https://akinesiologica.com/ojs_3.3.0-7/index.php/akinesiologica/issue/feedActa Kinesiologica2024-11-01T19:22:46+01:00Prof. Johnny Padulo[email protected]Open Journal Systems<p>Acta Kinesiologica Journal (AK) is an international peer-reviewed journal that examines practical and research aspects of Sport Physiology, Sport Psychology, Sport Pedagogy, Sport Traumatology and Sport Performance. The editorial mission of AK is to advance the knowledge of Sport and Exercise Physiologists, Sport Scientists, Sport Physicians, Orthopaedic Sports Medicine and Sport-Performance researchers. The journal promotes the publication of research in Sport Physiology and related disciplines that has direct practical application to enhancing Sport Performance and Public Health. The journal publishes original research, brief reports, Invited Commentary / Technical Note, Systematic Review - Meta Analysis, and Letter to the Editor. The intended breadth of AK includes team sports, individual sports, performance aspects of environmental physiology, applied sport nutrition, strength and conditioning, biomedical science, and applications of sport technology. Controlled experimental and observational research of a comprehensive or systematic nature is welcome, provided that appropriate standards of scientific methodology and analysis are met. The journal will be of interest to Sport Scientists, Sport Psychologist, Orthopaedic Sports Medicine, Sport Physicians, Coaches, Academic Researchers, Students, and related professionals.</p>https://akinesiologica.com/ojs_3.3.0-7/index.php/akinesiologica/article/view/256Relationship between bone mineral density and body compositions, strength, type of sport competition, vitamin D and birth-related factors in elite Polish track and field athletes: a cross-sectional study2024-07-17T13:33:12+02:00Jakub Baldyka[email protected]Anna Kopiczko[email protected]<p style="font-weight: 400;">Purpose: The purpose of this investigation was to characterize the forearm bone mineral density (BMD) in Elite Competitive<br />Track and Field Athletes. Somatic, body composition, hand grip strength birth variables, and blood vitamin D levels were<br />also analyzed.<br />Methods: In this cross-sectional study, the participants were 30 elite Polish athletes. Somatic measurements, body<br />composition by kinanthropometry, and bioelectrical impedance were taken. Forearm bone parameters were measured by<br />densitometry in two points distal (dis) and proximal (prox). Measurement of hand grip strength (HGS) on a dynamometer<br />was performed. Birth-related factors such as birth weight and length of breastfeeding were collected by direct interview.<br />Vitamin D concentration was assessed by blood test.<br />Results: Low BMD was not observed in the distal part of the forearm. Significantly more frequent low BMD prox were found<br />in endurance athletes (EA) group compared to throwing athletes group (TA) (χ2=10.8; P = .001; Φ= .6). Inadequate vitamin<br />D levels were significantly higher in the EA group compared to TA (χ2=10.8; P = .001; Φ= .6). The main parameters affecting<br />BMD dis and BMC prox of men athletes were HGS (kg) and type of sports competition (Rˆ2 adj= .93; .89). BMC dis was<br />affected by the type of sports competition (Rˆ2 adj= .83). There was also a significant relationship between the T-score prox<br />and the HGS (Rˆ2 adj= .98). In the case of women, the main parameters affecting BMD prox were menarche age and body<br />composition (Rˆ2 adj= .93). The BMC prox was affected by the age of the menarche (Rˆ2 adj= .73).<br />Conclusions: In conclusion, the present study found that the highest BMD of the forearm bones was characterized by men<br />and women athletes training in athletic throws relative to running sports. Screening assessment of bone mineral status<br />should be included in sports diagnostics.</p> <p style="font-weight: 400;"> </p>2024-10-31T00:00:00+01:00Copyright (c) 2024 Acta Kinesiologicahttps://akinesiologica.com/ojs_3.3.0-7/index.php/akinesiologica/article/view/279Effects of Different Endurance Training Models on Players’ Fitness Levels during the National Break in the Football Season2024-07-18T16:00:59+02:00Gülbin Rudarlı[email protected]Murat Tutar[email protected]Bülent KAYITKEN[email protected]<p>Purpose: This pilot study aims to determine the effects of different endurance exercises, during the 14-day national break<br />during the football season.