Sports最新文献

{"title":"Analysis of Basketball Referee Decision-Making Using the DMQ-II Questionnaire.","authors":"Raúl Nieto-Acevedo, Carlos García-Sánchez, Moisés Marquina Nieto, Daniel Mon-Lopez, Andrea Hortiguela-Herradas, Jorge Lorenzo-Calvo","doi":"10.3390/sports13080270","DOIUrl":"10.3390/sports13080270","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Basketball is a sport whose regulations require quick and complex refereeing decisions. Since the inception of sports, research on sports judgment and refereeing has been consistently present in the scientific literature. However, decision-making and the psycho-emotional factors that influence it remain somewhat unexplored in studies. The decision-making of the basketball referee has been analyzed using the DMQ II questionnaire. To achieve this, 58 referees from the Spanish Basketball Federation collaborated, comprising 45 men and 13 women, all between the ages of 18 and 38 (M = 26.5, SD = 5.5). Participants completed the 31-question DMQ II questionnaire online, yielding results with significant differences based on age and gender about stress in decision-making. A modification of the referee's teaching methodology that includes psychological strategies is proposed both in the initiation course and throughout the refereeing career. The findings highlight the need for mental health support systems for referees, particularly addressing stress management in young and female officials. This aligns with global efforts to safeguard psychological well-being in sports professionals.</p>","PeriodicalId":53303,"journal":{"name":"Sports","volume":"13 8","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.9,"publicationDate":"2025-08-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12389799/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144978417","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":"Experiences and Functional Health Outcomes Associated with a Walking Football Program in Rural Older Adults: A Pilot Study.","authors":"Stephen Cousins, Kylie McIntyre, Philip Lyristakis, Keanu Padula, Jane McCaig, Brett Gordon","doi":"10.3390/sports13080272","DOIUrl":"10.3390/sports13080272","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>This pilot study aimed to investigate the experiences of participating in a brief walking football intervention among rural older adults and explore the functional health outcomes of participation.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>This multi-methods study saw 13 older adults (7 males/6 females, 63.2 ± 9.4 years) complete 1-h of walking football per week for six weeks. Pre- and post-intervention, participants underwent assessments of body composition, as well as functional assessments using the Senior Fitness Testing Battery. On completion of the walking football intervention, all participants joined in a semi-structured focus group interview to explore their experiences of participation.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Thematic analysis of focus group data identified three themes that captured participant's experiences, including: (1) \"Opportunity to jump back in with what we can physically do\", (2) Social connection and feeling \"part of something bigger\", and (3) \"It's how our brain is engaged\". Trivial changes were observed in assessments of body composition (0.07-0.08) and flexibility (0.02-0.19). Furthermore, small-to-large magnitude changes were observed for several functional health outcomes suggestive of improved walking capacity (0.72-1.6), agility (-0.9) and upper and lower body muscular strength (0.49).</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Rural older adults reported experiencing perceived health and well-being improvements from participation in a brief walking football intervention, with functional health benefits also evident; however, further suitably powered evidence is highly warranted.</p>","PeriodicalId":53303,"journal":{"name":"Sports","volume":"13 8","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.9,"publicationDate":"2025-08-15","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12390617/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144978449","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":"Juice-Based Supplementation Strategies for Athletic Performance and Recovery: A Systematic Review.","authors":"Biljana Vitošević, Milica Filipović, Ljiljana Popović, Katarzyna Sterkowicz-Przybycień, Tijana Purenović-Ivanović","doi":"10.3390/sports13080269","DOIUrl":"10.3390/sports13080269","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The application of natural juices in sports nutrition is attracting growing interest due to their potential antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and ergogenic properties. Exercise, especially when prolonged or intense, increases oxidative stress and muscle damage, leading athletes to explore dietary strategies that support recovery and enhance performance. This systematic review investigates the effectiveness of five widely studied juices-beetroot, pomegranate, cherry, watermelon, and pickle