Health and Physical Education Commons^™

Core Stability Training And Sports Performance: A Bibliometric Mapping (2000–2025), Mimi Guo, Muhamad Hafiz Bin Ismail, Diyana Z. Abdul Ghani, Qi Liang, Yifei Gao

Baltic Journal of Health and Physical Activity

Background: Core stability training has become an important topic in sports science because of its proposed role in athletic performance enhancement, injury prevention, and neuromuscular control. This study aimed to map the knowledge structure, research trends, and collaboration patterns in this field. Materials and Methods: A bibliometric analysis was conducted using the Web of Science Core Collection. Articles and reviews published between 2000 and 2025 were screened according to predefined eligibility criteria. A total of 559 publications were included and analyzed using Bibliometrix and Biblioshiny. Results: Scientific output increased markedly over time, particularly after 2020. The USA and China were …

Effects Of Eight-Week High Interval Training On The Distance Covered During Small-Sided Games Versus League Match In Youth Soccer Players, Dorota Lewandowska, Zbigniew Jastrzebski

Baltic Journal of Health and Physical Activity

Background: The aim of the study was to demonstrate the effectiveness of an 8-week high-intensity interval training (HIIT) program on the distance covered by young soccer players during small-sided games (SSG) and a league match. Materials and Methods: The study involved 39 players aged 17–18 years old, divided into two groups, each performing SSG on a pitch with a surface of 90 m² per player (G-90, n = 19) and 180 m² per player (G-180, n = 20). Players (5 × 5) in both groups completed four games, once a week on Tuesdays. Each game lasted 5 minutes with a …

Effects Of Hydrogen-Infused Water On Endurance Performance, Body Hydration Biomarkers, And Health-Related Quality Of Life In Collegiate Athletes (Hydro2eau): A Randomized-Controlled Clinical Trial, Jovan Kuzmanovic, Nikola Todorovic, Marijana Ranisavljev, David Nedeljkovic, Sergej M. Ostojic

Baltic Journal of Health and Physical Activity

Background: Hydrogen-infused water (HIW) has attracted considerable interest over the past two decades due to its potential health benefits. However, its effects on exercise performance and hydration biomarkers remain inadequately explored, particularly in physically active populations such as collegiate athletes. This study aimed to investigate the impact of medium-term HIW supplementation on running performance, hydration biomarkers, and health-related quality of life in collegiate athletes. Methods: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, crossover trial was conducted with twelve collegiate athletes (age: 25.1 ± 3.5 years, six female). Participants consumed 660 mL daily of either HIW (300 µmol/L dihydrogen) or control water (0 µmol/L …

But Mommy, I Can See!, Paul B. Freeman Od

Optometric Clinical Practice

Book Review: Slotnick S, But MOMMY, I can SEE! Illustrations Daniel W. Miller, Newman Springs; 2024. 76 pages, Paperback, $20.95, ISBN: 979-8-88763-556-9, Hardcover, $32.95, ISBN: 979-8-89617-040-2, eBook, $9.99, ISBN: 979-8-88763-557-6

Collective High-Intensity Physical Load And Team Performance In The Fifa U-20 World Cup Chile: Match-By-Match Analysis Of Finalists, Khalid El Mouahid, Salim Khairi, Paweł Chmura, Amine Arfaoui

Baltic Journal of Health and Physical Activity

Background: This study aimed to compare the physical and technical-tactical performance profiles of the two finalist teams (Argentina and Morocco) at the FIFA U-20 World Cup 2025 and to examine the relationships between individual physical loads and collective match performance. Materials and Methods: An observational comparative design was applied using official FIFA match reports. Seven matches per team were analyzed. Physical variables included total distance, distances covered in speed zones (Z3–Z5), high-speed running, sprint distance, and maximal speed, while technical-tactical variables described offensive, defensive, and collective behaviors. Between-team comparisons and correlation analyses were conducted using appropriate parametric and non-parametric procedures. …

Benign Jaw Bone Lesions In Athletes Exposed To Craniofacial Trauma: Surgical Treatment And Bone Regeneration Using Biphasic Calcium Sulfate, Damian M. Dudek, Agata Chwarścianek, Izabela Pabin, Łukasz Jaworski, Oliwia Warmusz, Grzegorz Wyrobiec, Ewa Kłodzińska