<br />Methods: Four groups were formed randomly from 44 male football players (age 17-19 years old, stature 179.0±6.16 cm,<br />body mass 70.4±5.53 kg, and body fat ratio 10.6±2.18 %) who regularly train and compete in the youth category of a football<br />team: Small-Sided Games (SSG, n=10), Large-Sided Games (LSG, n=18), Running Without the Ball (RWB, n=8), and Control<br />group (CG, n=8). VO2max (30-15 IFT and Bruce Protocol), balance (Y test), 10-20-30 m sprint, and T-test before and after the<br />14-day national break during the football season were measured. Heart rate and rate of perceived exertion (RPE) followed<br />during the training program.<br />Results: Significant differences were found in SSG (P= .001) and LSG (P= .005) in 30-15 IFT test (P< .05). In the Y-balance<br />test, a statistically significant difference was found in SSG (P= .001) and LSG (P= .001) only.<br />Conclusions: As a result, coaches are recommended to apply one of the RWB, SSG, or LSG training in addition to their routine<br />football periods.</p>2024-10-31T00:00:00+01:00Copyright (c) 2024 Acta Kinesiologicahttps://akinesiologica.com/ojs_3.3.0-7/index.php/akinesiologica/article/view/272Postural Sway Characteristics in Static Balance Control of Youth Female Soccer Players2024-09-09T22:41:58+02:00eryk przysucha[email protected]Carlos Zerpa[email protected]erica vidotto[email protected]Liam Puskas[email protected]Carl Goodwin[email protected]<p>Purpose: Balance control, particularly in uni-lateral domain, is essential in soccer. Majority of the existing studies examined<br />dynamic balance via clinical tools, and primarily involved male players. Thus, the purpose here was to examine the nature of<br />Center of Pressure (COP) postural sway in youth female players across bipedal and unipedal conditions<br />Methods: Sixteen pre-adolescent female competitive players (age 12.4±21.40 years) were asked to stand on a force plate<br />in bi-pedal stance with the dominant and non-dominant legs respectively. Three, 10 second trials were carried out for each<br />condition.<br />Results: As expected, across the four COP measures bi-pedal stance resulted in least sway (P= .05). However, the subsequent<br />analysis showed different center of pressure (COP) profiles in the dominant versus non-dominant condition across COP<br />velocity (P= .003), path length (P= .001) and anterior-posterior (AP) sway (P= .003), with sway area revealing no statistical<br />differences (P= .821). In addition, the analysis of stabilograms confirmed that in the non-dominant condition the pronounced<br />COP oscillations were of lower amplitude and frequency as compared to the dominant leg.<br />Conclusions: Overall, postural asymmetry was found as the sway characteristics on both legs differed, with dominant side<br />exhibiting more sway and faster COP oscillations. In line with the inverted pendulum model, this may be due to less than<br />optimal ability to modulate muscle torques generated at the ankle. It is hypothesized that the postural asymmetry between<br />the dominant and non-dominant legs may result from muscular asymmetries that have been often reported in youth soccer<br />players, as a result of their pronounced foot dominance.</p>2024-10-31T00:00:00+01:00Copyright (c) 2024 Acta Kinesiologicahttps://akinesiologica.com/ojs_3.3.0-7/index.php/akinesiologica/article/view/259Asymmetries in Postural Stability and Balance Parameters during Specific Elements in Sub-Elite Rhythmic Gymnasts2024-07-09T15:40:11+02:00Iva Macan[email protected]Marin Marinovic[email protected]Ana Kezic[email protected]<p>Purpose: This study aims to investigate the level of lower-limb functional asymmetries in sub-elite rhythmic gymnasts while<br />performing sport-specific elements, including passe and side passe balance stance.<br />Methods: The analysis focuses on postural stability and balance parameters, measured using Gyko, a 3-axis accelerometer,<br />gyroscope, and magnetometer device. The task was to execute a passe balance and maintain the position for 30 seconds,<br />which was the duration of the test, and then perform the same task with the other leg. The test was repeated for both legs in<br />a side passe balance stance. Sixteen active female sub-elite rhythmic gymnasts participated in the study.<br />Results: The results reveal significant differences in the mean travel velocity in all anatomical planes during the passe<br />elements, indicating asymmetry in postural stability in favor of the non-dominant leg (P≤ .01). Similarly, in the side passe<br />balance test, significant differences were observed in the mediolateral (in favor of the dominant leg) and anteroposterior (in<br />favor of the non-dominant leg) total distances, indicating asymmetry in postural stability (P= .03). However, no significant<br />differences were found in other postural stability parameters, the ellipse (EA) and the total length of the trajectory (Len(D)).