SportsPub Date : 2025-07-31DOI: 10.3390/sports13080251
M A Ortega-Zayas, A J Cardona-Linares, M Lecina, N Ochiana, A García-Giménez, F Pradas
{"title":"Table Tennis as a Tool for Physical Education and Health Promotion in Primary Schools: A Systematic Review.","authors":"M A Ortega-Zayas, A J Cardona-Linares, M Lecina, N Ochiana, A García-Giménez, F Pradas","doi":"10.3390/sports13080251","DOIUrl":"10.3390/sports13080251","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Racket sports are very popular not only in professional sports but also among recreational players. As a result, their impact on the field of education has grown significantly in recent years. Table tennis (TT) offers significant advantages in terms of skill acquisition and health improvement. Nevertheless, its application within physical education (PE) curricula remains undetermined. The aim of this systematic review was to analyze the use of TT as educational content in the subject of PE in primary school. The PRISMA 2020 methodology was used to conduct the systematic review. Six databases (ERIC, Pubmed, ScienceDirect, Scopus, Sport Discus, and Web of Science) were used during the search process. The search cutoff date was December 31, 2024. After applying the eligibility criteria, 3595 articles were found. Only seven studies were selected for the final analysis and the data included 1526 students from primary school. The results indicate that TT is rarely used in primary education during PE classes. Research indicates interest among teachers and students in playing it during PE. Furthermore, due to the benefits, motivation, and interest this sport generates, educational experiences have been developed, such as roundtable discussions, table top tennis, balloon TT, and TT triathlon. A lack of materials, facilities, and teacher training for teaching this sport is notable. The teaching experiences analyzed in this review confirm that TT is a highly versatile and interesting sport as a subject matter in school PE. The use of TT allows for innovative, comprehensive, and inclusive PE, thanks to the sport's multiple possibilities. Given its adaptability and low entry barrier, TT could serve as an effective tool for increasing children's physical activity levels, improving motor skills, and fostering social-emotional development. However further research is needed to quantify its impact on health outcomes such as cardiovascular fitness or obesity prevention.</p>","PeriodicalId":53303,"journal":{"name":"Sports","volume":"13 8","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.9,"publicationDate":"2025-07-31","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12390257/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144978424","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}
SportsPub Date : 2025-07-29DOI: 10.3390/sports13080250
Iulian Bratu, Lucian Dinca, Ionut Schiteanu, George Mocanu, Gabriel Murariu, Mirela Stanciu, Miglena Zhiyanski
{"title":"Sports in Natural Forests: A Systematic Review of Environmental Impact and Compatibility for Readability.","authors":"Iulian Bratu, Lucian Dinca, Ionut Schiteanu, George Mocanu, Gabriel Murariu, Mirela Stanciu, Miglena Zhiyanski","doi":"10.3390/sports13080250","DOIUrl":"10.3390/sports13080250","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The intersection of sports and natural forests and green spaces represents an emerging interdisciplinary field with implications for public health, environmental science, and sustainable land management and refers to the variety of cultural ecosystem services demanded by people from ecosystems. This manuscript presents a systematic bibliometric and thematic analysis of 148 publications for the period 1993-2024 identified through Web of Science and Scopus, aiming to evaluate the current state of research on sports activities conducted in natural forest environments. Findings indicated a marked increase in scientific interest of this topic over the past two decades, with key contributions from countries such as England, Germany, China, and the United States. Researchers most frequently examined sports such as hiking, trail running, mountain biking, and orienteering for their capacity to provide physiological and psychological benefits, reduce stress, and enhance mental well-being. The literature analysis highlights ecological concerns, particularly those associated with habitat disturbance, biodiversity loss, and conflicts between recreation and conservation. Six principal research themes were identified: sports in urban forests, sports tourism, hunting and fishing, recreational sports, health benefits, and environmental impacts. Keyword and co-authorship analyses revealed a multidisciplinary knowledge base with evolving thematic focuses. In conclusion, the need for integrated approaches that incorporate ecological impact assessment, stakeholder perspectives, and adaptive forest governance to ensure sustainable recreational use of natural forest ecosystems is underlined.</p>","PeriodicalId":53303,"journal":{"name":"Sports","volume":"13 8","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.9,"publicationDate":"2025-07-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12390165/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144978379","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}
