Sports最新文献

{"title":"Indirect Associations Between Perceived Coach-Athlete Relationship Quality and Mental Health Through Competitive State Self-Confidence: A Cross-Sectional Study Among Hungarian Athletes.","authors":"Nóra Papp, Tamás Berki, Renátó Tóth, Rita Géczi, László Tóth","doi":"10.3390/sports14090416","DOIUrl":"10.3390/sports14090416","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Mental health in athletes is shaped by both interpersonal and intrapersonal psychological resources. This study examined whether the association between athletes' perceptions of the coach-athlete relationship and emotional, psychological, and social well-being showed statistically significant indirect associations through competitive state self-confidence. A cross-sectional sample of 211 adult Hungarian athletes (149 women and 62 men; mean age = 23.39 years, SD = 3.58) completed validated Hungarian measures of the coach-athlete relationship, competitive state self-confidence, and positive mental health. Participants were recruited online by distributing the questionnaire directly to athletes and through sports clubs. Three separate single-mediator models were estimated. Athletes' perceptions of the coach-athlete relationship were positively associated with competitive state self-confidence (β = 0.41, <i>p</i> < 0.001), which was positively associated with emotional (β = 0.26, <i>p</i> < 0.001), psychological (β = 0.30, <i>p</i> < 0.001), and social well-being (β = 0.19, <i>p</i> = 0.010). Significant indirect associations through competitive state self-confidence were observed for emotional (β = 0.11, <i>p</i> = 0.002), psychological (β = 0.12, <i>p</i> < 0.001), and social well-being (β = 0.08, <i>p</i> = 0.016), whereas the corresponding direct associations were not statistically significant. These findings indicate that the observed associations were statistically consistent with indirect associations through competitive state self-confidence. However, the cross-sectional design does not establish temporal ordering or a causal mediating mechanism. Longitudinal and intervention-based research is needed to determine the temporal direction of these associations.</p>","PeriodicalId":53303,"journal":{"name":"Sports","volume":"14 9","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.2,"publicationDate":"2026-09-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13611263/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149041921","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":"Heart Rate Responses During Official Kick Light Competition and Their Associations with Ventilatory Thresholds and VO₂max: An Exploratory Study.","authors":"Paulo Sousa-E-Silva, Guilherme Furtado, Gabriela Costa, Diogo Vicente Martinho, Ricardo Gomes","doi":"10.3390/sports14090415","DOIUrl":"10.3390/sports14090415","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Kickboxing is a hybrid striking combat sport characterized by intermittent, acyclic activity that taxes both aerobic and anaerobic energy systems. Yet, physiological data from tatami disciplines such as Kick Light (KL) remain scarce. This exploratory study examined ventilatory thresholds and heart rate (HR) responses in a university kickboxing team comprising eight athletes (six males, two females) across 15 official bouts, focusing on intensity relative to the first and second ventilatory thresholds (VT1, VT2). One week before competition, athletes completed an incremental treadmill test to determine VT1, VT2, and maximum oxygen consumption (VO₂max). During competition, HR was continuously monitored to quantify time spent below VT1, between VT1 and VT2, and above VT2, as well as maximal HR during rounds and HR recovery during breaks. VT1 and VT2 occurred at approximately 49% and 90% of VO₂max, respectively, with VO₂max averaging 52.46 ± 5.14 mL·kg^-1·min^-1. In competition, athletes spent most of Round 1 between VT1 and VT2, whereas Round 2 showed a shift towards intensities above VT2 (increase in 7 of 8 athletes; <i>p</i> = 0.018). Associations were examined at the athlete level <i>(n</i> = 8) after averaging repeated bout observations within each athlete. Higher VO₂max was associated with greater time below VT1 in Round 1 and lower average in-competition HR. These exploratory findings provide preliminary information on cardiovascular responses during official university Kick Light competition and may inform future, larger studies.</p>","PeriodicalId":53303,"journal":{"name":"Sports","volume":"14 9","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.2,"publicationDate":"2026-09-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13611081/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149041744","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 the Peak-to-Sustained Power Profile of Elite Sprint Kayakers.","authors":"Tomáš Mika, Martin Čunát, Matylda Malá, Miroslava Nováková","doi":"10.3390/sports14090414","DOIUrl":"10.3390/sports14090414","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>This study examined whether training periodization is associated with a systematic shift in the anaerobic performance profile of elite Czech sprint kayakers, assessed through seasonal (winter-summer) changes in Wingate-derived anaerobic performance, blood