurance level 1 (r = 0.67), and level 2 (r = 0.67), Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery level 1 (r = 0.65), and level 2 (r = 0.55). Yo-Yo tests showed moderate correlations with the jump tests (r = 0.40). Large associations were reported between Yo-Yo tests performance and treadmill endurance test (r = 0.59) and the field-based endurance tests (r = 0.66), respectively. These findings confirm Yo-Yo tests as reliable and valid tests for estimating V ̇ O 2 max $$ dot{mathrm{V}}{mathrm{O}}_{2max } $$ and endurance performance in team sports, supporting their integration in structured testing batteries. Coaches should supplement Yo-Yo tests with specific strength and sprint assessments for a comprehensive fitness evaluation of the team sport athletes.","PeriodicalId":21466,"journal":{"name":"Scandinavian Journal of Medicine & Science in Sports","volume":"74 1","pages":"e70054"},"PeriodicalIF":4.1,"publicationDate":"2025-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143945089","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Muscle Metabolism and Performance During Simulated Peak-Intensity Periods Occurring Early and Late in a Soccer-Specific Exercise Protocol in Well-Trained Male Players.","authors":"Jeppe F Vigh-Larsen,Niels Ørtenblad,Victor Stoltz,Dan Fransson,Farzad Yousefian,Jeppe Panduro,Morten B Randers,Thomas S Ehlers,Peter Krustrup,Magni Mohr","doi":"10.1111/sms.70075","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1111/sms.70075","url":null,"abstract":"We applied a novel model mimicking the most intense 5-min game periods to investigate muscle metabolic and fatigue responses to peak-intensity exercise occurring early and late in a simulated soccer game. Eleven well-trained male players completed a modified simulated soccer game (the Copenhagen Soccer Test) with 5-min peak-intensity period simulations inserted early (PP1; 10-15 min) and late (PP2; 85-90 min) in the game. Muscle biopsies and blood samples were obtained before and after each peak period. Muscle glycogen decreased during both peak periods (p < 0.001) by 62 ± 46 mmol kg-1 dw in PP1 and by 25 ± 37 mmol kg-1 dw in PP2, without a statistically significant difference in the glycogen breakdown in PP1 vs. PP2, despite a numerical trend (p = 0.115). Muscle lactate increased during both peak periods (p < 0.001) to 47 ± 25 mmol kg-1 dw and 32 ± 12 mmol kg-1 dw, with no clear difference in the increase (p = 0.108), despite blood lactate levels rising more in PP1 vs. PP2 (p = 0.031), reaching higher post PP1 levels (13.9 ± 3.6 mmol L-1 vs. 9.8 ± 2.4 mmol L-1, p = 0.003). Muscle ATP decreased by 4% (p = 0.004) and phosphocreatine by ~50% (p < 0.001) following both peak periods. RPE was higher during PP2 (10.0 ± 0.0 AU vs. 9.2 ± 0.8 AU, p = 0.023), while 10-m sprint performance declined by ~10% (p < 0.001), with no differences between PP1 and PP2 (p = 0.280). In conclusion, a 5-min peak period occurring early in a simulated game elicited a high anaerobic energy turnover, with marked muscle glycogen reductions, lactate accumulation, and PCr depletion. While high-energy phosphate metabolism remained similar during the late peak period, glycogenolytic rate appeared attenuated, accompanied by aggravated perceived exertion but similar sprint performance deteriorations.","PeriodicalId":21466,"journal":{"name":"Scandinavian Journal of Medicine & Science in Sports","volume":"116 1","pages":"e70075"},"PeriodicalIF":4.1,"publicationDate":"2025-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144065701","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Effects of Blood-Flow Restricted Resistance Exercise Versus Neuromuscular Exercise on Mechanical Muscle Function in Adults With Chronic Knee Osteoarthritis-A Secondary Analysis From a Randomized Controlled Trial.","authors":"Brian Sørensen,S Peter Magnusson,Rene B Svensson,Mikkel H Hjortshoej,Sofie K Hansen,Charlotte Suetta,Christian Couppé,Finn E Johannsen,Per Aagaard","doi":"10.1111/sms.70069","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1111/sms.70069","url":null,"abstract":"Knee osteoarthritis (knee OA) is a prevalent condition worldwide. Globally recognized rehabilitation guidelines for knee OA include patient education and neuromuscular exercises (NEMEX). While heavy-load resistance exercise (70%-90% 1RM) often induces pain with knee OA, low-load exercise (20%-40% 1RM) combined with partial blood-flow restriction (BFR-RE) has been introduced without inducing excessive knee joint pain. The present study aimed to compare the effects of NEMEX and BFR-RE on mechanical muscle function in knee OA individuals. Ninety-six participants (age 56.7 ± 7.6; 47 males, 49 females) with symptomatic, radiographic knee OA were randomized to free-flow land-based NEMEX or unilateral machine-based BFR-RE. Both groups exercised biweekly for 12 weeks while also receiving patient education. Outcomes measured from baseline to 12 weeks included maximal isometric knee extensor strength (MVIC), rate of force development (RFD), maximal leg extensor power (LEP), and cross-sectional area (mCSA) of rectus femoris (RF) and vastus lateralis (VL). Significant (p < 0.01) within-group improvements from baseline to 12 weeks were observed in both groups for MVIC (BFR-RE: +0.4 vs. NEMEX: +0.1 Nm/kg), LEP (+0.6 vs. +0.2 W/kg), mCSA for RF (+1.8 vs. +0.6 cm2), and VL (+3.7 vs. +1.0 cm2). BFR-RE led to increases in RFD (+2.11 (50-ms), +4.48 (200-ms) Nm/s/kg) (p < 0.01), whereas NEMEX did not (p > 0.05). Between-group comparisons revealed greater improvements with BFR-RE for all outcomes (p < 0.01). BFR-RE appears superior to NEMEX in enhancing mechanical muscle function and knee extensor mCSA in knee OA individuals. The enhanced physiological responses observed with BFR-RE suggest that this exercise modality should be considered as an adjunct therapeutic tool in future treatment protocols for knee OA patients.","PeriodicalId":21466,"journal":{"name":"Scandinavian Journal of Medicine & Science in Sports","volume":"95 1","pages":"e70069"},"PeriodicalIF":4.1,"publicationDate":"2025-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144065745","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"No Differences in Motor Units Discharge Rate Between Females and Males in Explosive Ankle Dorsiflexions.","authors":"Anna Grootenhuis,Fiona C Hiereth,Jakob Škarabot,Marius Oßwald,Alessandro Del Vecchio,Markus Gruber,Luca Ruggiero","doi":"10.1111/sms.70065","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1111/sms.70065","url":null,"abstract":"Males and females exhibit comparable levels of explosive strength if the rate of torque development (RTD) is considered relative to the maximal voluntary isometric torque (MVT). Given the greater proportion of type I to type II fibers area in muscles of females than males (~20% in tibialis anterior muscle), with slower contractile kinetics, the discharge rate of motor units (MUDR) in explosive efforts may be higher to compensate for the slower muscle contractile properties. Yet, it is to date unknown whether sex differences in MUDR in explosive efforts exist. Twenty-two females and 12 males (20-34 years) performed electrically evoked and voluntary rapid isometric ankle dorsiflexions. Electrically evoked contractions consisted of three trains of 50 supramaximal stimuli at the common peroneal nerve at 200 Hz. Ten voluntary explosive contractions were then performed while recording high-density electromyography signals from the tibialis anterior. No significant differences were reported between males and females for both voluntary and electrically evoked relative peak RTD (8.0 ± 2.0 vs. 7.7 ± 0.8 and 6.4 ± 0.7 vs. 6.1 ± 2.1 MVT s-1), and for RTD and muscle activity throughout the first 150 ms (p > 0.07). Despite no significant differences, these metrics were not equivalent between sexes when assessed with equivalence testing. Time to peak RTD was shorter in males than females for both contraction types (voluntary: 61 ± 12 vs. 74 ± 14 ms; electrically evoked: 24 ± 3 vs. 28 ± 7 ms; p < 0.01). MUDR at the beginning of the explosive voluntary efforts was not different between sexes (males: 61 ± 15; females: 67 ± 16 Hz; p < 0.23). Overall, despite known sex-related differences within the skeletal muscle, the control of rapid torque production is not different between sexes.","PeriodicalId":21466,"journal":{"name":"Scandinavian Journal of Medicine & Science in Sports","volume":"111 1","pages":"e70065"},"PeriodicalIF":4.1,"publicationDate":"2025-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143932729","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"The Effect of EEG Neurofeedback Training on Sport Performance: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.","authors":"Chien-Lin Yu,Ming-Yang Cheng,Xin An,Ting-Yu Chueh,Jia-Hao Wu,Kuo-Pin Wang,Tsung-Min Hung","doi":"10.1111/sms.70055","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1111/sms.70055","url":null,"abstract":"Neurofeedback training (NFT) has emerged as a promising technique for enhancing sports performance by enabling individuals to self-regulate their neural activity. However, only 53% of the 13 included studies, all of which published before 2021, in the latest meta-analyses of NFT and motor performance focused on motor