Baltic Journal of Health and Physical Activity

Benign cystic and tumor lesions of the jaw bones represent relatively frequent pathological conditions encountered in oral and maxillofacial surgery. Although these lesions are often asymptomatic and slow-growing, they may lead to progressive weakening of bone structure. In individuals exposed to repetitive mechanical forces, such as athletes participating in contact sports, the presence of such lesions may significantly increase the risk of pathological fractures of the facial skeleton. The aim of the present study was to present a clinical case series of a benign jaw bone lesion treated surgically using a biphasic calcium sulfate biomaterial and to discuss the potential …

Selected Determinants Of The Health Quality Of The Diet Of Women Practicing Aerobic Sports, Maria Gacek, Paulina Mazur-Kurach

Baltic Journal of Health and Physical Activity

Background: In the context of the importance of nutrition for health and exercise capacity, this study was conducted to assess selected determinants of the health quality of the diet of female athletes training in one of the gymnastics disciplines—aerobic gymnastics. Materials and methods: The study was conducted among 112 women aged 19 to 30 using several research tools, including the Beliefs and Eating Habits Questionnaire KomPAN, the Generalised Self-Efficacy Scale (GSES), and the Satisfaction with Life Scale (SWLS). Statistical analyses were performed using Spearman's correlation coefficients, at a significance level of α = 0.05. Results: The median score for the …

Exploring The Contextual Relationships Between Match Day Load And Recovery Biomarkers In Professional Soccer Players, Carina Hanson-Evans, Ryland Morgans, Rafael Oliveira, Jule Scholten, Roi Gil, Ben Ryan, Jon Oliver, Piotr Żmijewski, Michael G. Hughes

Baltic Journal of Health and Physical Activity

Background: This study examined the relationship between match-day (MD) load and contextual factors on recovery biomarkers in professional soccer players across the 2024/2025 competitive season. Materials and Methods: Twenty-six male professional soccer players provided blood samples following 38 competitive matches. High-sensitivity C-Reactive Protein (hs-CRP), Free-Oxygen Radicals Test (FORT), Free-Oxygen Radicals Defence Test (FORD) and Oxidative Stress Index (OSI) were analyzed. Physical MD load was measured via a Global Positioning System (GPS). Results: Differences in High-Load vs Low-Load matches did not significantly influence post-match levels of hs-CRP, FORD, FORT or OSI. Increased high-intensity running and elevated inflammation, with non-significant moderate-to-large effects …

Elite Esports Players And Their Physical Health: A Systematic Review Of Injuries, Musculoskeletal Pain, And Fitness-Related Factors, Michal Steffl, Daniel Opelik, Vladimir Hlinka, Grzegorz Mikrut, Petra Hospodkova

Baltic Journal of Health and Physical Activity

Background: The rapid rise of competitive esports has sparked concerns over the physical health of elite players. Prolonged sedentary behaviour, repetitive movements, and poor ergonomic practices may predispose these athletes to injuries, musculoskeletal pain, and unfavourable body composition. Materials and methods: A systematic review following PRISMA guidelines was conducted by searching Pub-Med, Scopus, EBSCOhost, and Web of Science for cross-sectional studies on physical activity (PA), body composition, physical fitness, and musculoskeletal health in elite esports players. Data from 22 peer-reviewed studies involving 5,035 participants aged 16 to 35 were synthesized. Results: Findings consistently show that esports players engage in lower …

Beyond Electromyography: A Systematic Review And Meta-Analysis Of Ai Enabled Wearables For Neuromuscular Assessment In Sports Medicine And Rehabilitation, Dariusz T. Skalski, Michał Spieszny, Łukasz Jaworski, Marcin Żak, Artur Terbalyan, Marlena Stawiarska, Wirginia Likus, Adam Maszczyk

Baltic Journal of Health and Physical Activity

Background: Conventional laboratory based EMG systems constrain neuromuscular assessment to controlled environments, limiting ecological validity in sport and rehabilitation. While AI enabled wearable sensor systems, including surface EMG (sEMG), high density EMG (HD-EMG), inertial measurement units (IMUs), and multimodal configurations, have expanded ambulatory monitoring capabilities, no prior meta-analysis has quantitatively synthesized their agreement with laboratory grade comparators or examined the moderating roles of sensor class and task domain. Objective: To determine the overall agreement between AI enabled wearable neuromuscular systems and laboratory benchmarks; to examine sensor class and task domain as moderators of measurement fidelity; to evaluate multimodal gain over …