lactate response, and body composition analysis. Twenty-five sprint kayakers (10 women, 15 men) completed a 30-s upper-body Wingate test and anthropometric assessment during the winter preparatory period and again during the summer competition period. From winter to summer, peak power decreased by 37.3 ± 34.9 W (<i>p</i> < 0.001, dz = -1.07) and by 0.31 ± 0.43 W·kg^-1 (<i>p</i> = 0.001, dz = -0.73), whereas mean power increased by 14.8 ± 24.1 W (<i>p</i> = 0.005, dz = 0.61) and by 0.30 ± 0.28 W·kg^-1 (<i>p</i> < 0.001, dz = 1.07). Stroke cadence increased by 2.8 ± 3.7 rpm (<i>p</i> = 0.001), while body mass decreased by 1.3 ± 1.5 kg (<i>p</i> < 0.001) and skinfold-derived body fat decreased by 0.9 ± 1.5% (<i>p</i> = 0.006); peak blood lactate did not differ significantly between seasons (<i>p</i> = 0.228). The pattern was broadly similar in men and women, although the increase in absolute mean power did not reach significance in women (<i>p</i> = 0.087) despite a significant increase in relative mean power (<i>p</i> = 0.002). Peak power was lower and mean power was higher in the competitive phase than in the preparatory phase, indicating a shift in the anaerobic power profile toward sustained output. Because this study compared a single preparatory-competitive pair without a repeated macrocycle or a non-training control condition, this pattern is best interpreted as a phase-associated difference consistent with seasonal training emphasis, rather than as a demonstrated causal effect of training. This shift, coinciding with the transition from the winter preparatory to the summer competition phase, is the central finding of the study; monitoring an athlete's position along this continuum may help coaches individualise periodization and interpret single-time-point Wingate results.</p>","PeriodicalId":53303,"journal":{"name":"Sports","volume":"14 9","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.2,"publicationDate":"2026-09-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13611063/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149041978","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":"Implementation of Sleep-Enhancing Strategies During Tapering in Elite Swimmers.","authors":"Quentin Bretonneau, Antonio Morales-Artacho, Robin Pla, Laurent Bosquet","doi":"10.3390/sports14090412","DOIUrl":"10.3390/sports14090412","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>This study examined whether performance changes following a taper incorporating sleep-enhancing strategies differed according to the pre-taper fatigue level in elite swimmers. Physiological, psychological, and biomechanical parameters were assessed in twenty-seven elite swimmers at two time points to estimate pre-taper fatigue: T0 and T1 (10 and 3 weeks before the main competition, respectively). Race performance was officially recorded at T1 and during the main competition. Sleep-enhancing strategies included two sleep education sessions, five consecutive evenings of cryostimulation, and the use of a mattress topper with high thermal conductivity. Statistical significance was set at <i>p</i> ≤ 0.05. Thirteen swimmers (17 ± 2 y) were classified as acutely fatigued (AF) and fourteen (17 ± 1 y) as functionally overreached (F-OR). From T1 to competition, performance changes were not different between groups (AF: +1.2 ± 1.6% vs. F-OR: +0.4 ± 2.3%). A total of 82% of swimmers in the AF group and 67% in the F-OR group achieved a performance improvement greater than 0.5% (<i>p</i> > 0.05). Following a tapering period incorporating sleep-enhancing interventions, no significant differences were observed between AF and F-OR swimmers in the magnitude of performance change or in the proportion of swimmers exhibiting a performance improvement greater than 0.5%.</p>","PeriodicalId":53303,"journal":{"name":"Sports","volume":"14 9","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.2,"publicationDate":"2026-09-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13611582/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149041773","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":"Supramaximal Isometric Holds Enhance Squat Performance: An Integrated Analysis of Barbell Kinematics, Force Production, and Postural Stability.","authors":"Álvaro Ocaña-García, Matías Gómez-García, José Manuel Herrero-Atiénzar, José María López-Gullón, Bárbara Bonacasa, Adrián Bayonas-Ruiz","doi":"10.3390/sports14090413","DOIUrl":"10.3390/sports14090413","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Optimizing acute performance during strength training and competition has become an important objective for coaches and athletes. This study aimed to analyze the acute effect of supramaximal isometric holds (SMHs) on squat performance integrating barbell kinematics, force production, and postural stability. Fourteen resistance-trained subjects completed six experimental sessions encompassing squats at 60% and 80% of one-repetition maximum (1RM) following a 10 s SMH at 110% of 1RM with either 1 min or 5 min recovery, or in a control condition (CON) with no SMH. Barbell kinematics were assessed using a linear position transducer, as were vertical ground reaction force, inter-limb asymmetries, and center-of-pressure metrics via dual-force platforms. An SMH with 1 min recovery produced significant increases in mean propulsive velocity at both intensities compared to CON (+0.05 m·s^-1; <i>d</i> ≥ 0.94), a higher rate of force development at 80% of 1RM (<i>p</i> < 0.01), and non-significantly increased peak concentric force at 80% of 1RM (<i>p</i> = 0.056). An SMH with 5 min recovery had little to no effect. No significant differences were found in inter-limb force asymmetries or center-of-pressure metrics. A 10 s SMH coupled with a 1 min recovery period is a practical and costless strategy to enhance squat performance in strength-trained individuals through increased barbell velocity, force production, and unchanged postural stability.