BMC Sports Science Medicine and Rehabilitation最新文献

{"title":"Evaluation of the validity and reliability of the Meloq EasyBase force platform for assessing jump performance and balance parameters.","authors":"Sena Gizem Arslan, Birgul Dingirdan Gultekinler","doi":"10.1186/s13102-026-01734-5","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1186/s13102-026-01734-5","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Force platforms are widely used to assess postural stability and vertical jump performance, yet their cost and limited portability restrict routine clinical and field-based use. The Meloq EasyBase force platform offers a practical alternative, but its validity and reliability require investigation.</p><p><strong>Objective: </strong>The aim of this study was to investigate the reliability and to provide evidence of concurrent validity of the Meloq EasyBase force platform for the evaluation of balance-related parameters and jumping in healthy young adults.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Seventy-eight healthy young adults (mean age: 21.85 ± 1.68 years) participated in this cross-sectional study. Static balance was assessed during single-leg stance on dominant and non-dominant limbs, with center of pressure (CoP) displacement, velocity, directional sway, and ellipse area recorded. CMJ height was also measured. Assessments were repeated after 7-10 days. Reliability was evaluated using intrarater intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC), standard error of measurement (SEM), and minimum detectable change (MDC). Concurrent validity against a clinical balance test was examined using correlations with the Flamingo Balance Test (FBT).</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Balance parameters demonstrated moderate to high reliability (ICC = 0.58-0.76), with velocity-based and directional CoP measures showing higher consistency. CMJ height showed excellent reliability (ICC = 0.96; SEM = 1.53 cm; MDC95% = 4.24 cm). Significant low-to-moderate correlations were observed between FBT scores and most force platform balance parameters (r = 0.23-0.32, p < 0.05).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>The Meloq EasyBase force platform demonstrates high reliability for vertical jump performance and moderate reliability for balance parameters. The observed low-to-moderate correlations with the Flamingo Balance Test provide preliminary evidence of concurrent validity.</p>","PeriodicalId":48585,"journal":{"name":"BMC Sports Science Medicine and Rehabilitation","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.8,"publicationDate":"2026-05-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147864545","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Kinematic and kinetic differences between lead and rear straight punches in elite boxers: bilateral asymmetry and training implications.","authors":"Junchao Wan, Yang Liu","doi":"10.1186/s13102-026-01738-1","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1186/s13102-026-01738-1","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>In boxing, differences in technical efficacy are commonly observed between lead-hand and rear-hand straight punches, as well as in limb asymmetry. However, systematic analyses of the kinematic and kinetic characteristics of lead- and rear-hand straight punches remain limited. In this study, we elucidated differences in kinematic and kinetic performance between lead-hand (non-dominant) and rear-hand (dominant) straight punches in boxers, characterized limb asymmetry, and provide evidence-based guidance for the scientific training of straight punch techniques.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Seventeen male boxers (orthodox stance, right-handed; height: 175.25 ± 7.81 cm; body mass: 66.06 ± 2.77 kg) performed lead- and rear-hand straight punches with maximal effort. Data were synchronously collected using a Vicon infrared motion capture system, two Kistler force plates, and one force target. Key variables included movement completion time, trunk rotational range of motion (ROM), peak forward rotational angular velocity (power phase), peak reverse rotational angular velocity (loading phase), peak punch velocity, impact velocity, and peak force.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>For movement speed, lead-hand punches exhibited significantly shorter completion times than rear-hand punches (p < 0.01), indicating greater speed in the lead-hand technique. Trunk rotation metrics revealed a significantly greater ROM in rear-hand punches (p < 0.01). Rear-hand punches also exhibited a higher peak forward rotational angular velocity (p < 0.01). No significant difference was observed in peak reverse rotational angular velocity (p > 0.05). With regard to punching efficacy, rear-hand punches produced a significantly higher peak force, peak punch velocity, and impact velocity (p < 0.05), thus highlighting their greater power.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>In this cohort of 17 elite boxers, pronounced asymmetry was observed between lead- and rear-hand straight punches. Lead-hand punches were associated with shorter movement completion times, whereas rear-hand punches showed greater trunk rotational ROM along with higher peak force and velocity outputs. These complementary features appear to reflect a 'speed-power' technical pattern. We recommend that future longitudinal studies investigate unilateral and combined unilateral-bilateral training interventions in relation to the observed limb asymmetry.