Eeg-Emg Coupling And Functional Neuroplasticity In Elite Combat Athletes: Effects Of Neurofeedback Training On Corticomuscular Coherence And Performance, Alicja Markiel, Kinga Łosińska, Marcin Żak, Adam Maszczyk

Baltic Journal of Health and Physical Activity

Background: Neurofeedback training has gained attention as a neuroplasticity based intervention for athletic performance, yet pathways linking cortical oscillatory modulation to neuromuscular adaptation and strength remain poorly characterized in elite combat athletes. Objective: This study examines whether EEG neurofeedback targeting sensorimotor alpha upregulation and frontal theta/delta modulation enhances cortico-muscular coherence, neuromuscular function, and maximal strength in elite MMA athletes. Methods: Thirty elite male MMA athletes (n = 10/arm) were randomized to intensive neurofeedback (E20G, 20 sessions), abbreviated neurofeedback (E15G, 15 sessions), or sham control. EEG spectral indices, EMG parameters (RMS, MF, iEMG, onset latency), beta band CMC, and maximal strength …

The Impact Of A Board Preparatory Platform On First-Time National Physical Therapy Examination Pass Rates, Shuying Lin, Melanie Lauderdale, Alyssa Bradford, Michael Brown, Kimberly Holt, Madelaine Palen, April Coward, Evan Warnick

Internet Journal of Allied Health Sciences and Practice

Purpose: Performance on the National Physical Therapy Examination (NPTE) is a key indicator of academic quality in Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) programs. Although commercial board preparation tools are widely available, evidence of their effectiveness remains limited. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of integrating TrueLearn (TL), a board-preparatory platform, into a DPT curriculum and to examine additional predictors of first-time success on NPTE. Methods: This retrospective cohort study included 270 graduates from the University of Mississippi Medical Center DPT program (Classes of 2020–2025). Students in the Classes of 2024 and 2025 (n = 84) were exposed to TL, …

Understanding Oral Habits And Malocclusion In School-Aged Children: Insights From Parental And Child Knowledge, Attitudes, And Practices, Maria Laurentia Sanjaya, Evan Raditya Pratomo, Markus Santoso, Agrippine Putricia Asaeli, Eveline Yulia Darmadi, Joy Janny Thenarianto, Jennifer Regina Putri Purwono, Eunike Jacquelyn Widarto

Kesmas

Malocclusion is a prevalent oral health problem in children associated with oral bad habits, yet the extent to which parental and child knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) influence orthodontic status remains insufficiently understood. This cross-sectional study investigated relationships between parental and child KAP, oral habits, and malocclusion in school-aged children, involving 67 child–parent pairs from an elementary school in Surabaya, Indonesia. Parental and child KAP as well as child-reported oral habits were assessed using a validated questionnaire. Children subsequently underwent standardized clinical orthodontic examinations, including alginate jaw impressions to produce dental study models, which were evaluated using the Index of …

What Do Children Think About Bouncy Bands: A Mixed Methods Examination Of Bouncy Bands' Influence On Attention And Physical Activity, Ken Murfay, Sarah Collins

International Journal of Physical Activity and Health

Purpose: To examine how bouncy bands put onto elementary students’ classroom desks influenced students’ physical activity and attention/concentration, in addition to exploring students’/teachers’ opinions of the bands. Methods: Students within both experimental and control groups wore pedometers to assess movement during instruction and completed the d2 test for attention. Results: The group with bouncy bands on the desks had significantly more movement compared to the control group. For d2 scores, there was no significant difference between the two groups, nor was there a significant linear relationship between movement and d2 scores. Interviews were conducted with the students in the experimental …

Utilization Of An Open-Access Markerless Motion Analysis Software For A Biomechanics Movement Analysis Project., Tamra L. Llewellyn, Michael J. Nolan

Educational Practices in Kinesiology

The movement analysis project (MAP) is a common assignment in many undergraduate biomechanics courses. The purpose of this article is to introduce kinesiology educators to an open-source, AI-enabled, markerless software for motion capture, OpenCap, which can be used in MAP and research. This tool is currently being used in an in-person, upper-level, undergraduate biomechanics course where students are required to have taken Anatomy & Physiology. There is very little time, money, or expertise needed to implement this resource. Using 2 iPads on tripods and the OpenCap app and web-based interface, movements can be quickly converted to skeleton visualization and joint …

Comparative Analysis Of Artificial Intelligence (Ai) Implications For Active Learning And Assessment At Various Curricular Levels Of Stem And Health Sciences In Developed Versus Underprivileged Countries, Vinay Munlapudi, Santanu De