</p>","PeriodicalId":53303,"journal":{"name":"Sports","volume":"14 9","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.2,"publicationDate":"2026-09-18","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13611260/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149042057","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":"Sleep Quality and Adherence to the Mediterranean Diet in Male Young Adults: An Exploratory Study Among Amateur Soccer Players, Physically Active Individuals, and Individuals with High Sitting Time.","authors":"Emanuel Festino, Olga Papale, Francesca Di Rocco, Silvia Zema, Marianna De Maio, Paulo Roberto Dos Santos Amorim, Carl Foster, Alessandra Amato, Patrizia Proia, Cristina Cortis, Andrea Fusco","doi":"10.3390/sports14090411","DOIUrl":"10.3390/sports14090411","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Amateur soccer players represent a relatively understudied population and often combine training with study or work, facing daily challenges that can impact sleep, diet, and circadian-related behaviors. Since these factors are important for health, recovery, and well-being, this study aimed to examine sleep quality, adherence to the Mediterranean diet, and chronotype in amateur soccer players compared with physically active individuals and individuals with high sitting time. The sample comprised 55 male young adults (23.36 ± 3.11 years): amateur soccer players (<i>n</i> = 20), physically active individuals (<i>n</i> = 18), and individuals with high sitting time (<i>n</i> = 17). All participants completed the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), the PREvención con DIeta MEDiterránea (PREDIMED), and the Morningness-Eveningness Questionnaire (MEQ). Group comparisons were performed using appropriate parametric or non-parametric tests, and exploratory correlation analyses were used to examine associations among sleep quality, Mediterranean diet adherence, and chronotype. Lower PSQI scores (<i>p</i> < 0.001) were observed in soccer players (3.80 ± 1.32) and physically active individuals (4.17 ± 1.92) than in individuals with high sitting time (6.24 ± 2.05). No significant between-group differences were found in PREDIMED (soccer players = 6.80 ± 2.22; physically active individuals = 7.50 ± 1.89; individuals with high sitting time = 7.29 ± 2.42) and MEQ (soccer players = 51.60 ± 5.90; physically active individuals = 50.89 ± 7.70; individuals with high sitting time = 51.82 ± 11.43). Exploratory correlation analyses, without correction for multiple testing, identified a negative association between MEQ and PSQI in individuals with high sitting time (<i>r</i> = -0.514, <i>p</i> = 0.035). These findings describe group differences in self-reported sleep quality, whereas Mediterranean diet adherence and chronotype appeared similar across groups.</p>","PeriodicalId":53303,"journal":{"name":"Sports","volume":"14 9","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.2,"publicationDate":"2026-09-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13611408/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149042090","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":"Core Strength and Side-Hop Interlimb Asymmetries Are Associated with Subsequent Traumatic Knee Injury in Female Football Players.","authors":"Sofia Ryman Augustsson, Timmy Gustafsson","doi":"10.3390/sports14090410","DOIUrl":"10.3390/sports14090410","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The aim of this prospective cohort study was to examine the associations between muscle strength and functional interlimb asymmetries and the subsequent occurrence of traumatic knee injuries in female football players. A secondary aim was to evaluate the ability of asymmetry measures to discriminate between injured and non-injured athletes. A total of 104 female football players aged 16-26 years, representing elite-level clubs competing in the Swedish Elitettan and football academies, participated in this prospective cohort study. Baseline assessments included tests of muscle strength and functional performance, followed by a one-year prospective monitoring period with systematic registration of traumatic knee injuries (ACL, meniscal, collateral ligament, cartilage, and fracture injuries) and sport exposure. During follow-up, 21 players sustained a traumatic knee injury. Injured players demonstrated significantly greater interlimb asymmetry in quadriceps strength, core lateral flexor strength, side-hop performance, and hamstring-to-quadriceps (H:Q) ratio at baseline than non-injured players (all <i>p</i> ≤ 