</p>","PeriodicalId":48585,"journal":{"name":"BMC Sports Science Medicine and Rehabilitation","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.8,"publicationDate":"2026-05-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147864548","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Psychological recovery paths of players within a team: a decision tree-assisted longitudinal analysis.","authors":"Şeval Kayğusuz, Cengiz Karagözoğlu","doi":"10.1186/s13102-026-01733-6","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1186/s13102-026-01733-6","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>This study aims to monitor the long term psychological recovery of team athletes after competitions. The second aim was to develop a model based on the primary recovery strategies employed by team athletes.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>The study sample consisted of 38 male football and basketball players aged between 18 and 35 years (sd = 5.51), with an average of 15 years of experience in team sports. Data were collected by using the Sport Psychological Recovery Scale, the Checklist of Individual Strength (CIS) Scale, Emotional State Profile based on Individual Zone of Optimal Functioning (IZOF) methodology and athletes' perceived physical fatigue, perceived mental fatigue, perceived competition success, perceived competition difficulty, and perceived sleep quality were assessed using Virtual Analog Scale (VAS). The collected data were analyzed through line graph visualizations, heat maps, hierarchical cluster analysis, and decision tree modeling.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Findings from the line graphs revealed substantial individual differences in players' preferences for psychological recovery strategies. Heatmap analyses demonstrated significant correlations between fatigue and recovery-related variables. The dendrogram analysis confirmed the existence of two distinct psychological recovery profiles, characterized as fatigue and recovery patterns. Finally, decision tree modeling identified the flourishing, as the most significant predictor of recovery strategy selection. The model identified a critical flourishing score of 7.19 out of 10. Athletes scoring below this threshold predominantly preferred mental recovery strategies, whereas those scoring above it primarily opted for psychological detachment strategies.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Flourishing serves as a key determinant role in shaping athletes' psychological recovery strategies. By employing decision tree and cluster-based modeling this study provides novel insights into the individualized dynamics of post-performance recovery. These findings advance the design of personalized psychological support programs for athletes, enhancing both recovery efficacy and long-term well being.</p>","PeriodicalId":48585,"journal":{"name":"BMC Sports Science Medicine and Rehabilitation","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.8,"publicationDate":"2026-05-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147864502","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Unplanned movement tasks requiring rapid decision-making: a scoping review of study characteristics and methodological approaches.","authors":"Maximilian Siener, Alexandra Unger, Jan Wilke","doi":"10.1186/s13102-026-01682-0","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1186/s13102-026-01682-0","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>The integration of neurocognitive challenges into biomechanical movement tasks has gained attention due to its potential relevance for assessments of physical function, injury risk, and performance. However, a comprehensive mapping of the chosen methodological approaches, targeted populations, and applied outcome measures is still lacking. This scoping review hence aimed to synthesize the current literature on unplanned movement tasks combining cognitive decision-making and biomechanical outcome measurements.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A systematic literature search following the PRISMA-ScR (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses-extension for scoping reviews) guidelines was performed in Web of Science (Core Collection), MEDLINE (PubMed), Cochrane Library, and Google Scholar. Included studies combined unplanned movement tasks (e.g., change-of-direction or stopping) with biomechanical assessments. Eligible articles were analysed in terms of participant characteristics, movement type, unplanned task type, reactive stimulus, and biomechanical outcome variables.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>From the total of 167 studies, the majority focused on change-of-direction tasks (82%), mostly using standardized angles of 45° and moderate approach speeds (3.9 ± 0.9 m/s). Jump (7%), land (12%), and/or stop tasks (3%) were less frequent. Most studies (83%) relied on simple visual cues (e.g., lights or symbols), whereas more ecologically valid stimuli (e.g., videos or real opponents) were rarely applied. Biomechanical analyses predominantly focused on knee angles and moments as well as ground reaction forces, while only 23% of studies included electromyography measurements. Older adults (50+ years) were not represented.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Although research on unplanned biomechanical tasks is growing, significant methodological heterogeneity and limited ecological validity may constrain the interpretability and applicability of findings. Future research should aim for task designs that better reflect real-world conditions and include diverse populations and comprehensive neuromuscular assessments.