FDLA Journal

Today’s all-pervasive emergence of artificial intelligence (AI) necessitates a comprehensive evaluation of its role in education, especially for occupational disciplines in health sciences and STEM. AI has reshaped student learning and instructors’ navigation of the evolving, post coronavirus infectious disease (COVID-19) global academic landscape. This study aimed at encapsulating evidence-based AI implications for student-centered, active learning and assessment at various curricular levels of science, technology, engineering, mathematics (STEM) and health sciences education in developed versus underprivileged or less developed countries. An extensive, scoping review of 65 recent, scholarly publications was conducted over six months through diverse search engines (PubMed, Google …

The Use Of A Sepsis Escape Room Simulation To Enhance Undergraduate Nursing Student's Clinical Judgment, Alaina Peterson

Dissertations

Background: Less than 10% of new graduate registered nurses meet practice-ready expectations for clinical judgment competencies, and 52% of critical care nurses are unable to adequately define sepsis. Traditional clinical rotations offer inconsistent exposure to high-acuity, low-frequency events such as sepsis, leaving new graduates unprepared for independent practice. Escape room simulations use the proven effectiveness of high-fidelity simulations with gamification to develop clinical judgment through active learning, teamwork and problem-solving.

Objective: The purpose of this project was to determine the effectiveness of a sepsis escape room simulation to improve perceived clinical judgment skills of undergraduate nursing students. The intervention was …

The Effect Of Part-Time Vs Full-Time Integrated Clinical Education On Student Physical Therapists’ Self-Efficacy And Clinical Reasoning, William J. Buchala

Student Dissertations

Integrated clinical education (ICE) varies across Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) programs, particularly in the use of part-time and full-time clinical experiences. Limited research has examined relationships between ICE structure, self-efficacy, and clinical reasoning. The purpose of this quantitative ex post facto study was to examine relationships between part-time and full-time ICE models and self-efficacy and self-assessed clinical reasoning in DPT students. Survey responses were collected from DPT students who had participated in ICE experiences. Self-efficacy was measured using the Physical Therapist Self-Efficacy Scale, and self-assessed clinical reasoning was measured using the Self-Assessment of Clinical Reflection and Reasoning Scale. Independent-samples …

Evaluating Students' Experience In Applying Model Of Human Occupation In Acute-Care Settings Through Actor-Based Case Simulations, Tiffany T. Lin, Homa Zahedi

The Open Journal of Occupational Therapy

Occupational therapists in hospital settings play a critical role in facilitating rehabilitation and promoting safe discharge, thereby reducing hospital readmissions and preventing hospital-acquired injuries, such as deep vein thrombosis and falls. Despite the benefits of occupation-based interventions, novice therapists often revert to an impairment-focused approach because of difficulties in applying occupation-centered models. The Model of Human Occupation (MOHO) offers a framework to support occupation-based practice, yet students and early-career therapists frequently encounter challenges in translating theoretical models into clinical application.

This study aims to examine occupational therapy students’ experiences with actor-based case simulation sessions designed to enhance confidence and application …

Fostering Active Learning In Reproductive Health Classes Among Undergraduates Of A Nigerian Public University: The Role Of Cognitive Restructuring Health Education, Ndubuisi Friday Ugwu, Adewumi Segun Igbinlade, Adijat Bolanle Adams, Uchenna Anselm Anibueze, Gabriel Aderibigbe Oyegbami, Chinyere Chrysantus Onwurah, Sabina Nwakaego Igwilo, Olufemi M. Olubamise, Folasade Adediran, Oladipo Adeyeye Olubodun Phd, Jacob Kehinde Opele, Loveth Nnenna Ugwu, Amos Olorunwa Agbojo

Higher Learning Research Communications

Objective: This study examined the efficacy of the cognitive restructuring health education (CRHE) intervention in improving participatory learning in sexual and reproductive health classes among students at a Nigerian public university.

