Acta Kinesiologica

MASimplified: A User-Friendly Web-Based Tool for Conducting Pairwise Meta-Analysis and Visualization Using R-Shiny and Metafor R Packages

Armin Paravlic — Tue, 08 Apr 2025 00:00:00 +0200

Background: A meta-analysis is a fundamental method for synthesizing evidence across studies comparing two or more
interventions, playing a pivotal role in healthcare decision-making and evidence-based research. While essential, existing
software tools often require programming expertise, they are not cost-free, limiting accessibility for many researchers and
clinicians.
Purpose: To present a MASimplified, a user-friendly web application designed for conducting a pairwise meta-analysis. The
tool enables researchers with no programming background to conduct analyses via an intuitive point-and-click interface,
generate publication-ready visualizations, and interpret results in real time. Leveraging R’s meta and metafor packages for
statistical computations and the Shiny framework for interface development, the MASimplified was built as a freely accessible
web app. The platform requires only a standard internet browser, eliminating installation barriers. Key features include
conducting a pairwise meta-analysis, subgroup analysis, automated forest plots, funnel plots, risk-of-bias assessments and
conducting a meta-regression analysis.
Conclusions: MASimplified successfully streamlines the entire pairwise meta-analysis workflow, from data input to result
interpretation. An illustrative example (detailed in the current manuscript) demonstrates its functionality, showcasing
outputs such as pooled effect estimates, heterogeneity metrics, meta-regression analysis and visualizations. The app is
publicly available at https://arminparavlic.shinyapps.io/MASimplified/. MASimplified empowers non-specialists to conduct
rigorous pairwise meta-analyses, enhancing the transparency and clinical relevance of evidence synthesis. By bridging the
gap between advanced statistical methods and user-friendly implementation, the tool strengthens capacity for informed
decision-making in research and practice. We hope this initiative inspires further development of accessible tools using
open-source technologies like Shiny, fostering broader engagement with specialized analytic methods.

Performance Profile of Young Beach Soccer Player: External and Internal Load in Under 15 Beach Soccer Players

Italo Sannicandro — Tue, 08 Apr 2025 00:00:00 +0200

Purpose: Beach soccer represents a new sports training offering for young practitioners. This study aims to investigate (a)
the internal (IL) and external load (EL) parameters recorded during an official match in Under-15 (U15) soccer players; (b)
whether the beach soccer match load differs from11-a-side soccer.
Methods: 38 young soccer players (age: 14.42 ± 0.63 years, body mass: 48.54 ± 9.27 kg; stature: 161.54 ± 8.79 cm, training
background: 6.42 ± 2.51 years) participated to the study. Performance was carried out on a sand field with beach soccer ball,
for 3×12min each. During the match and at the end of the match IL and EL were collected.
Results: The IL values obtained show that the beach soccer match imposes high cardio-vascular intensity: young soccer
players spent most of the distance covered (74%) in the High Intensity Heart Rate ranges of 80-90% and 90-100% of HRmax
and average HR of about 95% of HRmax. The Borg Scale value was 8.77 ± 0.26 a.u.. Each young player participated in the
match for 25.06 ± 1.33 min. The total distance covered was 2185.66 ± 264.22 m, while the distance covered per minute of
play showed a value of 74.15 ± 7.19 m. A peak speed of 18.63 ± 1.87 km/h was recorded. The average recorded speed value
was 4.39 ± 0.43 km/h. The distance measured in moderate-and high-intensity running was significantly lower than the value
of low-intensity running (P= .0002).
Conclusions: Beach soccer seems to be a complementary and integrative activity for the training of the U15 soccer player.
Sand training can be considered a valuable complementary means for the physical efficiency of the U15 soccer player. The
external and internal load of beach soccer provides a valid alternative to traditional surface training.

The Differences between functionality status and muscle quality in older women

Mateusz Kamiński, dr Patrycja Bobowik, prof Ida Wiszomirska — Tue, 08 Apr 2025 00:00:00 +0200

disability. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between bioelectrical impedance analysis (BIA) and functional
testing in older women, emphasizing the importance of combining functional and strength assessments for a comprehensive
evaluation of muscle quality.
Methods: The study involved 55 older women divided into two groups based on their performance in the 30-Second Chair
Stand Test (30CST): Group 1 (≥15 repetitions) and Group 2 (<15 repetitions). Muscle strength (knee extensors and flexors),
handgrip strength and body composition parameters were assessed.
Results: Statistically significant differences were observed between groups for knee extensors and flexors strength, back
flexors strength, and handgrip strength (P< .05). Group 2 demonstrated weaker knee flexors, extensors and handgrip strength.
BIA parameters revealed higher body fat mass and soft lean mass in Group 2 (P< .05). However, no significant differences
were found in limb-specific lean mass normalized to height (L S.L.M./height²). The findings highlighted the inadequacy of
BIA alone in assessing muscle quality and the importance of functional testing.
Conclusions: Assessing muscle quality in older women requires a combination of functional tests like 30CST, and lower
limb strength measurements. Functional training should be incorporated to enhance muscle quality and reduce the risk of
sarcopenia-related impairments.

