Biology of Sport最新文献

{"title":"Deceleration specific isometric exercises acutely enhance change of direction performance in male youth academy soccer players.","authors":"Julián E Smoliga, Viktor Oliva, Adrián Novosád, Matej Suja, Damian J Harper","doi":"10.5114/biolsport.2026.159569","DOIUrl":"10.5114/biolsport.2026.159569","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Post-activation performance enhancement (PAPE) is a neuromuscular mechanism that can acutely enhance explosive movements such as change of directions (COD). The effectiveness of different deceleration specific isometric positions to elicit a PAPE effect on COD performance has not been previously investigated. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the acute effects of two deceleration specific isometric exercises associated with the early (DEC_EISO) and late (DEC_LISO) deceleration subphases on COD performance. Sixteen male youth academy soccer players competing in the U16-U17 age categories completed both deceleration specific isometric protocols in a counterbalanced repeated-measures design. Performance was measured using the traditional 5-0-5 COD test at four intervals (0, 4, 8, and 12 minutes post-activation) for both right and left leg turns. Data were analysed using repeated measures ANOVA, with Bonferroni-adjusted post hoc tests. Parametric paired t-tests was used to compare differences in improvements between DEC_EISO and DEC_LISO. Significant improvements in COD performance were observed following both deceleration specific isometric protocols, with the most pronounced gains occurring at the 8^th minute. At the 8^th minute, performance was significantly better following the DEC_EISO compared to the DEC_LISO (p = 0.002), with a large effect size (g = 0.90). These findings suggest that deceleration specific isometric exercise can have a significant impact on enhancing short-term COD performance. The DEC_EISO position produced superior results, particularly in the 8^th minute postactivation, highlighting its potential usefulness in pre-training or competition warm-ups for COD-based sports like soccer.</p>","PeriodicalId":55365,"journal":{"name":"Biology of Sport","volume":"43 ","pages":"1253-1259"},"PeriodicalIF":6.4,"publicationDate":"2026-04-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13343278/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148413877","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 acute effect of training on hip adduction strength within a football microcycle.","authors":"Maziar J Hamad, Pedro E Alcaraz, Kristian Thorborg, Steve Barrett, Konstantinos Spyrou","doi":"10.5114/biolsport.2026.159562","DOIUrl":"10.5114/biolsport.2026.159562","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>This exploratory study aimed to examine the changes to hip adduction strength within the football microcycle. The microcycle included the following training sessions: match day minus 4 (MD-4), MD-2 and MD-1. Twelve male youth football players were recruited (age: 17.11 ± 0.52 years; body mass: 72.63 ± 5.53 kg; height: 1.78 ± 0.05 m) and had their maximal isometric hip adduction strength (ADD_iso) measured before and immediately after each training session. Players wore foot-mounted inertial measurement units (Playermaker) during each training session to quantify locomotor activities. A linear mixed model and one sample t test were used to assess ADD_iso and percent changes, respectively. Statistical significance was set at ≤ 0.05. The group arrived at MD-1 with the lowest strength of the week, but finished the training with recovered ADD_iso, similar to all other pre-match time points (MD-4_pre, 3.04 Nmkg^-1; MD-2_pre, 3.09 Nmkg^-1; MD-1_pre, 3.04 Nmkg^-1, p > 0.05). The group-level post-training percent changes to ADD_iso were: MD-4, -4.00 ± 7.29%, p = 0.083; MD-2, -3.76 ± 5.04%, p = 0.043; and MD-1, 7.43 ± 4.92%, p < 0.001. In summary, high-intensity training sessions with high-speed running and change of direction actions were associated with reductions of hipadduction strength, while sessions with less high-intensity locomotor demands while emphasising shooting actions were associated with a potentiating effect on ADD_iso. This is important considering the relationship between hip adduction strength and groin injury and pain.