SportsPub Date : 2025-07-29DOI: 10.3390/sports13080249
Viktoria Sophie Egele, Robin Stark
{"title":"Social Cognitive Theory and Physical Activity: Examining Gender-Based Prediction Patterns and Theoretical Validity.","authors":"Viktoria Sophie Egele, Robin Stark","doi":"10.3390/sports13080249","DOIUrl":"10.3390/sports13080249","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>This study explored gender-specific nuances in the applicability of Social Cognitive Theory (SCT) to predict physical activity behavior. This study aimed to determine whether similar or different prediction patterns emerge for men and women, particularly emphasizing the tenability of the SCT model's theoretical assumptions across gender. Six hundred fifty-four participants (58.1% women, 41.1% men) completed two validated questionnaires at separate time points (t1 = social cognitive and demographic variables; t2 = physical activity behavior). We employed a multigroup Structural Equation Model (SEM) to examine the validity of the theoretical assumptions and the influence of gender. The results suggest that SCT's theoretical assumptions hold true for men and women, indicated by a highly satisfactory fit of the SEM despite the variance explained being small (R<sup>2</sup><sub>women</sub> = 11.9%, R<sup>2</sup><sub>men</sub> = 7.3%). However, the importance of the specific theoretical paths and the underlying mechanisms of action might differ between genders, and the interplay of the social and cognitive variables to predict physical activity may vary significantly for men and women. The use of SCT can be recommended for explaining and predicting physical activity behavior, although gender-specific differences in the underlying theoretical relationships should be taken into consideration when designing interventions or when being used to explain physical activity behavior.</p>","PeriodicalId":53303,"journal":{"name":"Sports","volume":"13 8","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.9,"publicationDate":"2025-07-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12390376/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144978257","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}
SportsPub Date : 2025-07-28DOI: 10.3390/sports13080248
Bebiana Sabino, Margarida Gomes, Ana Rodrigues, Pedro Bento, Nuno Loureiro
{"title":"Physical Fitness Profiles of Young Female Team Sport Athletes from Portuguese Rural Settings: A Cross-Sectional Study.","authors":"Bebiana Sabino, Margarida Gomes, Ana Rodrigues, Pedro Bento, Nuno Loureiro","doi":"10.3390/sports13080248","DOIUrl":"10.3390/sports13080248","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p><b>Background:</b> Sports performance indicators are mainly based on male athletes, highlighting the importance of portraying the female reality, particularly in rural contexts. This study aims to characterize sports performance indicators (body composition and physical fitness) of young Portuguese female athletes. <b>Methods:</b> A cross-sectional study was conducted with 124 girls (13.66 ± 1.93 years) participating in federated team sports in a rural region of Portugal. Body composition was assessed using bioelectrical impedance, and physical fitness was evaluated through vertical jump tests (countermovement jump and squat jump), sprint (20 m), agility (<i>T</i>-test), handgrip strength, and cardiovascular endurance (Yo-Yo IR1). <b>Results:</b> Volleyball players are taller; football and basketball players are heavier; football and volleyball players have more fat-free mass than handball players (<i>p</i> < 0.05). Body mass index and % body fat did not differ between sports (<i>p</i> > 0.05). Volleyball players performed better in the countermovement jump (F = 4.146, <i>p</i> = 0.008) and squat jump (F = 7.686, <i>p</i> < 0.001) when compared to basketball, football, and handball players. No differences were observed in the speed or cardiorespiratory endurance tests (<i>p</i> > 0.05). <b>Conclusions:</b> The results revealed that, despite some specific differences between sports, most physical fitness indicators did not differ significantly between sports after controlling for age, menarche, and training experience. These findings suggest that shared contextual limitations in rural regions may take precedence over sport-specific adaptations in the early stages of sports participation.</p>","PeriodicalId":53303,"journal":{"name":"Sports","volume":"13 8","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.9,"publicationDate":"2025-07-28","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12389943/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144978186","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}
SportsPub Date : 2025-07-26DOI: 10.3390/sports13080247
