Biology of Sport最新文献

{"title":"Impact of biological maturation on physical tests performance in Portuguese elite male academy soccer players.","authors":"Nuno Ribeiro, Oliver Gonzalo-Skok, Joao Valente Dos Santos, Joao R Pereira, Mauro Mandorino, Jo Clubb, Marco Beato, Jamie Salter, Hadi Nobari, Nuno Loureiro, Ruben Ferreira, Joao Pedro Araujo, Francisco Tavares","doi":"10.5114/biolsport.2026.161099","DOIUrl":"10.5114/biolsport.2026.161099","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>This study examined the influence of biological maturation on the physical performance of highly skilled U-14 - U-17 male soccer players, specifically focusing on sprinting, jumping, and aerobic capacity. Sixty-seven players from a professional academy in Portugal participated in two seasons (2021-2023). Maturation was assessed at six time points, and players were categorized into pre- and circa-peak height velocity (PHV) and post-PHV groups. Owing to the small pre-PHV sample size (n = 4), these were combined with the circa-PHV group for the analysis. Key physical attributes were measured, and maturity was assessed using the predicted percentage of adult height. Mixed-effects models indicated that chronological age significantly influenced physical performance, with older players demonstrating a superior change in direction speed (p < 0.001) and sprint performance (p < 0.001), whereas maturity status had no additional effect. Maturity status interacted with age in the jumping height test (p = 0.001), with post-PHV players showing greater improvement. Chronological age and biological maturity significantly influenced endurance (p = 0.001) and maximal strength (p = 0.020), with post-PHV players exhibiting greater gains. Chronological age and biological maturation significantly affected the physical performance of young soccer players. Relying solely on age may overlook developmental factors and underscore the need for tailored training and assessment strategies.</p>","PeriodicalId":55365,"journal":{"name":"Biology of Sport","volume":"43 ","pages":"1533-1546"},"PeriodicalIF":6.4,"publicationDate":"2026-07-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13617475/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149076818","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Effectiveness of match-day priming strategies on physical and technical performance in female basketball players.","authors":"Enrique Flórez-Gil, Nuno Mateus, Jaime Sampaio, Alejandro Vaquera, Eduardo Abade","doi":"10.5114/biolsport.2026.159570","DOIUrl":"10.5114/biolsport.2026.159570","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Priming refers to pre-competition training interventions designed to acutely enhance subsequent performance by optimizing neuromuscular, metabolic, and psychological readiness. The aim of this study was to compare the effects of three match-day priming strategies on physical and technical performance in female basketball players. Eighteen professional players (19.7 ± 2.1 years) from the Spanish third division completed a randomised crossover-controlled study involving four conditions: control (CON), high-load strength (STR; 80% 1RM), low-load power (POW; 40% 1RM), and plyometric with change-of-direction (PLY+COD). Performance was assessed in the morning (pre-test, 10:00 a.m.) and afternoon (post-test, 4:00 p.m.) using the countermovement jump (CMJ), drop jump (DJ), 5-0-5 change-of-direction speed (CODS) test, and a modified shooting-accuracy test. The POW condition resulted in significant improvements in CMJ, CODS, and shooting accuracy. In contrast, STR impaired CMJ, DJ height, CODS, and technical performance, while PLY+COD reduced jump performance and reactive strength. No meaningful changes occurred in CON. Complementary ANCOVA confirmed significant between-condition effects for CMJ, CODS, and shooting accuracy. These findings suggest that low-load, highvelocity resistance priming performed approximately 5 hours before competition can enhance neuromuscular readiness and shooting-accuracy in female basketball. Coaches should prioritise individualised, power-oriented priming routines aligned with players' training backgrounds to optimise match-day performance.