juice-in the context of athletic supplementation and recovery. A thorough search of the PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases was conducted to identify studies published between 2010 and 2025. Fifty peer-reviewed articles met the inclusion criteria, examining various physiological, biochemical, and performance-related outcomes linked to juice consumption. Given the methodological diversity among studies, a qualitative synthesis was employed. The juices were compared across four key outcomes-inflammation, oxidative stress, delayed onset of muscle soreness, and exercise performance-to determine their most consistent benefits. Beetroot juice, noted for its high nitrate content, consistently enhanced oxygen efficiency and submaximal endurance, although benefits in elite or sprint athletes were less evident. Both pomegranate and cherry juices were effective in reducing muscle soreness and inflammatory markers, particularly when consumed over several days surrounding exercise. Watermelon juice, primarily through its L-citrulline content, offered antioxidant and recovery support, although performance outcomes varied. Evidence for pickle juice was limited, with no notable ergogenic effects beyond anecdotal cramp relief. Overall, natural juices can support recovery and occasionally improve performance, depending on the specific juice, dosage, and athlete characteristics. Beetroot juice stands out as the most reliable in enhancing performance, while pomegranate and cherry juices are more beneficial for recovery. Future research with standardized protocols is essential to determine optimal application across diverse athletic contexts.</p>","PeriodicalId":53303,"journal":{"name":"Sports","volume":"13 8","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.9,"publicationDate":"2025-08-14","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12389966/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144978085","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":"Segmental External Load in Linear Running in Elite Futsal Players: A Multifactorial and Individual Variability Analysis Using Linear Mixed Models.","authors":"Diego Hernán Villarejo-García, Carlos Navarro-Martínez, José Pino-Ortega","doi":"10.3390/sports13080268","DOIUrl":"10.3390/sports13080268","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Limited evidence exists on how segmental external load is distributed during linear running and how it varies with speed, training intensity, and individual differences. This study examines the external load profile across six body segments in elite female futsal players during linear treadmill running, focusing on the effects of speed and training zone, as well as individual variability. Eight elite players, including six outfield players and two goalkeepers (mean age 23.9 ± 3.4 years, height 164.96 ± 4.22 cm, body mass 60.31 ± 4.56 kg), performed an incremental test and were measured using six WIMU PRO™ inertial sensors. The sensors recorded segmental PlayerLoad, speed, and training zones. Data were analyzed using Linear Mixed Models. The most important results show significant interactions between body location and speed and between body location and training zone (<i>p</i> < 0.001), with intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC) ranging from 0.437 to 0.515. These results indicate variability among players and specific and asymmetrical segmental load patterns. These findings offer practical insights for tailoring individualized training strategies that optimize performance and reduce segment specific overuse injuries.</p>","PeriodicalId":53303,"journal":{"name":"Sports","volume":"13 8","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.9,"publicationDate":"2025-08-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12390138/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144978336","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":"Cardiac Autonomic Function in Patients with Systemic Sclerosis: The Impact of Exercise Training and Detraining.","authors":"Maria Anifanti, Andriana Teloudi, Alexandros Mitropoulos, Niki Syrakou, Eleni Pagkopoulou, Eva Triantafyllidou, Carina Boström, Louise Pyndt Diederichsen, Tiziana Nava, Theodoros Dimitroulas, Markos Klonizakis, Evangelia Kouidi","doi":"10.3390/sports13080267","DOIUrl":"10.3390/sports13080267","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Adverse cardiovascular events and increased mortality are associated with cardiac autonomic nervous system dysfunction in the early stages of the systemic sclerosis (SSc), even prior to the development of cardiac fibrosis. The objective of the study was to evaluate the impact of a three-month exercise training regimen and a subsequent comparable period of detraining on the activity of the cardiac autonomic nervous system in patients with SSc. A total of forty patients with SSc were randomized to either the control group (Group COΝ) or the exercise training group (Group ET). Cardiopulmonary exercise testing was performed at baseline, three months later, and six months later to assess peak oxygen uptake (VO₂peak). They also had 24 h electrocardiogram monitoring for heart rate variability (HRV) and heart rate turbulence analysis. The following time-domain indices were evaluated in the context of HRV analysis: the standard deviation of NN intervals (SDNN), the root mean square of successive RR interval differences (rMSSD), and the percentage of successive RR intervals that differ by more than 50 ms (pNN50). Additionally, regarding the frequency-domain indicators, the low-frequency (LF) and high-frequency (HF) components, as well as the LF/HF ratio, were evaluated. Independent <i>t</i>-tests and Chi-square tests were used for baseline comparisons, while two-way repeated measures ANOVA with Bonferroni post hoc tests assessed changes over time and between groups. Linear and multiple regression analyses were conducted to explore relationships among variables and identify predictors of HRV indices and VO₂peak. Group ET implemented a three-month mixed-type exercise training program, while Group COΝ received standard care. Group ET improved indices of vagal activity [rMSSD by 32.6% (<i>p</i> = 0.017), pNN50 by 57.1% (<i>p</i> = 0.01) and HF by 20.1% (<i>p</i> = 0.01)] and sympathovagal activity [SDNN by 15.5% (<i>p</i> = 0.002) and LF/HF by 12.03% (<i>p</i> = 0.004)] after three months. Exercising patients also increased their VO₂peak by 20.8% (<i>p</i> = 0.001). A robust positive correlation was observed between ΔVO₂peak and ΔSDNN (r = 0.754, <i>p</i> < 0.001). After three months, there was no statistically significant difference in the VO₂peak or any HRV index in the group COΝ. Compared to the baseline values, there was no statistically significant difference in group ET at 6 months, whereas the control group exhibited a decline. In summary, a three-month mixed-type exercise training program can enhance the cardiorespiratory efficiency and cardiac autonomic nervous system function of patients with SSc, as well as alleviate the deterioration that arises following the detraining period.</p>","PeriodicalId":53303,"journal":{"name":"Sports","volume":"13 8","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.9,"publicationDate":"2025-08-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12389824/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144978478","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":"Pedagogical Progression in Youth Basketball: Impacts on Training Load, Development and Health Outcomes.","authors":"Lívia Costa Dos Reis Souza, Dilson Borges Ribeiro Júnior, Sergio José Ibáñez, Matheus Neves Rufino Pereira, Gabriel Torres da Silva, Francisco Zacaron Werneck, Maurício Gattás Bara Filho","doi":"10.3390/sports13080265","DOIUrl":"10.3390/sports13080265","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The progression of content during the training and development of young athletes is essential, while considering the developmental stages of the students/athletes. Therefore, it is crucial to monitor training sessions to ensure that content progression is followed and to assess how it is implemented. The aim of this study was to analyze the associations between different male categories of sports development in basketball through pedagogical variables and external loads planned by the coaches. The sample consisted of 148 sessions and 896 tasks, and the SIATE tool was used to observe both the pedagogical variables and the primary external load variables. Significant differences were observed primarily in the U16 category compared to the U12 and U14 categories. In examining the pedagogical variables, three key aspects were highlighted: content type, training methods, and level of opposition. The external load variables were aligned with the pedagogical variables, suggesting a progression of content. This indicates that instruction should follow an order, in which tactical load evolves from the simplest to the most complex, in accordance with the development and training stage of the students/athletes. The analyzed male basketball team demonstrated a content progression focused on the comprehensive development of the student/athlete, encouraging decision-making, and creating a complex, unpredictable, and random environment that closely resembles the dynamics of the real game.</p>","PeriodicalId":53303,"journal":{"name":"Sports","volume":"13 8","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.9,"publicationDate":"2025-08-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12389789/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144978105","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":0,"RegionCategory":"","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"The Effects of Moderate-Intensity Physical Exercise and Yoga Interventions on Stress in Hispanic College Students: A Pilot Study.","authors":"Hongxing Lu, Florentino Saenz, Preethi Raju, Ednia N Gutierrez, Sue Anne Chew, Saraswathy Nair","doi":"10.3390/sports13080266","DOIUrl":"10.3390/sports13080266","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Hispanic college students face high stress, which may increase their risk for chronic stress-related health issues. Effective and accessible stress management strategies for this population remain limited.