Joana Magalhães Marrese, Tamiris Beppler Martins, Mark Russell, Rodrigo Okubo
{"title":"Injury Epidemiology in Brazilian Rugby Union: Implications for Strength and Conditioning Practice.","authors":"Joana Magalhães Marrese, Tamiris Beppler Martins, Mark Russell, Rodrigo Okubo","doi":"10.3390/sports13080247","DOIUrl":"10.3390/sports13080247","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Rugby Union is a high-impact sport with considerable injury risk, especially in emerging rugby settings where structured physical preparation may be limited. This study aimed to assess the epidemiological profile and injury incidence among Rugby Union players in Brazil, providing insights to inform strength and conditioning strategies. A cross-sectional observational study was conducted between October 2023 and February 2024 using a digital questionnaire that captured demographic data, sports participation history, and detailed information about injuries sustained in 2022 and 2023. A total of 236 players participated (58.9% male; mean age = 29.4 ± 7.5 years), with males averaging 29.6 ± 7.7 years and females 29.1 ± 7.5 years. Overall, 183 injuries were reported. Most injuries occurred during matches (73.3%) and were contact-related (82.1%), with the shoulder/clavicle and knee being the most affected regions. Ligament injuries (27.3%), dislocations (15.3%), and fractures (16.4%) were the most prevalent types. Female players had a distinct injury pattern, with a greater proportion of non-contact mechanisms. Significant associations were found between injury occurrence and sex (<i>p</i> = 0.012), playing modality (<i>p</i> < 0.001), injury type (<i>p</i> = 0.013), and recovery time (<i>p</i> = 0.006). These findings highlight the urgent need for tailored strength and conditioning interventions focused on injury prevention and athletic preparedness. Such programs should address sport-specific demands, promote neuromuscular resilience, and be accessible across competitive levels to improve performance and minimize injury-related setbacks.</p>","PeriodicalId":53303,"journal":{"name":"Sports","volume":"13 8","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.9,"publicationDate":"2025-07-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12390083/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144977932","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}
SportsPub Date : 2025-07-25DOI: 10.3390/sports13080245
Manoel Rios, Ricardo Cardoso, Ana Sofia Monteiro, João Paulo Vilas-Boas, Ricardo J Fernandes
{"title":"Physiological Demands Across Exercise Intensity Domains in Rowing: Implications of Weight Category and Sex Differences.","authors":"Manoel Rios, Ricardo Cardoso, Ana Sofia Monteiro, João Paulo Vilas-Boas, Ricardo J Fernandes","doi":"10.3390/sports13080245","DOIUrl":"10.3390/sports13080245","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>We examined the physiological demands of trained rowers across four exercise intensity domains (considering the effects of weight category and sex). Twenty-four trained rowers (12 lightweight and 12 heavyweight) performed 7 × 3 min incremental bouts on a Concept2 rowing ergometer (30 W power increases and 60 s rest intervals). Performance, cardiorespiratory and metabolic responses were continuously assessed throughout the experimental protocol to characterize internal load across progressive exercise intensities. Statistical analyses included a repeated measures ANOVA test and independent <i>t</i>-tests (<i>p</i> ≤ 0.05). Heavyweight rowers exhibited greater absolute anaerobic energy production in the severe domain (41.25 ± 10.39 vs. 32.54 ± 5.92 kJ) (<i>p</i> = 0.02), higher peak metabolic power (up to 1.57 ± 0.30 vs. 1.48 ± 0.30 kW) (<i>p</i> = 0.001) and greater total energy expenditure (up to 277.52 ± 51.23 vs. 266.69 ± 51.59 kJ) (<i>p</i> = 0.001) than lightweight rowers, whereas the latter showed comparable relative cardiorespiratory responses to heavyweights. With respect to sex differences, males demonstrated higher oxygen uptake (from ~43-59 vs. ~34-48 mL·kg<sup>-1</sup>·min<sup>-1</sup>) (<i>p</i> = 0.001), ventilation (from ~78-146 vs. ~49-99 L·min<sup>-1</sup>) (<i>p</i> = 0.001), metabolic power (from ~1.1-1.7 vs. ~0.7-1.0 kW) (<i>p</i> = 0.001) and energy expenditure (from ~193-305 vs. ~119-209 kJ) (<i>p</i> = 0.001) across all intensity domains. However, blood lactate levels and anaerobic energy contributions were similar between sexes. These findings demonstrated that domain-based physiological profiling effectively differentiates internal responses among rowers by weight category and sex. Heavyweights showed greater absolute energy output, while lightweights demonstrated higher metabolic efficiency. Males had elevated cardiorespiratory and metabolic values, but relative bioenergetic responses were similar across groups. These findings support individualized training based on physiological profiles.</p>","PeriodicalId":53303,"journal":{"name":"Sports","volume":"13 8","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.9,"publicationDate":"2025-07-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12389812/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144978181","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}