</p>","PeriodicalId":55365,"journal":{"name":"Biology of Sport","volume":"43 ","pages":"1569-1577"},"PeriodicalIF":6.4,"publicationDate":"2026-07-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13617479/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149076774","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Early bloom, early boom? Motor competence profiles across maturation: a cross-sectional study.","authors":"Matteo Giuriato, Alessandro Gatti, Agnese Pirazzi, Caterina Cavallo, Vittoria Carnevale Pellino, Marco Del Bianco, Roberto Codella, Nicola Lovecchio, Matteo Vandoni","doi":"10.5114/biolsport.2026.160855","DOIUrl":"10.5114/biolsport.2026.160855","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Motor competence (MC) evolves throughout childhood as biological maturation progresses, yet previous research has largely approached this relationship linearly. Whether more complex patterns exist remains unclear, and while higher body mass index (BMI) is associated with lower MC, its contribution to maturityrelated differences is undetermined. This study examined the relationship between biological maturation and basic MC (BMC) and explored whether BMI mediates this association in schoolchildren. A total of 1155 Italian children (665 girls; age = 9.8 ± 2.0 years) completed anthropometric measurements and the MOBAK assessment battery during physical education classes. Biological maturation was estimated using maturity offset equations and expressed as years from peak height velocity (PHV). Quadratic regression models were used to test the association between maturation and BMC. Mediation analysis was conducted to determine whether BMI z-score mediated the relationship between maturation and BMC. Quadratic modeling demonstrated that maturation was non-linearly associated with BMC (β = 0.279, p < 0.001), indicating a U-shaped trajectory, with lower competence observed near PHV and higher values pre- and post-PHV. BMI z-score was negatively associated with BMC (β = -0.196 to -0.220, p < 0.001) but did not mediate the maturation-BMC relationship. Sex differences emerged by domain, with girls outperforming boys in self-movement tasks and boys scoring higher in object-movement tasks. Maturation shows a non-linear association with BMC, characterized by a temporary decline around PHV. Although BMI is negatively related to BMC, it does not explain maturation effects. These findings highlight PHV as a sensitive developmental period during which targeted motor skill support may be needed in educational and sport settings.</p>","PeriodicalId":55365,"journal":{"name":"Biology of Sport","volume":"43 ","pages":"1547-1557"},"PeriodicalIF":6.4,"publicationDate":"2026-07-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13617485/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149076815","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"The relationship between penetrative actions and football match outcomes: evidence from the 2022 FIFA World Cup.","authors":"Tao Yang, Liangzhu Feng, Dingmeng Ren, Zhe Cheng, Xiao Chen, Yushan Liu, Hongyou Liu","doi":"10.5114/biolsport.2026.161107","DOIUrl":"10.5114/biolsport.2026.161107","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Penetrative actions play a crucial role in determining success in football. The aim of this study was to quantify the association between penetrative actions and match outcomes at the 2022 FIFA World Cup. Statistical analyses were conducted on 59 matches decided within regular time. The generalised linear mixed model (GLMM) and magnitude-based inference (MBI) were employed to examine the association between various penetrative action parameters and match outcomes (win/draw/loss) at both between- and within-team levels. The results showed that differences in penetrative actions between teams did not yield clear differences in winning probability (all likelihood effects < 95%). However, a two-within-team standard deviation (SD) increased in (i) attempted line breaks, (ii) completed line breaks, (iii) attempted line-breaking passes, (iv) attempted over-the-top line breaks, and (v) completed over-the-top line breaks raised a team's probability of winning by 34.3% (90% CI ± 15.1%), 30.8% (± 14.6%), 33.8% (± 15.1%), 34.8% (± 15.0%), and 38.2% (± 15.5%), respectively. When playing against opponents utilizing a three-line defensive structure, a two-within-team SD increased in (i) attempted line breaks, (ii) attempted line breaks within the opponent's formation, (iii) attempted final defensive line breaks, (iv) attempted second defensive line breaks, and (v) completed second defensive line breaks elevated the winning probability by 34.0% (± 14.4%), 32.0% (± 14.6%), 29.4% (± 14.6%), 37.9% (± 14.5%), and 33.3% (± 14.4%), respectively. It is concluded that penetrative actions demonstrate a clear positive association with within-team winning probability. Different types of penetrative actions were associated with different levels of winning probability. The association between penetrative actions and winning probability varies across tactical contexts. These findings provide practicable insights for optimising offensive strategies in elite football.