</p><p><strong>Objective: </strong>This pilot study filled a gap by studying the effects of psychological stress on diet and physical activity habits and evaluating the impact of moderate-intensity physical exercise (MIPE) and yoga interventions on chronic psychological stress and acute stress responses among Hispanic college students.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A total of 18 Hispanic college students participated in a 6-week intervention consisting of either MIPE or yoga, conducted twice weekly. Anthropometric measurements and lifestyle data were collected at both pre- and post-intervention timepoints. Psychological stress was evaluated using the Perceived Stress Scale-10 (PSS-10), morning salivary cortisol concentrations, and the Trier Social Stress Test (TSST).</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Before the intervention, both perceived stress scores and morning salivary cortisol concentrations were positively correlated with the frequency of sweetened beverage intake and negatively correlated with attitudes toward exercise. Psychological stress was not significantly reduced after MIPE or yoga interventions. The salivary cortisol response to TSST was significantly improved after the yoga intervention.</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>Although this pilot exploratory study suggests that short-term yoga may have beneficial effects in managing acute stress response in Hispanic college students, the efficacy of the interventions needs to be tested and replicated in a fully powered trial.</p>","PeriodicalId":53303,"journal":{"name":"Sports","volume":"13 8","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.9,"publicationDate":"2025-08-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12390243/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144978377","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":"Change-of-Direction Deficit and Positional Physical Profiles in Youth Futsal Players: A Cross-Sectional Study.","authors":"Oscar Villanueva-Guerrero, Oliver Gonzalo-Skok, Rafael Albalad-Aiguabella, Elena Mainer-Pardos","doi":"10.3390/sports13080263","DOIUrl":"10.3390/sports13080263","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>This study aimed to describe and assess differences among playing positions, to determine playing position profiles, and to analyze the relationships between the change-of-direction deficit (CODD) percentage and the other anthropometric and performance variables. A total of 98 young futsal players (age: 17 ± 1 years) from the highest national level in Spain were assessed using a cross-sectional design. Anthropometric variables such as height and body mass were recorded. The performance tests included countermovement jumps; horizontal jumps; sprint tests (10 m and 25 m); change-of-direction (COD) tests, including a 10 m test with one COD of 180° (COD180) and a 25 m test with 4 CODs (V-cut); and the percentage CODD. Furthermore, asymmetries were recorded. The group comparisons were considered statistically significant at <i>p</i> ≤ 0.05 and were supported by the effect sizes and mean differences. Significant differences were found among playing positions, showing that pivots and goalkeepers were significantly taller than left- and right-wingers and defenders (<i>p</i> < 0.05, effect size (ES) = -1.42 to 0.72). Goalkeepers were significantly slower than the rest of the positions in COD180 to the left (<i>p</i> < 0.05, ES = 1.32 to 1.89). A very large association was found between the CODDs of 25 m and 25 m (<i>p</i> < 0.001; r = -0.72). These results suggest that pivots and goalkeepers are taller and larger than the other players. However, aside from goalkeepers, no differences in performance variables were observed among the outfield players. In addition, a lower %CODD is associated with a faster COD performance, highlighting its importance in training.</p>","PeriodicalId":53303,"journal":{"name":"Sports","volume":"13 8","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.9,"publicationDate":"2025-08-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12390412/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144978475","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":"Assessment of Nutritional Status, Health Parameters, Body Composition, and Their Predictors in Lebanese Taekwondo Athletes: A Cross-Sectional Study.","authors":"Maha Hoteit, Maroun Khattar, Jennifer Derassoyan, Yara Abou Khalil, Amal Haidar, Rana Baroud, Habib Zarifeh, Fadi Kibbeh, Nathalie Jbeily, Hassan Karaki, Nikolaos Tzenios, Zahra Sadek","doi":"10.3390/sports13080264","DOIUrl":"10.3390/sports13080264","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>Taekwondo (TKD) athletes' nutritional and health statuses and body composition are critical to their physical performance and overall fitness. In Lebanon, TKD is widely practiced; however, there is a significant gap in the literature regarding the nutritional and health profiles of its athletes. This study aimed to assess the nutritional status, anemia prevalence, body composition, and other health-related characteristics, among Lebanese TKD athletes. Additionally, it explored the determinants of normal hemoglobin (Hb) levels, blood pressure, normal muscle mass, and normal fat mass.