SportsPub Date : 2025-07-25DOI: 10.3390/sports13080246
Krisztián Havanecz, Péter János Tóth, Bence Kopper, Csaba Bartha, Sándor Sáfár, Marcell Fridvalszki, Gábor Géczi
{"title":"Relationship Between GPS-Derived Variables and Subjective Questionnaires Among Elite Youth Soccer Players.","authors":"Krisztián Havanecz, Péter János Tóth, Bence Kopper, Csaba Bartha, Sándor Sáfár, Marcell Fridvalszki, Gábor Géczi","doi":"10.3390/sports13080246","DOIUrl":"10.3390/sports13080246","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The aim of this study was to examine the relationship between the external load (EL) and internal load among U15, U17, and U19 youth soccer players and to identify the factors best influencing the rating of perceived exertion (RPE) and session-RPE (s-RPE) from Global Positioning System-derived variables. Data were collected from 50 male youth soccer players over an 11-week in-season period, encompassing a total of 1386 observations (145 training sessions and 33 matches). The findings indicate that during training sessions, the relationship between EL-derived volume variables and s-RPE exhibited moderate-to-very-strong correlations (U15-r ranging from 0.23 to 0.52; U17-r ranging from 0.51 to 0.78; U19-r ranging from 0.34 to 0.61, <i>p</i> < 0.001). The strongest relationships were observed with the total distance, acceleration, deceleration, and player load variables (<i>p</i> < 0.001). However, perceived wellness measures showed weak correlations with almost every EL parameter. Considering matches for all age groups, total distance showed moderate-to-large correlation with s-RPE (ranging from 0.41 to 0.59, <i>p</i> < 0.001). Additionally, RPE and s-RPE were significantly influenced by the variables of total distance, acceleration, deceleration, medium-speed running per minute, sprint distance per minute, and deceleration per minute.</p>","PeriodicalId":53303,"journal":{"name":"Sports","volume":"13 8","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.9,"publicationDate":"2025-07-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12390498/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144978151","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}
SportsPub Date : 2025-07-25DOI: 10.3390/sports13080244
Pedro Afonso, Pedro Forte, Luís Branquinho, Ricardo Ferraz, Nuno Domingos Garrido, José Eduardo Teixeira
{"title":"Shaping Training Load, Technical-Tactical Behaviour, and Well-Being in Football: A Systematic Review.","authors":"Pedro Afonso, Pedro Forte, Luís Branquinho, Ricardo Ferraz, Nuno Domingos Garrido, José Eduardo Teixeira","doi":"10.3390/sports13080244","DOIUrl":"10.3390/sports13080244","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Football performance results from the dynamic interaction between physical, tactical, technical, and psychological dimensions-each of which also influences player well-being, recovery, and readiness. However, integrated monitoring approaches remain scarce, particularly in youth and sub-elite contexts. This systematic review screened 341 records from PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science, with 46 studies meeting the inclusion criteria (<i>n</i> = 1763 players; age range: 13.2-28.7 years). Physical external load was reported in 44 studies using GPS-derived metrics such as total distance and high-speed running, while internal load was examined in 36 studies through session-RPE (rate of perceived exertion × duration), heart rate zones, training impulse (TRIMP), and Player Load (PL). A total of 22 studies included well-being indicators capturing fatigue, sleep quality, stress levels, and muscle soreness, through tools such as the Hooper Index (HI), the Total Quality Recovery (TQR) scale, and various Likert-type or composite wellness scores. Tactical behaviours (<i>n</i> = 15) were derived from positional tracking systems, while technical performance (<i>n</i> = 7) was assessed using metrics like pass accuracy and expected goals, typically obtained from Wyscout<sup>®</sup> or TRACAB<sup>®</sup> (a multi-camera optical tracking system). Only five studies employed multivariate models to examine interactions between performance domains or to predict well-being outcomes. Most remained observational, relying on descriptive analyses and examining each domain in isolation. These findings reveal a fragmented approach to player monitoring and a lack of conceptual integration between physical, psychological, tactical, and technical indicators. Future research should prioritise multidimensional, standardised monitoring frameworks that combine contextual, psychophysiological, and performance data to improve applied decision-making and support player health, particularly in sub-elite and youth populations.</p>","PeriodicalId":53303,"journal":{"name":"Sports","volume":"13 8","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.9,"publicationDate":"2025-07-25","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12390603/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144978310","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}