performance outcomes. Due to the rapid development of neurofeedback, 8 high-quality articles were published in 2023-2024 alone. Therefore, there is a need for a new meta-analysis to update the impact of NFT on sports performance. In this systematic review and meta-analysis, we have not only reassessed the knowledge of the effect of EEG neurofeedback in motor performance but have also incorporated a standardized methodology, known as the CRED-nf checklist (Consensus on the reporting and experimental design of clinical and cognitive-behavioral neurofeedback studies), for methodological evaluation of previous EEG neurofeedback studies. The study protocol was pre-registered, and a systematic search was conducted across major databases to identify relevant randomized controlled trials. A total of 25 studies were included in the qualitative synthesis, with 21 studies eligible for the meta-analysis. The meta-analysis revealed a moderate positive effect of NFT on sport motor tasks, with a Hedges's g of 0.78 with a 95% confidence interval (CI) of 0.49-1.07. Importantly, subgroup analyses showed that studies with higher methodological quality scores, as assessed by the CRED-nf checklist, had significantly larger effect sizes (Hedges's g = 1.07) compared to lower than median studies (Hedges's g = 0.49). This finding highlights the importance of addressing key methodological gaps, such as reporting on participant strategies, data processing methods, and the relationship between regulation success and behavioral outcomes. In conclusion, NFT showcases a moderate positive impact on sport motor task, particularly when high-quality methodologies are employed, as assessed by the CRED-nf checklist, underscoring the importance of rigorous study designs in future research.","PeriodicalId":21466,"journal":{"name":"Scandinavian Journal of Medicine & Science in Sports","volume":"42 1","pages":"e70055"},"PeriodicalIF":4.1,"publicationDate":"2025-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143871963","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"The Effect of 90 and 120 Min of Running on the Determinants of Endurance Performance in Well-Trained Male Marathon Runners.","authors":"Michele Zanini,Jonathan P Folland,Richard C Blagrove","doi":"10.1111/sms.70076","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1111/sms.70076","url":null,"abstract":"The combination of maximal oxygen uptake (V̇O2max), fractional utilization at lactate threshold (FULT), and running economy (RE) is considered to largely determine/predict marathon performance, which is also closely associated with the speed at lactate threshold (sLT). Although these determinants are considered to deteriorate during prolonged running, except for RE, their temporal changes with fatigue remain largely unknown. This study aimed to measure the changes in V̇O2max, FULT, RE, and sLT after running for 90 and 120 min in the heavy-intensity domain. Fourteen trained marathon runners (V̇O2max 63.1 ± 5.8 mL·kg-1·min-1; marathon time 2:46:58 h:mm:ss) completed three separate visits to determine sLT, FULT, and V̇O2peak in the following conditions (sessions): unfatigued, and after two prolonged runs of 90 and 120 min at a fixed speed (10% Δ between LT and lactate threshold 2). During the runs, respiratory gases were collected at 15 min intervals to quantify RE. Decreases in V̇O2peak (-3.1%, p = 0.04 [post-90]; -7.1%, p < 0.001 [post-120]) and subsequent increases in FULT (+2.8%, p = 0.03 [post-90]; +4.9% p = 0.01 [post-120]) both occurred at an increasing rate with run duration, with FULT changes linked to the decreased V̇O2peak, while RE (mL·kg-1·km-1) deteriorated more linearly with time (by 4.2% [post-90] and 5.8% [post-120], p < 0.001). sLT also showed a nonlinear decrease, from 14.0 to 13.5 (p = 0.01 post-90), to 13.0 km·h-1 (p < 0.001 post-120). In conclusion, performance determinants and sLT changed following 90 min, and particularly 120 min of prolonged running. These dynamic changes have strong implications for running performance and would particularly affect longer duration events such as the marathon.","PeriodicalId":21466,"journal":{"name":"Scandinavian Journal of Medicine & Science in Sports","volume":"53 1","pages":"e70076"},"PeriodicalIF":4.1,"publicationDate":"2025-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144065743","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"The Effects of Surface Stiffness on Human Hopping Frequency Preference and the Underlying Neuromuscular Function of the Foot and Ankle.","authors":"Jonathon V Birch,Luke A Kelly,Dominic J