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>A cross-sectional study was conducted between January and July 2023, involving 110 TKD athletes. Hemoglobin and hematocrit levels were measured to assess anemia, while body composition was evaluated using a bioelectrical impedance analyzer. Blood pressure was also recorded. Household dietary diversity was assessed using the Food Consumption Score, and additional data on sociodemographic factors, training frequency, and supplement or medication use were gathered through a structured questionnaire. Logistic regression models were applied to identify predictors of normal Hb levels, hypertension, and optimal muscle and fat mass.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>Results showed that male athletes had significantly higher rates of normal Hb (<i>p</i>-value = 0.013) and muscle mass percentages (<i>p</i>-value < 0.001), while females had higher rates of normal blood pressure (<i>p</i>-value = 0.002) and were more likely to use iron supplements (<i>p</i>-value = 0.002) and painkillers (<i>p</i>-value = 0.041). Normal fat mass was positively associated with normal Hb levels (aOR: 11.98, <i>p</i>-value = 0.033). Female gender was linked to a lower likelihood of normal muscle mass (aOR: 0.13, <i>p</i>-value < 0.001) and hypertension (aOR: 0.19, <i>p</i>-value = 0.009). Higher training duration (10 h or more per week) (aOR: 3.46, <i>p</i>-value = 0.04) and normal BMI (aOR: 4.93, <i>p</i>-value = 0.003) were positively associated with normal muscle mass. Normal BMI (aOR: 14.68, <i>p</i>-value < 0.001) was positively associated with normal fat mass.</p><p><strong>Conclusion: </strong>These findings underscore the importance of individualized dietary interventions to enhance athletes' overall health and performance, through the optimization of athletes' body composition, and the prevention of deficiencies, especially iron deficiency.</p>","PeriodicalId":53303,"journal":{"name":"Sports","volume":"13 8","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.9,"publicationDate":"2025-08-12","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12390590/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144978356","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 Variability Alterations During Delayed-Onset Muscle Soreness-Inducing Exercise-With Piezo2 Interpretation.","authors":"Gergely Langmár, Tekla Sümegi, Benjámin Fülöp, Lilla Pozsgai, Tamás Mocsai, Miklós Tóth, Levente Rácz, Bence Kopper, András Dér, András Búzás, Balázs Sonkodi","doi":"10.3390/sports13080262","DOIUrl":"10.3390/sports13080262","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Heart rate variability (HRV) is often modulated by pain; therefore, the objective of this study was to assess whether the induction of delayed-onset muscle soreness (DOMS) is already affected by HRV alterations during exercise, in spite of the fact that pain evolves only post-exercise. An isokinetic dynamometer was used to induce DOMS in this study on 19 young male elite handball players who were subjected to HRV measurements throughout a DOMS-inducing exercise session. The result of this study indicated that the heart rate (HR) dependence of time-frequency domain parameters could be described by an exponential-like function, while entropy showed a V-shaped function, with a minimum \"turning point\" separated by descending and ascending intervals. The DOMS protocol upshifted the time-frequency domain HRV parameters in the entire HR range, contrary to the sample entropy values that were systematically downshifted, indicative of an upregulated sympathetic tone. The group-averaged HR-dependent sample entropy function showed a nonlinear character under exercise, with lower values for higher DOMS than for the group with lower DOMS below the turning-point HR, and vice versa above it. The differences between the respective HRV(HR) point sets representing the low-DOMS and high-DOMS groups were quantified using a statistical method and found to be significant at the current sample size for all the HRV parameters used. Since oxidative stress is implicated in DOMS, we are the first to report that nonlinear alterations may impact HRV in a HR-dependent manner in DOMS using a Piezo2 interpretation. This finding provides further indirect evidence for an initiating neural microdamage that prevails under DOMS-inducing exercise, and the diagnostic detection of this point may provide control for avoiding further injury risk in sports and exercise activities.</p>","PeriodicalId":53303,"journal":{"name":"Sports","volume":"13 8","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.9,"publicationDate":"2025-08-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12389744/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144978540","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}