0.024). No significant differences were found for hamstring strength, hip external rotation strength, or single-leg hop for distance asymmetry. Core lateral flexor strength asymmetry (OR = 1.068, 95% CI: 1.013-1.126, <i>p</i> = 0.015) and side-hop asymmetry (OR = 1.061, 95% CI: 1.014-1.111, <i>p</i> = 0.011) remained statistically associated with subsequent traumatic knee injury in the exploratory multivariable model. Core lateral flexor strength asymmetry demonstrated acceptable discrimination (AUC = 0.756, 95% CI: 0.653-0.860), whereas side-hop asymmetry demonstrated modest discrimination (AUC = 0.652, 95% CI: 0.498-0.806). Exploratory sample-derived threshold values were 9.6% for core lateral flexor asymmetry and 29.9% for side-hop asymmetry. In conclusion, female football players who sustained a traumatic knee injury exhibited greater baseline interlimb asymmetries than uninjured players, particularly in quadriceps strength, core lateral flexor strength, side-hop performance, and H:Q ratio. However, only core lateral flexor strength asymmetry and side-hop asymmetry remained statistically associated in the exploratory multivariable model. These findings should be considered exploratory and require validation in larger independent cohorts.</p>","PeriodicalId":53303,"journal":{"name":"Sports","volume":"14 9","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.2,"publicationDate":"2026-09-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13611422/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149042025","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":"Stage-to-Stage Changes in Heart Rate-Power Output Coupling During Cycling Stage Races: Associations with Race-Derived Performance and Stage Context.","authors":"Jose Luis Sánchez-Jiménez, Alejandro Javaloyes, Mikel Zabala, Manuel Moya-Ramón, Manuel Mateo-March","doi":"10.3390/sports14090409","DOIUrl":"10.3390/sports14090409","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>This study examines whether model-derived heart rate-power output (HR-PO) parameters changed across consecutive stages of elite under-23 stage races and whether their longitudinal trajectories were associated with race-derived performance characteristics and stage context. Race files from the 2025 Tour de l'Avenir and Giro Next Gen were analysed, comprising 127 valid stage observations from 23 cyclist-race cases and 19 unique cyclists. For each stage, τ_del, τ_rec, and τ_max were estimated from an HR-PO model, and longitudinal changes were analysed using linear mixed-effects models. The estimated decrease in τ_del across race progression was not statistically significant after FDR correction across the three parameters (-1.33 s, 95% CI -2.45 to -0.20, unadjusted <i>p</i> = 0.021; q = 0.063), whereas τ_rec (0.68 s, 95% CI -6.58 to 7.93, <i>p</i> = 0.855) and τ_max (-0.96 s, 95% CI -2.10 to 0.19, <i>p</i> = 0.101) showed no systematic change. The τ_del trajectory differed between Avenir and Giro (race-by-progression interaction, <i>p</i> = 0.027) and was attenuated after exclusion of the most mountainous stages (-0.85 s, 95% CI -2.56 to 0.85, <i>p</i> = 0.327). In exploratory secondary analyses, higher race-derived PO at 5 s and 5-30 min (<i>p</i> ≤ 0.006, q ≤ 0.043) and better 5 min durability (<i>p</i> < 0.001, q = 0.007) were associated with a more negative τ_rec trajectory; however, cyclist-cluster bootstrap confidence intervals excluded zero only for the 5 s and 5 min PO interactions, and no association was retained for τ_del or τ_max. In stage-context analyses, higher normalized power relative to critical power was associated with higher τ_rec (8.09 s per 10 percentage points; <i>p</i> = 0.001, q = 0.044), whereas greater low-intensity exposure was associated with lower τ_max (-0.82 s per 10 percentage points relative to moderate intensity; <i>p</i> = 0.003, q = 0.045); no stage-context association was retained for τ_del. Overall, the estimated decrease in τ_del did not reach statistical significance after FDR correction and was sensitive to race context and the exclusion of the most mountainous stages, whereas τ_rec showed no systematic longitudinal change but varied in association with race-derived PO, durability, and relative stage intensity. All secondary associations are hypothesis-generating and require independent validation.</p>","PeriodicalId":53303,"journal":{"name":"Sports","volume":"14 9","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.2,"publicationDate":"2026-09-16","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13611333/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149042140","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Effects of Pilates Programs on Body Composition, Flexibility, Muscular Strength, Balance, Functional Performance and Respiratory Function in Adult Women: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.","authors":"Čedomir Bajčetić, Vojin Rudović, Milica Novaković, Mirela Vještica, Roksanda Atanasov, Vuk Ralić, Marko Manojlović, Patrik Drid","doi":"10.3390/sports14090407","DOIUrl":"10.3390/sports14090407","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Although Pilates has become an increasingly popular form of exercise among adult women, previous systematic reviews have often combined