</p>","PeriodicalId":55365,"journal":{"name":"Biology of Sport","volume":"43 ","pages":"1243-1251"},"PeriodicalIF":6.4,"publicationDate":"2026-04-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13343265/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148413850","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":"Effects of a 6-week horizontal speed deceleration training on measures of physical fitness in youth tennis players.","authors":"Yassine Negra, Senda Sammoud, Raja Bouguezzi, Jason Moran, Rodrigo Ramirez-Campillo, Younés Hachana, Helmi Chaabene","doi":"10.5114/biolsport.2026.159558","DOIUrl":"10.5114/biolsport.2026.159558","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Horizontal-speed-deceleration-training (HSDT) has recently emerged as a promising method that specifically targets the eccentric actions of the knee-extensors. This study aimed to compare the effects of replacing a portion of traditional in-season tennis training with HSDT compared to standard training alone on the physical fitness of youth tennis players. Tennis players (n = 23) from two regional tennis teams were assigned to the HSDT-group (n = 14 [8 males, 6 females]; age = 13.24 ± 0.60 years) or to the control-group (n = 9 [6 males, 3 females]; age = 13.08 ± 0.56 years). Before-and- after six weeks of training, participants were assessed for linear 20-m sprint-speed, change-of-direction (COD) speed (505 test), agility (Y-shaped-agility test), jump height/distance (countermovement-jump [CMJ] height; 20-cm drop-jump height; standing-longjump [SLJ] distance), reactive-strength-index (RSI), and repeated-sprint-ability (RSA). ANOVA revealed significant Group-by-Time interactions, indicating greater improvements in the HSDT-group compared to the control-group in 20 m sprint-speed, COD-speed, agility, CMJ-height, SLJ-distance, 20 cm drop-jump height, and RSI (ES = 0.87-2.14; p < 0.05), whereas no significant interaction was observed for RSA outcomes. The HSDT group improved 20-m linear sprint-time (ES = 1.19 [moderate], p < 0.001), COD-speed (ES = 1.19 [moderate], p < 0.001), agility (ES = 2.14 [large], p < 0.01), CMJ-height (ES = 1.42 [large], p < 0.01), SLJ-distance (ES = 1.05 [moderate], p < 0.05), 20-cm drop-jump height (ES = 0.87 [moderate]; p < 0.05), and RSI (ES = 1.71 [large], p < 0.01). However, no significant pre-to-post changes were observed in the group (ES = 0.09 to 0.13; p > 0.05). Replacing part of regular in-season tennis training with HSDT appears to be highly effective in improving multiple physical fitness aspects in youth tennis players. Regular tennis training alone seems insufficient to elicit meaningful gains in these key physical qualities.</p>","PeriodicalId":55365,"journal":{"name":"Biology of Sport","volume":"43 ","pages":"1293-1301"},"PeriodicalIF":6.4,"publicationDate":"2026-04-20","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13504466/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148820376","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":"Effects of movement velocity in squat training with and without blood flow restriction.","authors":"Pedro Jesús Cornejo-Daza, Juan Sánchez-Valdepeñas, Luis Rodiles-Guerrero, Paula Costales-Muñoz, Miguel Sánchez-Moreno, Irineu Loturco, Juan A León-Prados, Fernando Pareja-Blanco","doi":"10.5114/biolsport.2026.160853","DOIUrl":"10.5114/biolsport.2026.160853","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>This study compared the effects of four different resistance training (RT) programs that differed in the movement velocity [maximum (MaxV) vs. 50% of maximum voluntary velocity (HalfV)] and the blood flow condition [free (FF) vs. restricted (BFR)] on strength, neuromuscular, and hypertrophy adaptations. Fortysix resistance-trained males were randomly assigned to one of the four abovementioned protocols. Subjects followed an 8-week RT program, twice per week, with similar intensity (55%-65% 1RM), sets (3), and repetitions per set (10-6) in the full-squat (SQ) exercise. Before and after the RT program, they were evaluated for: 1) muscle size of the vastus lateralis; 2) vertical jump; 3) maximal isometric contraction; 4) progressive loading test; and 5) fatigue test, in SQ. Electromyographic (EMG) activity was assessed during all SQ tests. All protocols exhibited significant gains in strength-derived parameters without significant differences between groups. A BFR × VEL × time interaction (p = 0.05) was observed for countermovement jump, with improvements in the HalfV-BFR and MaxV-FF protocols. A VEL × time interaction (p = 0.03) was found for the EMG amplitude under light loads, since HalfV-BFR increased its values. MaxV-BFR and HalfV-FF induced greater hypertrophy in the distal region of the vastus lateralis (BFR × VEL × time interaction, p = 0.04), with MaxV-BFR producing the greatest gains in all sections. Both MaxV-FF and HalfV-BFR increased CMJ height. HalfV-BFR also increased neuromuscular activity against light loads. MaxV-BFR and HalfV-FF evoked higher hypertrophy in muscle size, with the greatest gains in muscle size with MaxV-BFR.