</p>","PeriodicalId":55365,"journal":{"name":"Biology of Sport","volume":"43 ","pages":"1559-1568"},"PeriodicalIF":6.4,"publicationDate":"2026-07-06","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13617477/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149076833","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Prevalence, implementation, and barriers of sodium bicarbonate supplementation in team sports.","authors":"William H Gurton, Lewis A Gough, Anthony Lynn, Mayur K Ranchordas","doi":"10.5114/biolsport.2026.156235","DOIUrl":"10.5114/biolsport.2026.156235","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Sodium bicarbonate (SB) ingestion has empirical evidence supporting its efficacy for improving team sport performance. It is currently unclear, however, if SB is incorporated into nutritional regimes by practitioners. This study aimed to investigate existing prevalence, implementation, and barriers of SB supplementation in team sports. A cross-sectional, observational design was employed. In total, 66 practitioners (professional experience: 7 ± 5 years) based in UK or USA responded to an online survey. Most practitioners (n = 60; 91%) were aware of SB being used as an ergogenic aid, which was predominately attributed to reputable sources (e.g., scientific literature: n = 35; 58%). Prevalence rates were low (n = 20; 33%), with a significant difference between the frequency of responses for practitioners who use SB (<i>χ</i> ² = 6.667, p = 0.010). Concerns about gastrointestinal (GI) side-effects after SB was the most common barrier to use (n = 27; 65%), with a significant difference between the frequency of responses (<i>χ</i> ² = 43.875, p < 0.001) compared to factors like budget. SB is frequently prescribed as a 0.2-0.3 g//kg body mass dose (n = 12, 60%), whilst traditional administration approaches are used more commonly (n = 10; 50%) than novel forms such as topical muscle lotion (n = 4; 20%). A translational gap exists between science and real-world practice, with negative connotations about GI side-effects preventing UK and USA based practitioners from using SB with team sports. Future work should educate practitioners on enteric and hydrogel mini-tablet designed SB that alleviate GI side-effects.</p>","PeriodicalId":55365,"journal":{"name":"Biology of Sport","volume":"43 ","pages":"1523-1531"},"PeriodicalIF":6.4,"publicationDate":"2026-06-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13617474/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149076762","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"An umbrella review of soccer small-sided games: developing an evidence-informed design model linking training components to performance outcomes.","authors":"Süleyman Ulupınar, Serhat Özbay, Osman Ateş, Murat Turan, Kemal Coşkun, Salih Çabuk, Cebrail Gençoğlu, Adam Owen, Chris Barnes","doi":"10.5114/biolsport.2026.161109","DOIUrl":"10.5114/biolsport.2026.161109","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Small-sided games (SSGs) are widely used in soccer training to develop multiple performance domains, though interactions among design components can complicate targeting specific outcomes. This umbrella synthesis aimed to integrate findings from systematic reviews and meta-analyses to clarify how key SSG design components are associated with different training objectives and to develop an evidence-informed framework for SSG design. A synthesis of 37 systematic reviews and meta-analyses was conducted. The analysis focused on eight commonly manipulated SSG design components-Area per Player, player format, bout duration, work-to-rest ratio, rules and task constraints, touch limitation, joker usage, and directionality/goalkeeper involvement-and examined their associations with six primary performance domains: aerobic load, anaerobic/glycolytic demands, high-speed running and sprint exposure, neuromuscular/mechanical demands, technical execution, and tactical behaviors. Consistent patterns indicate that spatial density and player format are central determinants of SSG responses. Aerobic strain is most frequently reported in formats ranging from 2 v 2 to 4 v 4, with approximately 100-150 m² per player. In contrast, maximal sprint exposure is rarely achieved unless pitch dimensions exceed ~300-365 m² per player, suggesting the need for complementary conditioning when maximal speed development is required. Smaller formats and restricted spaces are associated with higher acceleration-deceleration density and increased technical involvement, while rule manipulations can substantially increase internal load and game intensity. Tactical behaviors were particularly sensitive to numerical balance, directional constraints, and the use of jokers. The synthesized evidence was translated into an evidence-informed SSG design matrix that links key training components to targeted performance outcomes.