Playing position as a predictor of strength and endurance among U-19 soccer players

Frane Žuvela, Luka Čikotić, Igor Jelaska — Tue, 08 Apr 2025 00:00:00 +0200

Purpose: The main goal of this research was to determine differences in strength and endurance between attack, midfield,
and defense lines in young soccer players.
Methods: A sample of 38 U-19 soccer players (N1= 13 attack, N2= 14 midfield, and N3= 11 defense) was measured for motor
and functional status, which included one test for the assessment of endurance, five tests for motor skills, and three for
anthropometric measures.
Results: Analyses of highly reliable data (Intraclass correlation (ICC) ranged from .809– .929; inter-item correlation (IIR)
ranged from .85– .93; coefficient of variation (CV) ranged from .02– .07), one-way between-subjects ANOVA revealed a
significant main effect with large effect size (P= .032; η2= .407) in power manifestations, while a Bonferroni correction
highlighted differences between midfielders and defense players (P= .017).
Conclusions: The identified differences were probably due to differences in position-specific dominant movement structures.
The results provide in-depth insight into the complex interactions between observed factors and can be useful for the
development and application of contemporary position-specific training systems for young soccer players.

Teaching methods of physical activity workshop in the university training of Italian generalist teachers

Francesca D'Elia — Tue, 08 Apr 2025 00:00:00 +0200

Purpose: Generalist teachers (GT) need specific and practical training to develop adequate professional skills that will enable
them to teach Physical Education (PE) effectively. The Primary Education Sciences (PES) degree provides both theoretical
and practical training opportunities, but students perceive gaps in training, particularly in the practical application of the
Teaching Methods of Physical Activities (TMPA). The purpose of this study was to deepen the understanding of future teachers'
perceptions regarding their personal and educational experiences in PE and also their motor skills, and to investigate if there
is a correspondence between perceptions and awareness derived from specific motor testing.
Methods: A survey was conducted on 266 students of PES, using two ad hoc questionnaires, aimed at the objectives of the
study, during three workshop sessions that also included motor testing to provide knowledge on performance related to
some motor skills. Descriptive statistics, Chi-square and Spearman's correlation were used.
Results: The analysis of the questionnaires revealed that the school played a secondary role in personal and educational
experiences in PE compared to informal contexts. The Chi-square analysis revealed six relationships (P< .05) between
physical activity and BMI, perceptions of graduates in Exercise and Sport Sciences, teaching methods, training adequacy for
PE, and accurate self-assessment of motor skills, supported by strong statistical correlations. Those who perceive themselves
as adequate in physical assessment also have a perception highly/totally consistent whit the reality of their skills. There is
correspondence between perception and awareness of one's motor skills in an average of 92.37% of cases.
Conclusions: The relationships emerged regarding the students' personal and educational experiences confirm the
importance of direct experience not only for perception but also for awareness of being adequately trained to teach PE. The
TMPA workshop in the university training of GT offers the opportunity to approach physical activity as an experience that is
not only executive and exercise-based, but above all elaborative and heuristic.

Beach Volley And Wellbeing: A Qualitative Research On Psycophysical Efforts

Sara Aliberti — Tue, 08 Apr 2025 00:00:00 +0200

Purpose: Beach Volleyball (BV) is a sport derived from indoor volleyball, but with different rules and gameplay dynamics.
Over time, it has gained popularity for both its recreational and competitive aspects, requiring a balanced aerobic-anaerobic
energy effort. Its growth has led to an increasing demand for specific practice and dedicated sports facilities, including urban
areas. Given these characteristics, BV can also be used to promote psychophysical well-being. However, scientific literature
lacks studies analyzing recreational BV in terms of perceived psychophysical benefits and practitioners' opinions. This study
aims to assess the perceptions and opinions of recreational BV players regarding psychophysical, motivational, and socialrelational
aspects.
Methods: The convenience sample consists of 34 amateur players (24 males, 10 females) aged between 21 and 45 years, who
have been regularly practicing BV for at least one year at a non-competitive level. Participants completed a 10-item closedended
questionnaire divided into two sections: the first identifying the sample characteristics and the second evaluating
opinions and perceived enjoyment of the sport.
Results: Fifty-eight percent of participants highly appreciate BV, 58.9% perceive psychophysical benefits and 53.3% consider
their motivation for practicing the sport as optimal. Chi-square test revealed a significant relationship between perceived
psychophysical benefits and improved social skills (P = .036). Another significant relationship was found between motivation
to practice BV and perceived performance (P = .025).
Conclusions: Practicing BV provides psychophysical benefits including improved physical fitness, increased motivation,
enhanced self-esteem, and better body composition. Moreover, a strong link was observed between higher motivation and
improved teamwork and social interactions among players, as well as contributing to the improvement of decreased stress
of daily routine.