</p>","PeriodicalId":55365,"journal":{"name":"Biology of Sport","volume":"43 ","pages":"1133-1147"},"PeriodicalIF":6.4,"publicationDate":"2026-04-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13343282/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148413863","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":"Accelerated biological aging and risk of sarcopenia: evidence from 29,000 Chinese adults.","authors":"Qing Wang, Huijing He, Yaoda Hu, Jing Nai, Zhen Song, Hui Pan, Hanze Du, Ji Tu, Zichao Wang, Da Xu, Zhujie Ran, Zhili Chen, Mengwei Zhang, Gang Liu, Guangliang Shan","doi":"10.5114/biolsport.2026.159572","DOIUrl":"10.5114/biolsport.2026.159572","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>To construct biological age (BA)-based normative curves for muscle mass and strength and to determine whether biological age acceleration is associated with impaired muscle health and sarcopenia across adulthood. A total of 29,437 adults aged 20-80 years were analyzed from the China National Health Survey (2023-2024). BA was estimated using the Klemera-Doubal method (KDM) based on clinical biomarkers, and BA acceleration (BAacc) was defined as the residual of BA regressed on chronological age (CA). Appendicular skeletal muscle mass (ASM) and appendicular skeletal muscle mass index (ASMI) were assessed by bioelectrical impedance analysis, while handgrip strength (HGS) and relative handgrip strength (rHGS) were measured by dynamometer. Sex-specific BA-based percentile curves were generated using the Lambda-Mu-Sigma (LMS) method. Logistic regression models evaluated associations of BAacc with low muscle mass (LMM), low muscle strength (LMS), and sarcopenia. BA-based percentile curves revealed steady, sex-specific declines in ASM, ASMI, HGS, and rHGS across BA. Each one-year increase in BAacc was associated with significant reductions in ASMI (β = -0.0064 in men; -0.0041 in women) and rHGS (β = -0.0132 in men; -0.0064 in women) (all p < 0.0001). Accelerated BA (BAacc > 0) was linked to higher odds of LMM (73-77%), LMS (34-37%), and sarcopenia (68-78%), with dose-response relationships across quartiles. Associations were particularly pronounced in adults < 60 years, indicating that biological aging impacts muscle health earlier than the conventional threshold for old age. BA acceleration was strongly associated with impaired muscle mass, strength, and sarcopenia, with stronger effects observed in women and in younger adults. BA-based reference curves demonstrated clear, sex-specific declines in muscle health across adulthood, providing a novel reference framework for future sarcopenia research.</p>","PeriodicalId":55365,"journal":{"name":"Biology of Sport","volume":"43 ","pages":"1097-1109"},"PeriodicalIF":6.4,"publicationDate":"2026-04-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13343269/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148413789","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 impact of maximal fat oxidation intensity exercise on glucose and lipid metabolism in individuals with overweight or obesity: A systematic review and meta-analysis.","authors":"Yunyang Liu, Jiawen Gao, Zihan Bao, Ziyang Li, Xunling Wang, Shun Wang","doi":"10.5114/biolsport.2026.159565","DOIUrl":"10.5114/biolsport.2026.159565","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>This study provides the first quantitative synthesis evaluating the chronic effects of FATmax training on glucose and lipid metabolism in individuals with overweight or obesity, while systematically exploring the moderating roles of participant characteristics and intervention protocols. A comprehensive search of seven databases (e.g., PubMed, Web of Science) was conducted up to August 2025, identifying 24 controlled trials involving 638 participants. Random-effects meta-analyses showed that FATmax training produced significant improvements in multiple glycolipid metabolic markers. Specifically, large standardized reductions were observed in fasting plasma glucose (Hedges' g = -1.05), insulin resistance (Hedges' g = -0.82), and fasting insulin (Hedges' g = -0.75), alongside moderate improvements in triglycerides (Hedges' g = -0.55), total cholesterol (Hedges' g = -0.23), and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C; Hedges' g = 0.51). Notably, the large standardized effects on glycemic markers suggest potentially clinically meaningful improvements in glycemic control. Subgroup analyses indicated that HDL-C adaptations were significantly enhanced in male participants, weight-bearing modalities, and protocols incorporating warm-up sessions or concurrent dietary restriction (p < 0.05). Furthermore, meta-regression identified baseline HDL-C (β= -2.955), exercise intensity (β = 0.053), and session duration (β = 0.058) as significant predictors of HDL-C improvement. Crucially, we derive the first clinically actionable, personalized thresholds from interaction analyses: for individuals with low baseline HDL-C (≤ 1.36 mmol/L), efficacy is maximized when session duration exceeds 60 minutes (Hedges' g = 1.19) or intensity surpasses 42.2% <math><mover><mtext>V</mtext> <mo>˙</mo></mover> </math> O_2max (Hedges' g = 1.10); whereas for those with higher baseline levels, extending duration (≥ 60 min) is the primary requisite for significant benefits (Hedges' g = 0.61). In conclusion, FATmax training produces significant and potentially clinically meaningful improvements in glucose and lipid metabolism in individuals with overweight or obesity. These effects are modulated by individual characteristics and intervention parameters. Future research should prioritize standardized FATmax determination protocols and diverse populations to validate these personalized prescription parameters.