Farris","doi":"10.1111/sms.70067","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1111/sms.70067","url":null,"abstract":"Typically, humans tune their lower limb mechanics to preserve center of mass motion when hopping or running on surfaces with different stiffnesses. However, much of our understanding of this interaction is based on frequency-constrained hopping and not preferred behavior, which may also be influenced by the stiffness of the surface underfoot. Therefore, we tested if preferred hopping frequency was different from a previously assumed value of 2.2 Hz and if preference was affected by a less-stiff surface. To help explain any observed trends, we quantified foot and ankle mechanics and muscle activations for frequencies ±20% of preferred. We used custom-built platforms to provide both an elastic and locked (inelastic) surface and asked participants to hop bilaterally in place on each. We measured multi-segment foot and ankle kinematics and ground reaction forces, alongside electromyography (EMG) of flexor digitorum brevis, abductor hallucis, soleus, and tibialis anterior. There was no significant difference between mean preferred hopping frequency and 2.2 Hz, for either surface. There was also no difference in mechanics between preferred frequency and 2.2 Hz conditions. However, there were effects of surface, frequency, and surface-by-frequency interactions on foot and ankle kinematics, kinetics, and EMG. Frequency preference appears to be partially driven by an effort to maximize energy stored and returned in the surface while trading off the costs of active muscular work and the cost associated with producing force. Frequency affects hopping mechanics differently on stiff vs. elastic surfaces.","PeriodicalId":21466,"journal":{"name":"Scandinavian Journal of Medicine & Science in Sports","volume":"18 1","pages":"e70067"},"PeriodicalIF":4.1,"publicationDate":"2025-05-01","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144103607","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Decoding Victory in Cycling's Grand Monuments: A Performance Analysis of Top‐5 Versus Top‐6–30 Finishers","authors":"Manuel Mateo‐March, Manuel Moya‐Ramón, Jose Luis Sánchez‐Jiménez, Iván Peña‐González, Alejandro Javaloyes","doi":"10.1111/sms.70057","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1111/sms.70057","url":null,"abstract":"This study aimed to examine the key performance metrics and durability differences between cyclists finishing in the top‐5 and those ranked between 6th and 30th in the Five Monuments of Cycling (Milan‐San Remo, Tour of Flanders, Paris‐Roubaix, Liège‐Bastogne‐Liège, and Il Lombardia). Data from 64 professional male cyclists were analyzed. Cyclists were categorized into top‐5 finishers (<jats:italic>n</jats:italic> = 14) and top‐6–30 finishers (<jats:italic>n</jats:italic> = 50). Race data were extracted from .fit files, including power output (PO), mean maximal power (MMP) across multiple durations (5 s, 30 s, 1 min, 5 min, 10 min, and 20 min), and power decay after accumulated workloads (30, 40, 50, and 60 kJ kg<jats:sup>−1</jats:sup>). Top‐5 finishers exhibited significantly higher MMP for 5‐min (<jats:italic>d</jats:italic> = 0.7; <jats:italic>p</jats:italic> = 0.02), 10‐min (<jats:italic>d</jats:italic> = 0.8; <jats:italic>p</jats:italic> = 0.01), and 20‐min efforts (<jats:italic>d</jats:italic> = 1.0; <jats:italic>p</jats:italic> = 0.01) compared to top‐6–30 finishers. No significant differences were found in shorter durations (<jats:italic>p</jats:italic> &gt; 0.05). Power decay analysis revealed that top‐6–30 cyclists experienced greater reductions in MMP at 60 kJ kg<jats:sup>−1</jats:sup>, particularly for 10‐min (<jats:italic>d</jats:italic> = 1.3; <jats:italic>p</jats:italic> &lt; 0.01) and 20‐min efforts (<jats:italic>d</jats:italic> = 1.2; <jats:italic>p</jats:italic> &lt; 0.01). No significant differences were observed in total energy expenditure or time spent in power zones between groups. Top‐5 finishers showed higher durability, with less power decay compared to top‐6–30 finishers in the Five Monuments. These findings highlight functional performance differences (e.g., MMP, power decay) associated with top‐5 finishes, though physiological mechanisms remain speculative. This study extends prior research by focusing on elite finishers in the Five Monuments.","PeriodicalId":21466,"journal":{"name":"Scandinavian Journal of Medicine & Science in Sports","volume":"53 1","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":4.1,"publicationDate":"2025-04-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143875919","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}