Methods: The study employed a randomized pretest/posttest control group design involving 130 undergraduates from Federal University Oye-Ekiti, Nigeria. Participants were randomly assigned to either a 2-week intensive health education–based cognitive restructuring program (n = 65) or a waitlist control group (n = 65). Interaction behavior was assessed at pretreatment, at post-treatment, and at a 6-week follow-up using the 14-item Interaction Behavior Checklist (reliability = 0.85). …

Peer-Peer Mentoring In Undergraduate Medical Education (Ume): Scoping Review Of Us-Based Medical Schools, Sakshi Sehgal, Jordon Brinkley, Andrea Kadima, Sydney Wright, Nicole Winston Ms, Pharmd, Edd

Journal of the Georgia Public Health Association

Background: Mentorship plays a formative role in undergraduate medical education (UME) From shaping professional outcomes to developing longitudinal personal relationships, various forms of mentorship can influence student progress meaningfully, particularly for students from underrepresented or marginalized backgrounds. Though faculty-student mentorship has been readily investigated, limited knowledge exists regarding peer-peer mentorship structures, particularly within UME in the American medical education model. This scoping review sought to investigate existing peer-peer mentorship models, as well as report on the need for further mentorship within this realm in UME.

Methods: This scoping review employed Arksey and O’Malley’s framework. We conducted a systematic and comprehensive …

Exercise-Induced Gene Expression Profiles In Adults With Obesity: A Systematic Review Of Molecular Adaptation, Brandon Galvan, Luis Alberto Flores, Flor Isela Torres-Rojo, Natanael Cervantes-Hernández, Cinthia Verónica Villegas-Balderrama, Liliana Aracely Enríquez-Del-Castillo

Baltic Journal of Health and Physical Activity

Background: Obesity is a multifactorial and chronic condition characterized by excess adiposity and systemic low-grade inflammation. Exercise exerts metabolic and anti-inflammatory effects partly mediated through gene expression modulation in skeletal muscle and adipose tissue. However, heterogeneous responses among obese individuals suggest that genetic and epigenetic mechanisms shape exercise adaptation. Objective: This systematic review aimed to identify the genes and molecular pathways modulated by physical exercise in adults with obesity, and to classify them according to their biological functions across different exercise modalities. Methods: Following PRISMA guidelines, randomized controlled trials were searched in PubMed, SpringerLink, Science Direct, Cochrane, LILACS, Web of …

The Effects Of Ballistic Resistance Training On Upper-Limb Power And Reaction Time In Youth Épée Fencers, Mahmoud Sallam, Mazin Hasan Alhasany, Hachin Chani, Ghofran Bashir, Bushra Al-Hammashi, Gaffar Saad, Hussein Hashos, Amr Hamza, Mariola Gepfert

Baltic Journal of Health and Physical Activity

Background: Explosive power and rapid reaction time are crucial in fencing. Ballistic resistance training (BRT) may improve these qualities but is rarely applied in fencing. Materials and methods: To assess the effects of an eight-week BRT program on upper-limb power and reaction time in youth Egyptian épée fencers, nineteen male fencers (aged 16.6 ± 1.5) were randomly divided into a BRT group (n = 10) and a control group (n = 9). The BRT group added three weekly 30-minute sessions of "Ballistic Six" exercises to regular fencing training. Tests before and after included: tennis ball throw (power), armed …

Are Combat Athletes Different Sleepers? A Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index-Based Comparative Survey Across Athletic Populations, Zofia Tkocz, Małgorzata Hołda Dr, Michał Spieszny, Adam Zając, Robert Trybulski, Aleksandra Filip-Stachnik

Baltic Journal of Health and Physical Activity

Background: Sleep plays an important role in athletic performance, recovery, and cognitive function. The aim of this study was to compare sleep quality and selected sleep-related  variables in combat sports athletes and athletes from other sport disciplines . Materials and Methods: Ninety-eight competitive athletes participated in the study, including 52 combat sports athletes and 46 athletes  representing other sport disciplines. Sleep quality was assessed using the modified Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) with a weekly recall period, global PSQI score and additional  variables, such as sleep duration, sleep latency, and habitual sleep-wake times, were analyzed using general linear models adjusted …

Microelement Deficiencies In Perimenopausal Women And Their Impact On Metabolic And Physical Performance: Potential Applications Of Vis–Nir Tissue Spectrophotometry And The So/Check Platform, Izabela Pabin, Damian M. Dudek, Łukasz Jaworski, Ewa Maria Kłodzińska

Baltic Journal of Health and Physical Activity

Background: The perimenopausal period, typically occurring between the ages of 40 and 55 years, represents a critical transitional stage in women’s physiology characterized by profound hormonal, metabolic, and systemic adaptations. While the endocrine aspects of this transition have been extensively investigated, increasing attention has recently been directed toward the role of micronutrient homeostasis in maintaining metabolic health and physical performance during this period. Therefore, the aim of this narrative review is to summarize current knowledge regarding microelement deficiencies in perimenopausal women and their potential impact on metabolic health and physical performance. Additionally, the review discusses the potential applications of VIS–NIR …