</p>","PeriodicalId":55365,"journal":{"name":"Biology of Sport","volume":"43 ","pages":"1193-1210"},"PeriodicalIF":6.4,"publicationDate":"2026-04-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13343287/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148413887","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":"Technical and tactical performance of major Asian professional football leagues: a comparative analysis of 14,115 matches across six seasons.","authors":"Liangzhu Feng, Yanlong Chen, Zhe Cheng, Hongyou Liu","doi":"10.5114/biolsport.2026.159568","DOIUrl":"10.5114/biolsport.2026.159568","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>This study aimed to identify cross-league differences in technical and tactical performance across Asian professional football leagues. Statistics of 14,115 matches from the 2015-2020 seasons of the Chinese Super League (CSL), J League 1 (J1), K League 1 (K1), Saudi Professional League (SPL), Qatar Stars League (QSL), and UAE Arabian Gulf League (AGL) were collected and analysed. Generalised mixed linear modelling was used to estimate mean league differences in 57 match performance-related parameters while controlling for game result, match location, and team and opponent strength. Results showed that differences in offensive outcome and performance-related parameters were generally trivial across leagues (ES ≤ 0.2). In contrast, possession- and progression-related parameters exhibited substantial between-league differences, with J1 demonstrating higher passing frequency and ball progression parameters than the other leagues (ES = 0.36-0.91). Conversely, SPL, CSL, QSL, and AGL recorded higher frequencies of defensive and disciplinary actions, including fouls and yellow cards, compared with J1 and K1 (ES = 0.46-1.33). Hence, it is concluded that technical and tactical performance is generally similar across major Asian professional football leagues, but notable stylistic differences remain. J1 tends to exhibit a possession-oriented and structured playing style, whereas SPL, CSL, QSL, and AGL are characterised by greater physical intensity and more confrontational play. These insights may inform performance analysis and coaching strategies across Asian professional football.</p>","PeriodicalId":55365,"journal":{"name":"Biology of Sport","volume":"43 ","pages":"1181-1191"},"PeriodicalIF":6.4,"publicationDate":"2026-04-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13343285/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148413939","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":"Comparing full-body flywheel eccentric protocols: cluster set vs. traditional training on muscle damage, arterial stiffness, jump performance, grip strength, cognitive, and perceptual responses.","authors":"Ming-Chia Weng, Chih-Yuan Fang, Hsi-Hsun Su, Eisuke Ochi, Maximillian J Nelson, Hunter Bennett, Thomas P Wycherley, Xiang Dai, Che-Hsiu Chen","doi":"10.5114/biolsport.2026.158673","DOIUrl":"10.5114/biolsport.2026.158673","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>The study investigated the acute effects of traditional (TRAD) and cluster (CLUS) set full-body flywheel eccentric exercise (FW) protocols on muscular performance, damage, vascular responses, and cognitive function. Twenty-four well trained male team sport athletes participated in this randomized controlled trial. Participants were randomly assigned to TRAD or CLUS FW protocols. FW protocols consisted of four sets of eight repetitions for four exercises (squat, high pull, bent over row, and calf raise), with 120 seconds of rest between sets. Measured variables included creatine kinase (CK), muscle soreness, muscle and tendon stiffness, countermovement jump (CMJ), handgrip strength, blood pressure, cardio-ankle vascular index (CAVI), anklebrachial index (ABI), heart rate, cognitive function, and fatigue. These assessments were conducted pre-exercise, immediately post-exercise, and at 24 h and 48 h post-exercise. Both protocols showed similar power outputs and cognitive improvement over time (p < .05). Handgrip strength declined in both groups, while perceived fatigue and muscle soreness increased (p < .05). However, the CLUS exhibited lower CK levels, lower quadriceps stiffness at 24 and 48 h post-exercise, and lower patellar tendon stiffness immediately post-exercise, compared to the TRAD (p < .05). Greater vascular fluctuations, particularly in diastolic blood pressure (DBP) and CAVI, were observed in the TRAD group (p < .05). These findings suggest that a cluster set protocol for full-body flywheel eccentric exercise may be advantageous for recovery compared to a traditional set protocol in well trained male team sport athletes.