</p>","PeriodicalId":48585,"journal":{"name":"BMC Sports Science Medicine and Rehabilitation","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.8,"publicationDate":"2026-05-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147857465","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Modeling heart rate (HR) dynamics to reconstruct missing HR data in trail running.","authors":"Tjorven Schnack, Raimundo Sanchez, Arnold Baca","doi":"10.1186/s13102-026-01727-4","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1186/s13102-026-01727-4","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Heart rate (HR) is widely used to guide exercise intensity because it is non-invasive and easy to measure. However, outdoor recordings often contain artifacts and gaps, which can bias downstream metrics if not reconstructed accurately. Common reconstruction methods (e.g. linear interpolation) perform well in short gaps but ignore HR kinetics and changing external load, which is problematic in trail running with frequent intensity changes. The present study presents a HR reconstruction approach that leverages GNSS data and a model of HR dynamics.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>12 recreational trail runners completed a total of 53 trail bouts, of which 37 were included in the final analysis (1 Hz GNSS, 130 Hz chest-strap ECG). Gaps of 1-800 consecutive heart beats were simulated at four phases representative of trail running: onset, uphill, switch (uphill-to-downhill), and downhill. Energy expenditure was estimated from GNSS data and mapped to heart rate using a first-order differential equation, with individualized parameters. The end of the reconstructed gap was aligned with post-gap measurements via a linear drift correction. HR model based reconstructions without (HRM) and with drift correction (HRMD) were compared against baseline linear interpolation (LI). Reconstruction accuracy was assessed via RMSE and a linear mixed-effects model, and bias was summarized using mean error (ME) and limits of agreement (LoA).</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Overall, HRMD and LI had a similar low median RMSE (approx. 2 bpm), both outperforming HRM (approx. 3 bpm). However, significant interaction effects indicated condition-dependent performance. HRMD was significantly better than LI for non-steady exercise intensities at longer gaps (onset and switch for 200 missing beats or more). LI slightly outperformed HRMD during steady uphill (200 missing beats or more). Bias and dispersion favored HRMD: ME remained near zero with LoA less than 10 bpm across all conditions. LI showed large, length-dependent bias at onset (ME up to 14.6 bpm; LoA up to 20.3 bpm). This indicates that HRMD provides an absolute reduction of mean error of up to 14 bpm (at onset for 800 missing beats).</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>LI is adequate for short gaps and steady intensity, but errors grow and become biased during long, non-steady gaps. Integrating GNSS-derived energy expenditure with individualized HR dynamics and drift correction (HRMD) reduces error and bias in these challenging conditions. Practical implementation of this reconstruction approach is accessible since wearables facilitate synchronous HR and GNSS recordings. However, it remains uncertain how the results generalize to different demographics and other running disciplines.</p>","PeriodicalId":48585,"journal":{"name":"BMC Sports Science Medicine and Rehabilitation","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.8,"publicationDate":"2026-05-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147844753","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Seasonal changes in bone mineral parameters and body composition in youth football players.","authors":"Antonio Hernandez-Martin, Javier Sanchez-Sanchez","doi":"10.1186/s13102-026-01724-7","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1186/s13102-026-01724-7","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>This study aimed to examine seasonal changes in bone mineral characteristics and body composition among youth football players throughout a full competitive season. A total of 60 male participants were recruited and stratified into four competitive age categories (U10, U12, U14, U16). Assessments were conducted at three key timepoints: the beginning (P1), midpoint (P2), and end (P3) of the season. Bone Mineral Content (BMC), Bone Mineral Density (BMD), lean mass, and fat mass were measured using standardized dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) procedures. Significant increases in whole-body BMC and lower limb BMC were observed at P3 compared to P1 and P2 (p < 0.01). Whole-body BMD also exhibited a significant rise at P3 relative to earlier measurements (p < 0.01). Additionally, a significant increase in the percentage of lean mass was detected from P2 to P3 (p < 0.05), accompanied by a general trend of fat mass reduction over time in all the age categories. The most pronounced and rapid improvements in bone parameters were observed in the older age categories (U14 and U16), particularly in whole-body BMC and BMD. Nonetheless, positive adaptations in bone health and body composition were evident across all age groups in football players by the end of the season. These findings describe the physiological adaptations observed during a competitive season, highlighting the musculoskeletal development that occurs in youth players during these key stages of growth.</p>","PeriodicalId":48585,"journal":{"name":"BMC Sports Science Medicine and Rehabilitation","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.8,"publicationDate":"2026-05-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147844846","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Effects of neuromuscular training on pain, physical function, balance, muscle strength, and lower limb kinematics in individuals with patellofemoral pain: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.","authors":"Ali Asghar Maleki, Evangelos Pappas, Sara R Piva, Seyed Hamed Mousavi","doi":"10.1186/s13102-026-01730-9","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1186/s13102-026-01730-9","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Patellofemoral pain (PFP) is a common musculoskeletal condition that impairs daily function and quality of life. Neuromuscular training (NMT) has been proposed to address pain, functional limitations, and biomechanical deficits in PFP, but its overall effectiveness across multiple outcomes remains unclear.