The Adaptation and validation of selected stroke accuracy tests for elite Para table tennis players

Beata Pluta, Szymon Galas — Tue, 08 Apr 2025 00:00:00 +0200

Purpose: To adapt and validate selected tests assessed the accuracy and precision of flip shots and bottom spin backhand
strokes precision hitting for Para table tennis players: Manual quickness & ability Forehand (Manual Q&A FH), Manual
quickness & ability Beckhand (Manual Q&A BH), Alternate push test.
Methods: The study group includes 23 table tennis players (age 28.10±13.7 years, 26.1% of females), with impairment
belonging to the senior national team of Poland. A battery of three specific tests evaluating stroke accuracy was assessed. The
conventional Cronbach’s alpha (α) and McDonald’s omega (ω) coefficients were calculated to determine the tests’ reliability.
Results: The highest absolute agreement was found for the Manual Q&A FH test (ICC= .838) and the lowest for the Manual
Q&A BH test (ICC= .652). For most trials, the results obtained at three consecutive time points were similar (P< .01), and the
strength of this concordance was close to .70.
Conclusions: The research on the reliability and accuracy of the specific tests confirmed the need for the indicated special
technicaltests on table tennis players with impairment for the three integrated classes of disabilities. Analysis of the data
obtained from the tests can provide coaches with important information on the level of selected technigue elements of elite
Para table tennis players.

Analysis of best performances of front crawl swimming: a case study

Tue, 08 Apr 2025 00:00:00 +0200

Purpose: The aim of this work was to: 1) measure the energy cost of front crawl swimming at various speeds (range .8 -1.8
m·s-1 in elite and medium level swimmers; in addition, 2) estimate the maximal aerobic power and maximal anaerobic
capacity from the relationship between overall energy spent and individual best times over distances from 50m to 1500m in
one elite athlete. It will also be shown, that 3) the so obtained values are rather close to the actually measured ones.
Methods: Oxygen consumption was measured on 13 medium level and 5 elite swimmers (best time over 100m, 51.50±3.54s),
swimming the front crawl in a 25m indoor pool in the speed range .8-1.8 m·s-1. So, the energy cost of front crawl (Csw) could
be calculated.
Results: In both groups Csw increased with the speed as a second order polynomial. In the elite group it was ≈ 17 to ≈ 34 %
smaller than in medium level swimmers, (P= .005). Knowledge of Csw allowed us to estimate the overall energy expenditure
(Etot) during actual competitions as a function of the corresponding performance time (tr) in one elite swimmer. The results
show that (Etot) increased linearly with tr. For tr ≥ 100s the slope and y intercept of the resulting linear regressions yield
V̇ O2max and maximal anaerobic capacity, respectively. These turned out to be close to the directly determined values.
Conclusions: If the energy cost of swimming as a function of the speed is known, this approach yields reasonable estimates
of the swimmers’ maximal oxygen consumption and maximal anaerobic capacity.

Running time during Mostar half-marathon in men and women aged 19 to 75 years old

Franjo Lovrić, Martina Rezić, Jerko Leko — Wed, 09 Apr 2025 00:00:00 +0200

Purpose: The main purpose of the study was to establish gender- and age-specific normative data for half-marathon running
time among the Mostar half-marathon finishers in 2024.
Methods: For this observational study, we used the data from the recreational 285 half-marathon finishers (195 men and
90 women, 31.6% women) categorized into five years groups: 19-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59 and 60-69 yrs. Running time
was presented in minutes (min). Main effects for gender, age and the interaction term for gender x age were calculated by
univariate analysis of variance (ANOVA) with Bonferroni post hoc corrections.
Results: The average running time was somewhat under 2 hours (1h58’40’’). Gender-related differences showed that men
outperformed women in running time by approximately 21 minutes (ηp2 = .11, P< .05). There were no significant age-related
differences for aging categories (ηp2 = .02, P= .203). Gender × age interactions did not show significant main effects for
running time (ηp2 = .03, P= .091).
Conclusions: This study shows that gender differences in running time are more pronounced and in favor to men, opposed
to age.

The Incidence of injuries in judo and the potential preventive interventions: A Systematic Review

Karol Jaskulski, Bartosz, Hugo Wysoczanski, Jakub Urbański, Piotr Klimowicz — Tue, 08 Apr 2025 00:00:00 +0200

Purpose: This systematic review aims to determine the incidence of judo-related injuries among judokas and identify
available preventive interventions.
Methodology: A comprehensive literature search was conducted across three electronic databases to identify articles
relevant to the topic: PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science and Science Direct. All the articles that met our inclusion criteria were
included in the systematic review.
Results: The electronic search yielded 740 articles, of which only 15 met the inclusion criteria and were included in the
systematic review. Across the studies, the incidence of judo-related injuries was 15.79 to 71.43 injuries per 1000 athletic
events (AEs). The upper and lower extremities were the most injured body parts. The trunk and the head were the body
parts that were the least injured among the judokas. Regarding injury type, the most common injuries across the studies
were sprains and strains, fractures and contusions.
Conclusions: Our results indicate that the incidence of judo-related injuries is relatively lower than that of other combat
sports, such as mixed martial arts (MMA). However, there are inconsistencies in reporting these injuries across the different
studies. Future studies should, therefore, adopt a standardized method of reporting outcomes to enable the pooling of results.
Lastly, research on the development of injury-preventive interventions in judo remains limited. Consequently, further studies
are needed to evaluate and validate various approaches to injury prevention.