<br />Conclusions: Evident asymmetries in movement speed during the passe element and imbalances in weight distribution<br />during the side passe balance test do not appear to compromise overall postural stability considering that asymmetry was<br />not proven in several variables, such as the ellipse or the total length of the trajectory. These findings shed light on the<br />potential impact of asymmetries on performance and injury risk in rhythmic gymnastics, emphasizing the importance of<br />considering sport-specific balance tests.</p>2024-10-31T00:00:00+01:00Copyright (c) 2024 Acta Kinesiologicahttps://akinesiologica.com/ojs_3.3.0-7/index.php/akinesiologica/article/view/227Acute effects of a dynamic stretching and core stability exercise protocol on physical performance in U-16 volleyball players2024-06-24T17:05:28+02:00Domenico Martone[email protected]Luca Russomando[email protected]Lretta Francesca Cosco[email protected]Sara Dei[email protected]Gian Pietro Emerenziani[email protected]Pasqualina Buono[email protected]<p>Purpose: Stretching and core exercises are is often used in different sports to develop higher sport performance and<br />reduce injury risks. In acute, dynamic stretching (DS) seems to produce more benefits than static for improving physical<br />performance. Moreover, sports tasks characterized by explosive and multi joints movement, such as wall jumping or dunking<br />and serving in volleyball, also require core stabilization. Therefore, the aim of present study was to evaluate a potential postactivation<br />potentiation enhancement (PAPE) effect induced by a functional exercise protocol including dynamic stretching<br />and stimulation of core stability (StretCor) on physical performance in a group of U-16 volleyball players.<br />Methods: Eighteen young volleyball players (9 boys and 9 girls; age: 15.33± .68 y; BMI: 22.12±2.25 kg.m-2) participating in the<br />regional championship were recruited by Italian Volleyball Federation (FIPAV) – Campania Committee. The StretCor protocol<br />consisted in eight exercises, performed with ball, combining both DS and Core Stability (CS) exercises that stimulates the<br />main muscles group. Before and after exercise protocol, Countermovement Jump (CMJ), modified Stars Excursion Balance<br />Test (mSEBT) and agility T-test performances were assessed in all participants.<br />Results: After StretCor protocol, there were improvements (P< .05) in agility T-test (10.48±1.01 vs 10.70±1.09 s), jump<br />height (31.81±5.36 vs 29.75±5.73 cm) and relative peak power (51.53±9.77 vs 46.04±6.21 W/kg). Moreover, in mSEBT,<br />left normalized Anterior (left ANT) (71.29±7.59 vs 66.84±7.19 %), Posteromedial direction (left PM) (105.63±8.80 vs<br />98.28±12.82 %), Posterolateral (left PL) directions (106.15±9.95 vs 98.47±13.06 %) and in right normalized Posterolateral<br />direction (right PL) (103.90±10.65 vs 98.14±12.95 %) were improved after StretCor protocol; in addition, improvement<br />were also observed in left (94.36±6.61 vs 87.87±9.88 %) and right (92.85±7.03 vs 88.47±10.22 %) composite (COMP) score.<br />Conclusions: The present study suggests that an acute session of StretCor protocol, improved lower limb muscle power,<br />dynamic balance and agility in U-16 volleyball players. We suggest including these types of exercises as a CA to produce a<br />PAPE effect in the warm-up phase of volleyball training for improve the physical performance.</p>2024-10-31T00:00:00+01:00Copyright (c) 2024 Acta Kinesiologicahttps://akinesiologica.com/ojs_3.3.0-7/index.php/akinesiologica/article/view/282Concordance of a new IMU in different small-sided games and real game tasks in indoor sports2024-09-25T15:41:24+02:00Héctor Gadea-Uribarri[email protected]Carlos Lago-Fuentes[email protected]Ainhoa Bores-Arce[email protected]Sergio López-García[email protected]Enrique Ibáñez[email protected]Carlos Serrano[email protected]Elena Mainer-Pardos[email protected]<p>Purpose: The purpose of this study was to analyze the concordance of a new Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU) device called<br />OLIVER in different specific training tasks and real futsal game.