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) evaluating the effects of NMT in individuals with PFP. PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, and Embase were searched from inception to May 2025. Eligible studies compared NMT with control conditions or active interventions such as strength training (ST) and reported at least one of the following outcomes: pain, physical function, balance, muscle strength, or lower-limb kinematics. Data were pooled using random-effects models to calculate mean differences (MD) with 95% confidence intervals (CI). The certainty of evidence was assessed using the GRADE approach.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Seventeen RCTs (n = 871; 66% female; mean age 23 years) met the inclusion criteria. Compared with control groups, NMT reduced pain (MD = - 0.60; 95% CI: - 0.96 to - 0.23; moderate certainty) and improved physical function (MD = 10.83; 95% CI: 9.71 to 11.94; moderate certainty). Compared with strength training, NMT produced greater pain reduction (MD = - 0.55; 95% CI: - 0.77 to - 0.34; moderate certainty) but did not improve physical function beyond ST alone (MD = - 2.32; 95% CI: - 10.31 to 5.66; low certainty). Although NMT appears effective for reducing pain and improving physical function, its effects on lower-limb biomechanics remain inconclusive, with current evidence showing inconsistent findings across studies.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>NMT is an effective intervention for reducing pain and improving physical function in individuals with PFP. Although not superior to ST for functional outcomes, NMT may provide added value when incorporated into multimodal rehabilitation programs targeting neuromuscular control, proprioception, and dynamic stability. Further high-quality trials with standardized protocols are needed to clarify its effects on balance, strength, and kinematics.</p>","PeriodicalId":48585,"journal":{"name":"BMC Sports Science Medicine and Rehabilitation","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.8,"publicationDate":"2026-05-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147844773","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Anthropometric and motor-fitness signatures of defensive efficiency in professional football defenders: a principal component and cluster analysis.","authors":"Jeneviv Nene John, Sam Chidi Ibeneme, Gerhard Fortwengel, Emeka Mong, Davidson Okwudili John, Ezinne Olive Nwosu, Blessing Chidimma Okpagu, Nnenna Christiana Chinagozi-Amanze, Paul Onyeudo","doi":"10.1186/s13102-026-01711-y","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1186/s13102-026-01711-y","url":null,"abstract":"&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Background: &lt;/strong&gt;Team-level defensive efficiency is a central determinant of success in professional football, yet defenders' physical and motor profiles are rarely examined in relation to ecological defensive outcomes, particularly in under-researched professional leagues. This study investigated anthropometric and motor-fitness signatures of defensive efficiency among professional football defenders in the Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) using multivariate profiling methods.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Methods: &lt;/strong&gt;An observational ecological study was conducted among 36 professional defenders from Enugu Rangers International FC across three competitive seasons (2021/22-2023/24). Standardised anthropometric and motor-fitness assessments (agility, vertical-jump power, reaction time, balance, and coordination) were obtained during pre-season testing. Team-level defensive efficiency was derived from predefined ecological defensive indicators obtained from official league statistics, including goals conceded per match, defensive success index, points per goal conceded, and goal-prevention rate. Analyses included Spearman correlations, Kruskal-Wallis tests with eta-squared effect sizes (η²_H), principal component analysis (PCA), and k-means clustering; no individual-level regression was undertaken.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Results: &lt;/strong&gt;GA/PLD was relatively stable between full seasons (0.79 in 2021/22; 0.87 in 2023/24), whereas DSI and PPGC improved (0.68→0.74; 1.87→2.06), with GPR and GD/PLD also increasing (0.27→0.38; 0.29→0.53), indicating that comparable goals conceded yielded more favourable results. Defenders showed substantial muscularity (mean BMI 25.7 kg/m²; muscle mass 41.2 kg) and good motor fitness (agility 11.0 s). Anthropometric variables were strongly coupled, and BMI and jump classifications showed large effects on muscle mass, body fat, and jump power. PCA yielded three components explaining 72.5% of variance (body size/composition; agility-balance-coordination; power vs. adiposity), and k-means clustering identified three defender archetypes that differed most clearly in agility, separating heavier, slower stoppers from leaner, faster coverage profiles and balanced hybrids.