SportsPub Date : 2025-07-24DOI: 10.3390/sports13080243
Robson Conceição Silva, Leandro Lima Sousa, Hugo de Luca Correa, Thailson Fernandes Silva, Lucas de Souza Martins, Pedro Felix, Martim Bottaro, Denis César Leite Vieira, Carlos Ernesto
{"title":"Can Conditioning Activity with Blood Flow Restriction Impact Neuromuscular Performance and Perceptual Responses to Exercise?","authors":"Robson Conceição Silva, Leandro Lima Sousa, Hugo de Luca Correa, Thailson Fernandes Silva, Lucas de Souza Martins, Pedro Felix, Martim Bottaro, Denis César Leite Vieira, Carlos Ernesto","doi":"10.3390/sports13080243","DOIUrl":"10.3390/sports13080243","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Low-load conditioning activity with blood flow restriction has been addressed as an efficient method to enhance an individual's performance during their main exercise activity. However, the optimal degree of blood flow restriction remains unclear. Therefore, this study investigated the acute effects of low-load conditioning activity with different degrees of blood flow restriction on muscle strength, power, and perceived exertion. Twenty recreationally trained men (20.9 ± 2.3 years) participated in a randomized crossover design including three conditions: control, low-load blood flow restriction at 50%, and 75% of total arterial occlusion pressure. Participants performed squats (three sets of ten reps) followed by isokinetic assessments of the knee flexor and extensor performance at 7 and 10-min post-exercise. The session rating of perceived exertion (SRPE) was recorded 30 min after each session. No significant effects were observed for condition, time, or their interaction on peak torque, total work, or average power (<i>p</i> < 0.05). However, SRPE was significantly higher in the 75% BFR condition compared to both the 50% BFR and control conditions (<i>p</i> < 0.05), with no difference between the 50% BFR and control. These findings suggest that low-load conditioning activity with blood flow restriction does not acutely enhance neuromuscular performance. However, a higher degree of restriction increases perceived exertion.</p>","PeriodicalId":53303,"journal":{"name":"Sports","volume":"13 8","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.9,"publicationDate":"2025-07-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12389836/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144978516","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}
SportsPub Date : 2025-07-24DOI: 10.3390/sports13080242
Jihwan Jeong, Ilbong Park
{"title":"Comparison of Lower Limb COP and Muscle Activation During Single-Leg Deadlift Using Elastic and Inelastic Barbells.","authors":"Jihwan Jeong, Ilbong Park","doi":"10.3390/sports13080242","DOIUrl":"10.3390/sports13080242","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Background: </strong>This study aimed to investigate how barbell type (elastic vs. inelastic) and lifting speed affect postural stability and lower limb muscle activation during the single-leg deadlift (SLDL), a common unilateral exercise in rehabilitation and performance training.</p><p><strong>Methods: </strong>Twenty-seven healthy adults performed SLDLs using both elastic and inelastic barbells under three lifting speeds (normal, fast, and power). Center of pressure (COP) displacement in the anterior-posterior (AP) and medial-lateral (ML) directions and electromyographic (EMG) activity of eight lower limb muscles were measured.</p><p><strong>Results: </strong>COP displacement was significantly lower when using elastic barbells (AP: F = 6.509, <i>p</i> = 0.017, η<sup>2</sup> = 0.200, ω<sup>2</sup> = 0.164; ML: F = 9.996, <i>p</i> = 0.004, η<sup>2</sup> = 0.278, ω<sup>2</sup> = 0.243). EMG activation was significantly higher for the gluteus medius, biceps femoris, semitendinosus, and gastrocnemius (all <i>p</i> < 0.01), especially under power conditions. Significant interactions between barbell type and speed were found for the gluteus medius (F = 13.737, <i>p</i> < 0.001, η<sup>2</sup> = 0.346, ω<sup>2</sup> = 0.176), semitendinosus (F = 6.757, <i>p</i> = 0.002, η<sup>2</sup> = 0.206, ω<sup>2</sup> = 0.080), and tibialis anterior (F = 3.617, <i>p</i> = 0.034, η<sup>2</sup> = 0.122, ω<sup>2</sup> = 0.029).</p><p><strong>Conclusions: </strong>The findings suggest that elastic barbells improve postural control and enhance neuromuscular activation during the SLDL, particularly at higher speeds. These results support the integration of elastic resistance in dynamic balance and injury prevention programs.</p>","PeriodicalId":53303,"journal":{"name":"Sports","volume":"13 8","pages":""},"PeriodicalIF":2.9,"publicationDate":"2025-07-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12390621/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144978483","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}