<br />Methods: 10 elite futsal players competing in First National Division performed most of the typical futsal training tasks<br />(game possession in 22×20m, 2vs2 in 20×20m, 3vs3, 4vs4 in 28×20m and 4vs4 in 40×20m). Players wore two tracking<br />devices (OLIVER and WIMU Pro). Data were recorded with specific software systems to compare the concordance of data.<br />After recording data, descriptive analysis was developed for each training task, as well as a one-way ANOVA to evaluate the<br />concordance of OLIVER and WIMU devices.<br />Results: The results reported good agreement for most variables, such as total distance, distance covered in different<br />partials, as well as meters of accelerations and decelerations at different intensities and maximum speed (P> .05). However,<br />the distance covered in high-speed running 12.1-18 km/h (m) and the number of runs above 12 km/h reported statistical<br />differences between OLIVER and WIMU (P< .05) in some of the training tasks.<br />Conclusion: The OLIVER system and WIMU system shows a high level of concordance in main variables of external load in<br />different training tasks. OLIVER system is a valid and useful device to monitor external load in indoor sports, both smallsided<br />games and real games.</p>2024-10-31T00:00:00+01:00Copyright (c) 2024 Acta Kinesiologicahttps://akinesiologica.com/ojs_3.3.0-7/index.php/akinesiologica/article/view/275The contest for movement education teachers in primary schools: issues of the written exam2024-06-17T15:40:18+02:00Gaetano Raiola[email protected]Sara Aliberti[email protected]Tiziana D'Isanto[email protected]Francesca D'Elia[email protected]<p>Purpose: On December 15, 2023, the written test for the first competition for teaching movement education in primary<br />schools was held, reserved for graduates with a master's degree in Exercise and Sports Science (ESS), of which only 7%<br />achieved a positive outcome. The aim was twofold: to measure the frequency of errors within each disciplinary field and their<br />impact on the test result; to identify trends, relationships, and correlations among the variables to analyze and interpret the<br />reasons for the negative outcome.<br />Methods: The study involved 100 sport science candidates from 15 Italian regions, recruited nationally through direct<br />inquiries using personal contacts and social platforms. After obtaining informed consent, candidates were asked to submit<br />their written tests, omitting identifying data. Spearman's correlation was used to analyze relationships between variables.<br />Multiple regression was used to assess the impact of errors in each field on the final score.<br />Results: The biomedical area showed the strongest negative correlation with the final score, followed by the regulatory,<br />psycho-pedagogical, ESS and English fields. The regression model predicting the final test score based on the errors in each<br />field was statistically significant (P= .001); particularly, errors in the regulatory field seemed to have a greater impact on<br />determining the final score.<br />Conclusions: The study achieved its objective by clarifying that the high rate of negative outcomes was not due to flaws<br />attributable to the specific training of the graduates in sports sciences, as they performed well in the ESS and psychopedagogical<br />sections.</p>2024-10-31T00:00:00+01:00Copyright (c) 2024 Acta Kinesiologicahttps://akinesiologica.com/ojs_3.3.0-7/index.php/akinesiologica/article/view/284Revolutionizing “Text Neck Syndrome” Management: Paradigm Shifting from “Posture Correction” to “Posture Change”2024-07-23T10:25:38+02:00Wissem Dhahbi[email protected]Helmi Ben Saad[email protected]<p>Purpose: The pervasive use of mobile devices has precipitated an increase in musculoskeletal disorders, notably “text neck<br />syndrome” (TNS), characterized by neck pain, stiffness, and dysfunction due to prolonged forward head posture. Traditional<br />management strategies have focused on static posture correction exercises, but recent research advocates for a paradigm<br />shift towards a dynamic and holistic approach, emphasizing joint-specific mobility and stability. This technical note critiques<br />the limitations of conventional posture correction and explores the scientific basis for the joint-by-joint approach (JBJA)<br />training program, which prioritizes mobility restoration to promote sustainable posture change.