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Conclusion: &lt;/strong&gt;This ecological profiling study shows that, within a single NPFL club, professional defenders cluster into distinct anthropometric and motor-fitness archetypes-ranging from heavier high-mass stoppers to leaner, more agile mobile coverage defenders-while team-level indicators suggest increasingly efficient conversion of broadly stable goals conceded into better results and goal difference. These patterns do not establish individual causal effects but illustrate how multivariate profiling can support role allocation, interpretation of body-size and power metrics, and context-sensitive conditioning in data-limited professional environments. Inferences remain exploratory and are constrained by single-club sampling, lack of p","PeriodicalId":48585,"journal":{"name":"BMC Sports Science Medicine and Rehabilitation","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.8,"publicationDate":"2026-05-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147844841","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Emerging sports footwear technologies and their effects on running economy, biomechanics, and performance: a systematic review.","authors":"Cristina Ioan Alexe, Prashant Kumar Choudhary, Suchishrava Choudhary, Sohom Saha, Elena Adelina Panaet, Dan Iulian Alexe","doi":"10.1186/s13102-026-01721-w","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1186/s13102-026-01721-w","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Advances in running footwear technology, particularly carbon-fibre plates and highly resilient midsole foams, have been proposed to enhance running economy and performance. However, evidence remains heterogeneous and context-dependent.PurposeThis systematic review synthesised empirical evidence on the biomechanical, physiological, and performance effects of emerging footwear technologies. A PRISMA-guided search identified 14 experimental studies examining footwear effects on running economy, biomechanics, and physiological responses. Methodological quality and risk of bias were assessed using a modified approach based on the Cochrane Risk of Bias framework, adapted to accommodate the diversity of study designs included in this review, including randomized, non-randomized, and biomechanical simulation studies. Fourteen studies were included. Carbon-fibre plate shoes with resilient midsole foams improved running economy by 2.6-4.2%, with some models reducing metabolic cost by ~ 4% and improving running economy during prolonged running by 2-6%, while increasing lactate-threshold speed by 0.5-0.6 km·h⁻¹ and reducing heart rate (~ 4-5%) and blood lactate (~ 0.3-0.5 mmol·L⁻¹). Biomechanical adaptations included reduced joint work, altered stride mechanics, and improved energy return, whereas maximalist cushioning increased impact loading by 10.7% and loading rate by 12.3%, and carbon-fibre insoles showed no significant performance or metabolic benefits. Modern running footwear technologies can enhance running economy and endurance performance through complex interactions between cushioning properties, plate stiffness, and shoe geometry. Nevertheless, the biomechanical and physiological effects of these technologies are context-dependent. Future research should investigate long-term adaptations, injury risk implications, and individualized footwear design to optimize performance while minimizing injury risk.</p>","PeriodicalId":48585,"journal":{"name":"BMC Sports Science Medicine and Rehabilitation","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.8,"publicationDate":"2026-05-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147822600","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Trunk muscle thickness and sprint, agility, and jump performance in competitive football players.","authors":"Ozan Ucar, Hilal Er Ulubaba, Ilgın Ali Coskun, Armagan Sahin Kafkas, Fahri Safa Cinarli","doi":"10.1186/s13102-026-01726-5","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1186/s13102-026-01726-5","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Trunk musculature is increasingly recognized for its role in athletic performance, yet remains less studied than lower limb muscles. This study aimed to examine the associations between trunk muscle thickness and sprint, agility, and jump performance in competitive male football players.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Fifteen male football players (tier 3; mean age: 19.73 ± 1.75 years; training experience: 8.06 ± 1.57 years) participated. Thickness of five trunk muscles was measured at rest using B-mode ultrasound. Sprint (20-m), agility (Pro-Agility), and countermovement jump (CMJ) tests were conducted. To control for type I error across 15 comparisons, Bonferroni correction was applied (α_adj = 0.0033). Significant associations were further examined using linear regression.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>After adjustment for multiple testing, transversus abdominis and internal oblique thickness were significantly associated with 20 m sprint time (r = - 0.739 to - 0.746, p ≤ 0.002). These muscles were also significantly associated with agility performance (r = - 0.704 to - 0.746, p < 0.003). No significant associations were found between trunk muscle thickness and CMJ performance after correction. No bilateral asymmetries were detected (all p > 0.05; d < 0.2).</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>Greater thickness of specific deep anterior trunk muscles appears to be associated with sprint and agility performance in competitive football players. These findings suggest that deep trunk morphology may be associated with sprint and change-of-direction performance, although causal relationships cannot be inferred due to the cross-sectional design.</p>","PeriodicalId":48585,"journal":{"name":"BMC Sports Science Medicine and Rehabilitation","volume":" ","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.8,"publicationDate":"2026-05-04","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"147844823","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":3,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}