</p>","PeriodicalId":55365,"journal":{"name":"Biology of Sport","volume":"43 ","pages":"1487-1522"},"PeriodicalIF":6.4,"publicationDate":"2026-06-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13617480/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149076827","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"An innovative RPE-based approach using machine learning to analyse starter and substitute training load in soccer.","authors":"Francesco Laterza, Karim Chamari, Giuseppe Caminiti, Giuseppe Annino, Marco Beato, Antonio Bovenzi, Rosario D'Onofrio, Vincenzo Manzi","doi":"10.5114/biolsport.2026.162046","DOIUrl":"10.5114/biolsport.2026.162046","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Current methods to distinguish starters from substitutes are typically based on playing time. Not considering the physical demands and internal load of different positions can lead to ineffective training and recovery protocols. The aim of this study was to examine whether a k-means clustering approach applied to session-RPE can generate role-specific thresholds that meaningfully differentiate match load profiles between starters and substitutes. We analysed 1,450 player-matches from four professional Italian Serie A teams, using video match analysis to measure total distance (TD) and high-intensity activities: metabolic power events (MPE), high-speed running (HSR), and sprint running (SR). Players were divided based on the role as follows: forwards (FWs), midfielders (MFs), full-backs (FBs), and centre-backs (CBs). Individualized sRPE zones (low, medium, high) were identified with the K-means clustering approach discriminating starters from substituted. FWs, MFs, and FBs were considered substituted, and compensatory training was recommended when the sRPE was within the medium sRPE zone or lower (FWs ≤ 695 a.u., MFs ≤ 711 a.u., and FBs ≤ 726 a.u.). Compensatory training particularly focused on SR was recommended at sRPE = low for FWs (≤ 326.1 a.u.), and at a sRPE ≤ medium for MFs (≤ 711 a.u.). CBs were defined as starters when reporting sRPE values ≥ medium sRPE (> 446 a.u.), and SR training was always recommended. The proposed sRPE-based k-means approach distinguishes fatigued from non-fatigued players, guiding decisions about who should prioritise recovery. Role-specific sprint recommendations help coaches provide appropriate high-velocity exposure to prevent hamstring injuries.</p>","PeriodicalId":55365,"journal":{"name":"Biology of Sport","volume":"43 ","pages":"1473-1485"},"PeriodicalIF":6.4,"publicationDate":"2026-06-10","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13617481/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149076788","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Dietary nitrate supplementation reduces performance decline during repeated sprint exercise independent of sex.","authors":"Yadan He, Xiaochuan Ge, Chunxue Tang, Yanqiu Wang, Haizheng Huang, Bin Leng, Chuan Zhang","doi":"10.5114/biolsport.2026.162401","DOIUrl":"10.5114/biolsport.2026.162401","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Dietary nitrate supplementation has been shown to improve endurance exercise performance, but its effects on repeated anaerobic sprints and potential sex-based differences remain underexplored. This study examined whether acute dietary nitrate supplementation reduces performance decline during repeated Wingate sprints and whether responses differ between sexes. The secondary aim was to investigate the potential central and peripheral mechanisms. Using a randomized crossover design, 19 males and 17 females (all recreational athletes) consumed dietary nitrate supplementation in the form of nitrate-rich beetroot juice (~13 mmol NO₃ ^-) or placebo 2.5 hours prior to completing four 30-second maximal cycling sprints. The primary outcomes included power output and total work changes from the first to the last sprint. To investigate the potential mechanisms, corticospinal excitability and muscle microvascular function were also measured prior to sprints. No sex by supplement interactions were observed (all p > 0.05) for any of the measured parameters. Dietary nitrate supplementation significantly attenuated the decline in performance across repeated sprints, with large main effects on peak power, mean power, power decline, and total work (all p < 0.05). However, dietary nitrate supplementation did not affect corticospinal excitability or muscle microvascular reactivity (all p > 0.05). Acute dietary nitrate ingestion effectively mitigates fatigue development during repeated anaerobic efforts; however, no sex differences were detected. The observed performance benefits occurred without detectable changes in resting measures of corticospinal excitability or microvascular reactivity.