<br />Conclusions: The JBJA model highlighted the necessity of addressing the entire kinetic chain, particularly the thoracic spine<br />and shoulder girdle, to alleviate cervical spine strain. Evidence from recent studies supports the efficacy of this approach<br />in reducing TNS symptoms and improving overall posture. Implementing posture change into TNS management involves<br />education, technology-assisted reminders, environmental modifications, and movement-based interventions. This shift not<br />only addresses the biomechanical imbalances that contribute to TNS but also empowers patients to actively manage their<br />condition, fostering long-term well-being.</p>2024-10-31T00:00:00+01:00Copyright (c) 2024 Acta Kinesiologicahttps://akinesiologica.com/ojs_3.3.0-7/index.php/akinesiologica/article/view/311Effect of additional short sprint training on physical performance in adolescent male soccer players: a systematic review and meta-analysis2024-09-18T12:02:50+02:00Elena Mainer Pardos[email protected]Okan Kamiş[email protected]Rafael Oliveira[email protected]Hadi Nobari[email protected]<p>Purpose: The aim of this systematic review with meta-analysis (SRMA) was to evaluate the effects of additional short<br />sprint training with different intervention training programs (i.e. plyometric training, strength training or multidirectional<br />training) on linear sprint, change of direction speeds (CODS) and jump ability performance in young male soccer players.<br />Methods: An electronic database search was performed, and 7 articles were included in the meta-analysis.<br />Results: The players’ mean age ranged from 7.6 to 18.8 years. The duration of combined interventions was from three weeks to<br />10 months, with training frequency ranging from one to two sessions per week. In general, the results of the performance were<br />associated with a large and significant reduction in the time of CODS (ES -1.60 (95% CI – 2.33, -.87), Z=4.32 (P< .001)]. Moreover,<br />the effects on vertical jump height showed a non-significant and small improvement between pre and post-test on the vertical jump<br />performance [ES .45 (95% CI – .14, .75), Z=2.90 (P= .004)], with an average heterogeneity of I2 = 0%.<br />Conclusions: The current SRMA suggests that although additional short sprint training may produce improvements in certain<br />aspects of performance, efficacy varies depending on individual and training-specific factors.</p>2024-10-31T00:00:00+01:00Copyright (c) 2024 Acta Kinesiologicahttps://akinesiologica.com/ojs_3.3.0-7/index.php/akinesiologica/article/view/266A Systematic Review Evaluating Diagnosis Methods and Treatment Protocols for Achilles Tendinopathy2024-06-12T13:41:14+02:00Karol Jaskulski[email protected]Michal Starczewski[email protected]<p>Purpose: Diagnosis and treatment protocols for Achilles tendinopathy can be categorized into various groups. However, their<br />effectiveness varies depending on managing and reducing pain. Therefore, this systematic review analyzes and evaluates the<br />diagnosis methods and compares treatment protocols' effectiveness for Achilles tendinopathy.<br />Methods: A systematic review was performed by searching six electronic databases: PubMed, Cochrane Library, Web of<br />Science, Embase, MEDLINE Ovid, and ProQuest, which were searched for articles on the diagnosis and treatment protocols<br />for Achilles tendinopathy. The studies that met the inclusion criteria were evaluated, and appropriate data was extracted.<br />Results: The ten articles that met the inclusion criteria were included in the study. Evidence from the review showed that the<br />Alfredson protocol had a higher pain nd function improvement compared to the Stanish protocol, with a higher VISA-A score<br />in the Alfredson than the Stanish protocol. The findings showed that combining the Alfredson eccentric exercise and Stanish<br />Stretching exercises would significantly improve pain and function for patients with Midportion Achilles tendinopathy. This<br />result showed that both protocols significantly improve pain and function in Achilles tendinopathy patients. Similarly, HSR<br />and ECC showed no significant statistical difference in the VISA-A (Victorian Institute of Sport Assessment-Achilles) scores.<br />Conclusions: HSR is more favorable than ECC, while Alfredson is superior to the Stanish protocol. The VISA-A scores in<br />Alfredson versus Silbernagel and ECC versus HSR did not provide any significant statistical difference between the groups.<br />Alfredson and Silbernagel protocols and ECC and HSR show similar results in reducing pain.</p>2024-10-31T00:00:00+01:00Copyright (c) 2024 Acta Kinesiologica