</p>","PeriodicalId":55365,"journal":{"name":"Biology of Sport","volume":"43 ","pages":"1149-1160"},"PeriodicalIF":6.4,"publicationDate":"2026-04-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13343284/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148413907","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":"Does repeated daytime napping over consecutive days enhance physical, perceptual, and cardiac autonomic responses in high-level adolescent basketball players?","authors":"Mehdi J Souabni, Maher Souabni, Omar Hammouda, Mathieu Nedelec, Achraf Ammar, Tarak Driss","doi":"10.5114/biolsport.2026.159567","DOIUrl":"10.5114/biolsport.2026.159567","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Adolescent athletes experience insufficient sleep, impacting their health and performance. Napping has emerged as a promising sleep management strategy to counteract these consequences, with acute benefits on performance. However, the impact of repeated napping remains unclear. This study examined the effects of a five-day micro-cycle of 60-min daytime nap opportunities on physical performance, as well as perceptual and physiological responses in high-level adolescent athletes. Twelve high-level male adolescent basketball players (15.75 ± 0.62 years) participated in a randomized, counterbalanced crossover study with two conditions: five consecutive napping days (NAP) and five consecutive control (no napping) days (CON). Day- and night-time sleep was monitored via actigraphy, while perceptual (Hooper questionnaire) and physiological (Heart Rate Variability, HRV) responses were assessed at rest before and after the nap and control conditions across five consecutive days. Basketball-specific performances including offensive and defensive agility, upper body power, repeated jumps (RJ), and rating of perceived exertion (RPE) after RJ were evaluated 90-min following both conditions on days 1 and 5. NAP increased 24-h total sleep time (p = 0.003, d = 0.40), with longer and betterquality naps toward the end of the micro-cycle. Napping was associated with an increase in total HRV power, and a decrease in subjective fatigue, muscle soreness and RPE (0.002 ≤ p ≤ 0.035, 0.28 ≤ d ≤ 2.10). Five consecutive days of napping improved agility and jump performance (0.001 < p ≤ 0.015, 0.83 ≤ d ≤ 1.61). Repeated napping helped to meet sleep recommendations, improved perceptual and physiological responses, and sport-specific abilities, highlighting its relevance as a practical strategy to support recovery and well-being in adolescent athletes, particularly during training camps.</p>","PeriodicalId":55365,"journal":{"name":"Biology of Sport","volume":"43 ","pages":"1083-1095"},"PeriodicalIF":6.4,"publicationDate":"2026-04-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13343281/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148413880","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":"Match running performance upon return to play in professional male LaLiga football players following anterior cruciate ligament rupture.","authors":"Manuel Manchón-Davó, Aarón Miralles-Iborra, Juan Del Coso, Francisco J Vera-Garcia, Heidy Rondón-Espinosa, Casto Juan-Recio, Joaquín González-Rodenas, Roberto López Del Campo, Ricardo Resta, Víctor Moreno-Pérez","doi":"10.5114/biolsport.2026.160857","DOIUrl":"10.5114/biolsport.2026.160857","url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>This study aimed to investigate the impact of an anterior cruciate ligament rupture on the level of competition and match running performance over the following three seasons after return-to-play in professional male football players. Fifty-one football players from LaLiga who sustained a complete anterior cruciate ligament rupture were retrospectively followed over the three seasons after their return-to-play. Their level of competition and match running performance metrics were obtained via Mediacoach^® and subsequently compared across different time points: (1) PRE (season before injury); (2) INJ (season of the anterior cruciate ligament rupture); and (3) POST1, (4) POST2, and (5) POST3 (first, second, and third seasons after returning-to-play). Outcomes were analysed overall, by field position and by age group (≤ 25 and > 25 years). By the POST3 season following the anterior cruciate ligament injury, 35 of the 51 players (68.5%) were still competing in one of the top five UEFA leagues (34 in LaLiga and 1 in another top-five league), 11 (21.6%) were playing in lower-tier leagues, and 5 (9.8%) had retired. Maximum running speed decreased at POST1 and POST2 (p < 0.050) compared with PRE. Only players > 25 years experienced a significant decrease in their maximum running speed during POST2 and POST3 (p < 0.050) in comparison with PRE-values. A complete anterior cruciate ligament rupture in football from LaLiga players led to a decline in the level of competition and reductions in their maximum running speed up to three seasons after return-to-play. Players > 25 years were more vulnerable to sustain performance losses.</p>","PeriodicalId":55365,"journal":{"name":"Biology of Sport","volume":"43 ","pages":"1161-1170"},"PeriodicalIF":6.4,"publicationDate":"2026-04-13","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC13343279/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"148413905","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}