heterogeneous populations and outcomes, leaving the specific effects of structured Pilates programs on health-related physical fitness in this population insufficiently clarified. This systematic review and meta-analysis examined the effects of structured Pilates programs on health-related physical fitness components in adult women, following PRISMA 2020 guidelines with a prospectively registered PROSPERO protocol. A literature search was conducted in PubMed, Web of Science, and Google Scholar up to 21 January 2026. Of 751 records identified, 12 studies (2007-2025, approximately 540 female participants) were included in the final synthesis, and meta-analyses were performed using Review Manager 5.4.1 with a random-effects model. Pilates interventions produced statistically significant improvements in body mass index (MD = -1.22; 95% CI: -1.83 to -0.61; <i>p</i> < 0.001), body weight (MD = -3.99 kg; 95% CI: -6.30 to -1.67; <i>p</i> = 0.0007), and sit-and-reach flexibility (SMD = 0.69; 95% CI: 0.43 to 0.94; <i>p</i> < 0.001), whereas no significant pooled effects emerged for body fat percentage, waist circumference, waist-to-hip ratio, lean body mass, handgrip strength, or vertical jump. Narrative synthesis suggested additional positive effects on muscular strength, endurance, balance, functional abilities, and respiratory parameters. Pilates appears to be a safe, effective method for improving selected body composition parameters and flexibility in adult women, though findings warrant cautious interpretation given heterogeneity in study design, intervention protocols, and methodological quality. This study was supported by the Provincial Secretariat for Higher Education and Scientific Research (grant 142-451-3098).</p>","PeriodicalId":53303,"journal":{"name":"Sports","volume":"14 9","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.2,"publicationDate":"2026-09-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13611139/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149042016","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Effects of Dynamic Apnea Conditions on Performance, Kinematic Parameters, and Physiological Markers in 50 m Monofin Sprinting.","authors":"Gregory Kalaitzoglidis, Charoula Tsalouchou, George Tsalis","doi":"10.3390/sports14090406","DOIUrl":"10.3390/sports14090406","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Finswimming is a high-intensity aquatic sport in which performance is influenced by the interaction between biomechanical and physiological factors, particularly during underwater apnea sprint events. This study compared performance, kinematic characteristics, cardiovascular responses, metabolic responses, and perceived exertion during a maximal 50 m monofin sprint performed under three conditions: underwater apnea swimming (UW), surface swimming without a snorkel (SN), and surface swimming with a closed snorkel (SC). Ten highly trained young male national-level finswimmers completed a randomized repeated-measures protocol. Performance time, dolphin kick number and frequency, heart rate (HR), blood lactate concentration, blood glucose concentration, and rating of perceived exertion (RPE) were assessed. Sprint performance was significantly faster during UW (17.38 ± 1.32 s) than during both SN (19.20 ± 1.64 s) and SC (19.39 ± 1.53 s; <i>p</i> < 0.001), with a very large condition effect (ηp² = 0.882). This was accompanied by fewer dolphin kicks during UW (40 ± 5) than during SN (44 ± 6) and SC (44 ± 5), with a large condition effect (ηp² = 0.651), whereas kick frequency did not differ significantly among conditions (~137-140 kicks·min^-1; ηp² = 0.038). HR exhibited a biphasic recovery pattern across all conditions, declining rapidly from peak exercise values (HRpeak: ~169-171 bpm) to HRlow (~141-147 bpm) before increasing to HRhigh (~160-162 bpm) during early recovery, with a very large main effect of time (<i>p</i> < 0.001; ηp² = 0.823). Post-exercise blood lactate concentration increased significantly in all conditions from ~1.3-1.5 to ~10.7-11.9 mmol·L^-1 (<i>p</i> < 0.001), with a very large time effect (ηp² = 0.954) and no significant between-condition differences. Blood glucose concentration (~5.4-5.9 mmol·L^-1) and RPE (7-8 a.u.) showed no statistically significant condition-specific differences. In conclusion, underwater apnea swimming was associated with faster 50 m sprint performance and fewer dolphin kicks than the surface swimming conditions in highly trained young male national-level finswimmers. These performance and kick characteristics are consistent with potential biomechanical and hydrodynamic explanations described in previous research, although propulsive efficiency and hydrodynamic resistance were not directly measured in the present study. A biphasic HR recovery pattern was observed across conditions; however, the autonomic mechanisms underlying this response cannot be determined from the present measurements.</p>","PeriodicalId":53303,"journal":{"name":"Sports","volume":"14 9","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":3.2,"publicationDate":"2026-09-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13611051/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149041966","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}