</p>","PeriodicalId":55365,"journal":{"name":"Biology of Sport","volume":"43 ","pages":"1235-1242"},"PeriodicalIF":6.4,"publicationDate":"2026-06-08","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13343264/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148413916","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Change-of-direction ability in soccer is angle-specific: implications for multi-angle testing and speed deficit calculation.","authors":"Georgios-Marios Giannakopoulos, Pierros Thomakos, Athanasios Tsoukos, Gregory C Bogdanis","doi":"10.5114/biolsport.2026.162048","DOIUrl":"10.5114/biolsport.2026.162048","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The ability to change direction is crucial in soccer due to the high frequency of rapid movement adjustments during match play. This study examined the effects of change-of-direction (COD) angle (45°, 90°, 180°) and limb dominance on sprint speed in 18 experienced male soccer players using a multi-angle fieldbased assessment. Athletes completed a 20 m linear sprint and three 20 m COD sprints, each incorporating a single directional change at 15 m. Mean speed was assessed across the 0-10 m, 10-20 m (COD speed), 10-13 m (entry speed), and 13-20 m segments, and percentage COD speed deficit relative to linear sprinting (%CODD) was calculated. Mean speed in the 0-10 m segment was identical between linear and COD sprints (5.18 ± 0.28 to 5.28 ± 0.28 m · s^-1). Using the linear 0-10 m speed as a comparator, %CODD values were positive or near-zero for 45° and 90° (+21.0 ± 12.7% and -2.9 ± 7.7%, respectively), indicating greater COD speed than linear, with a negative value only for 180° (-25.2 ± 4.3%). When COD ability was quantified relative to the 10-20 m segment of the linear sprint (7.53 ± 0.37 m · s^-1), a clear and progressively greater %CODD was observed across angles (45°: -15.6 ± 7.6%; 90°: -32.2 ± 4.7%; 180°: -47.7 ± 2.7%; all p < 0.001). Entry speed declined from 45° to 90° COD (6.55 ± 0.45 to 5.77 ± 0.34 m · s^-1, p < 0.001), with no difference between 90° and 180° (5.79 ± 0.31 m · s^-1, p = 1.0). Kendall's tau correlations showed moderate agreement in %CODD between adjacent angles, but not between 45° and 180°, with no effect of limb dominance (all p > 0.05). In conclusion, %CODD should be calculated using matched linear segments. Angle-dependent and individual variability in %CODD support multi-angle, rather than single-direction, assessment and training.</p>","PeriodicalId":55365,"journal":{"name":"Biology of Sport","volume":"43 ","pages":"1465-1472"},"PeriodicalIF":6.4,"publicationDate":"2026-05-22","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13617476/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149076782","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}

{"title":"Repeated static stretching was more effective for increasing range of motion and decreasing passive stiffness than a combination of a thermal agent with static stretching.","authors":"Masatoshi Nakamura, Andreas Konrad, Kosuke Takeuchi, David G Behm","doi":"10.5114/biolsport.2026.161101","DOIUrl":"10.5114/biolsport.2026.161101","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Combining static stretching (SS) and thermal agents could be beneficial for improving range of motion (ROM) and passive stiffness. However, in many previous studies, combining SS and thermal agents resulted in a longer intervention time than SS alone. Therefore, it is unclear whether the effects of SS alone and combining SS and thermal agents are similar when the total intervention time is standardized. This study aimed to compare the effects of SS alone and combine SS with thermal agents when the intervention time is standardized for 10 minutes. The participants were 14 healthy sedentary males (21.0 ± 0.4 y) in three conditions: 1) 120 s SS (480 s rest+120 s SS), 2) Heat+120 s SS (480 s thermal agent+120 s SS), and 3) 120 s SS × 4 times (120 s SS × 4 repetitions+40 s rest{ × 3 times}) conditions. The ankle dorsiflexion (DF) ROM, passive torque at DF ROM, passive stiffness, and plantar flexors maximal voluntary isometric contraction (MVIC) torque were measured before (PRE) and immediately after the intervention (POST). Two-way repeated-measures analysis of variance showed significant interaction effects in DF ROM and passive stiffness but not in passive torque at DF ROM and MVIC. Post-hoc tests showed that DF ROM in the 120 s SS × 4 times condition was significantly higher than in the 120 s SS condition, and the decrease in passive stiffness in the 120 s SS × 4 times condition was significantly higher than in the 120 s SS and the Heat+120 s SS conditions. In conclusion, repeating SS induced greater ROM increases and passive stiffness decreases than combining SS with thermal agents in a standardized intervention lasting 10 minutes.</p>","PeriodicalId":55365,"journal":{"name":"Biology of Sport","volume":"43 ","pages":"1447-1453"},"PeriodicalIF":6.4,"publicationDate":"2026-05-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13617486/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"149076777","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}