Objectively And Subjectively Measured Physical Activity Levels Among Children And Adolescents In Poland (2012–2022): A Systematic Review, Jarosław Herbert, Vasylyna Petrovets

Baltic Journal of Health and Physical Activity

This article aims to provide a comprehensive review of research on physical activity levels among children and adolescents in Poland from 2012 to 2022, considering both objective and subjective assessment methods. A systematic review of the literature was conducted in accordance with the PRISMA reporting recommendations. PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Google Scholar databases, as well as Polish scientific databases were searched. The review included studies published from 2012 to 2022, on children and adolescents aged 3–18 living in Poland, assessing physical activity levels using objective and/or subjective methods. This analysis of the selected studies showed that physical activity levels …

Influence Of Peak Height Velocity On The Level Of Motor Skills And Anthropometric Features In Young Male Footballers, Dariusz Tadeusz Skalski, Magdalena Prończuk, Artur Terbalyan, Kinga Łosińska, Adam Maszczyk, Robert Krzysztof Roczniok

Baltic Journal of Health and Physical Activity

Background: This study examines the influence of Peak Height Velocity (PHV) on motor abilities and anthropometric characteristics of young male football players aged 12–16. The research aimed to determine whether PHV significantly affects motor performance beyond the chronological age, providing insights for talent identification and training optimization. Materials and methods: A total of 248 male football players from four professional academies were assessed and categorized into three maturation groups: Pre-PHV (n = 95, 38.3%), Mid-PHV (n = 98, 39.5%), and Post-PHV (n = 55, 22.2%) Anthropometric measurements included height, body mass, BMI, and leg length, while motor tests …

The Readiness Reset: Sleep, Stress, And Pain Management For Tactical Performance, Lauren Fried

Tactical & Occupational Performance Conference

Tactical professionals operate in high-demand environments where sleep disruption, chronic stress, and persistent pain are often normalized, but these factors significantly affect readiness, resilience, and long-term performance. This session explores how sleep, stress, and pain interact at the physiological and neurological levels to influence decision-making, recovery, injury risk, and operational effectiveness in first responders and military personnel.

Participants will gain a deeper understanding of how nervous system regulation, circadian rhythms, and pain perception affect both physical and cognitive performance under stress. Drawing on current research and applied human performance principles, this session highlights practical, field-applicable strategies that tactical professionals and …

The Effect Of Weight Training With Blood Flow Restriction On Muscle Strength Development In Mma, Tomáš Kozák, Marek Kokinda, Pavel Ružbarský

Baltic Journal of Health and Physical Activity

Background: This study aimed to elucidate the effect of weight training with blood flow restriction (BFR) on explosive power and isokinetic strength in combat athletes. Materials and methods: The sample included 12 male MMA fighters divided into a control (19.50±0.50 years) and an experimental (18.00±1.00 years) group. Participants trained twice weekly for 8 weeks, with BFR in the experimental group. Explosive power was assessed using following tests by Optogait: countermovement push-up, kneeling countermovement push-up and kneeling squat push-up for upper limbs and countermovement jump, countermovement jump with free arms and squat jump for lower limbs. Isokinetic strength was measured by …

Granular Phenotyping Of Neuromuscular And Cortical Adaptation In Elite Judo Athletes: A Three-Group Experimental Analysis Using Eeg And Emg Markers, Magdalena Prończuk, Dariusz Tadeusz Skalski, Wirginia Likus, Łukasz Jaworski, Adam Maszczyk, Kinga Łosińska

Baltic Journal of Health and Physical Activity

Background: Inter-individual variability in neuromuscular and cortical adaptation presents a significant challenge for the personalization of neurofeedback protocols in elite sports, particularly in judo. Objective: This study aimed to identify distinct adaptation phenotypes in elite Polish judo athletes by integrating electrophysiological and performance-based measures following an EEG biofeedback intervention. Materials and methods: Twenty-four male athletes from the Polish national judo team completed a 15-session EEG biofeedback protocol targeting frontal alpha asymmetry. Post-intervention assessments included surface EMG amplitude (RMS), median frequency (MF), percentage EMG change, composite EEG indices (EEG_SUM), and normalized lower-limb strength. A composite Global Adaptation Index (GAI) was used …