Sports Sciences 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 …

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 …

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 …

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 …

Pengaruh Rehabilitasi Berbantuan Robot Terhadap Pemulihan Fungsional Setelah Total Hip Arthroplasty: Literature Review, Dian Rahayu Wijayanti, Kholida Nabila, Nadzifa Salsabila Haris Putri, Nur Afrina Azra, Septina Olivia, Farid Rahman

Jurnal Fisioterapi Terapan Indonesia

Total Hip Arthroplasty (THA) remains a gold standard for restoring joint function in patients with severe hip osteoarthritis, yet achieving optimal functional recovery post-surgery remains a challenge. Robot-assisted rehabilitation (RAR) has emerged as a novel physiotherapy modality offering structured, repetitive, and sensor-driven training that may enhance recovery trajectories. Objective: This literature review aims to identify and synthesise current evidence on the effectiveness of RAR in improving functional outcomes after THA, focusing on gait performance, muscle strength, balance, and quality of life. Methods: A comprehensive search of PubMed, PEDro, ScienceDirect and Google Scholar was conducted for peer-reviewed articles published between 2015 …

Community-Based Exercise Programs Dalam Mengurangi Fear Of Falling Dan Meningkatkan Quality Of Life Pada Lansia: A Systematic Literature Review, Amirah Hasna Rafifah -, Hanif Maulana, Saffanah

Jurnal Fisioterapi Terapan Indonesia

The global increase in the elderly population presents significant challenges in maintaining independence and quality of life among older adults. One of the most common problems experienced by the elderly is fear of falling, which negatively affects physical activity, balance, and psychological well-being. Community-based exercise programs represent an approach that not only improves physical function but also strengthens social interaction and self-confidence among older adults. This study aims to review community-based exercise programs in reducing fear of falling and improving quality of life among the elderly through a Systematic Literature Review (SLR) using the PRISMA 2020 guidelines. The literature …

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 …

Proceedings Of The 25th International Symposium On Adapted Physical Activity: Easy Read Edition Of The Symposium Proceedings, Catherine Carty, Niamh Cronin, Ian Coleman Horgan, Stuart Dodd, Jack Dowling, Lydia Murphy, Alex Nicholls, Yann O'Carroll, Robbie O'Neill, Meabh Rohan, Brandon Rumian, Diarmuid O'Connor, Eamonn Carroll, Gerard O'Carroll, Jasmin Richter, Mary Shanahan, Aaron Doherty, Sasha Fitzgerald, Katie Lyons, Katie Mahoney, Afeefah Memon, Conor Moriarty, Adrian O'Sullivan, Dylan Shine, Michelle Enright, Phil Mcsweeney, Sophie Casey

Publications

This book is the Easy Read Proceedings of the 25th International Symposium of Adapted Physical Activity (ISAPA 2025), hosted by Munster Technological University under the Patronage of UNESCO. A small number of printed books are available in MTU libraries, and there is a digital version available online on the South West Open Research Deposit.

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 …

Evolution Lower Limb Functional Asymmetry In Women's 400 M Hurdles From 1978-2022, Janusz Iskra, Wojciech Paśko, Paweł Gwiazdoń, Magdalena Chanas, Krzysztof Przednowek

Baltic Journal of Health and Physical Activity

Background: Functional asymmetry of the lower limbs in the technique of clearing 10 hurdles in the 400 m hurdles event was the subject of the study. Materials and methods: This study investigates the patterns of hurdle clearance, distinguishing between left and right lead legs by 196 female hurdlers competing in major championship events (including Olympic Games, World Championships, European Championships) from 1978 to 2022. The hurdlers were categorized into three groups based on competition periods: Group A (1978–2000), Group B (2001–2011), and Group C (2012–2022). The share of the left lead leg (assumed by most authors to be the lead …

Remote Hr-Guided High-Intensity Interval Training With Weekly Health Monitoring In Breast Cancer Patients During Chemotherapy: A Moderation Analysis Of Physiological Predictors, Madara Ketlīna Štarka-Rantiņa, Rudolfs Ceseiko, Martins Campa, Maksims Zolovs, Greta Franceska Jermolenko, Kristaps Eglitis, Alicia Llorente, Aija Linē, Aija Klavina

Baltic Journal of Health and Physical Activity

Background: The study aimed to investigate the effects of a six-month remotely monitored heart rate – guided high-intensity interval training (HIIT) program on aerobic capacity, functional performance, and weekly self-reported health outcomes in women with stage II–III breast cancer undergoing neoadjuvant chemotherapy. Materials and methods: Fifty-six women (mean age 47 ± 8 years) were randomly assigned (1:1) to a HIIT group or a control group (CG). Thirty-five participants were included in analyses (HIIT group = 17; CG = 18). HIIT group performed 4 × 4-minute HIIT sessions at the intensity of 85–95% of the peak heart rate, two to three …

Effects Of A 10-Day Remote Ischemic Preconditioning Protocol On Anaerobic And Aerobic Performance And Post-Exercise Cytokine Responses, Paulina Brzezińska, Jan Mieszkowski, Madalena Kochanowicz, Andżelika Borkowska, Jędrzej Antosiewicz, Andrzej Kochanowicz

Baltic Journal of Health and Physical Activity

Background: Remote ischemic preconditioning (RIPC) consists of brief cycles of limb is-chemia and reperfusion and has been proposed as an ergogenic strategy. This study examined whether a 10-day lower-limb RIPC protocol affects anaerobic and aerobic performance and post-exercise cytokine responses in physically active men. Materials and methods: Sixty healthy, physically active men were assigned to anaerobic (Wingate Anaerobic Test (WAnT), n = 29) or aerobic (Bruce treadmill test (BTT), n = 28) protocols and completed a 10-day lower-limb RIPC (220 mmHg) or SHAM (20 mmHg) intervention. Serum IL-6, IL-10, and IL-15 were measured at baseline and immediately post-exercise before and …

Comparing Injury Incidence Between Major League Soccer And The English Premier League During The 2024/2025 Season: A Retrospective Cohort Study, William Gadbois, Youssef Salama, Kevin Reck, Scott Mohamed El-Sayed Yaekle

Medical Student Research Symposium

Background

Major League Soccer (MLS) and the English Premier League (EPL) differ substantially in geographic footprint, travel requirements, competition structure, and scheduling. These structural differences may influence player injury risk, yet no study has directly compared injury incidence between the two leagues within the same competitive season. In 2024, MLS introduced a centralized, standardized injury-reporting system that improved transparency and created a unique opportunity for direct comparison with the EPL.

Methods

This retrospective cohort study will analyze all reported time-loss injuries during the 2024 MLS and 2024–25 EPL seasons. Injury data will be collected from publicly available league reports, club …

Quadriceps Tendon Versus Patellar Tendon Autograft For Primary Acl Reconstruction: A Matched-Pairs Analysis At 3, 6, And 9 Months, Grant Gueller, Steven Higbie, Walter Lowe

Summer Research Program Abstracts

No abstract provided.

Turf Toe And Sesamoid Fracture Case Study, Mason Cannon

Journal of Sports Medicine and Allied Health Sciences: Official Journal of the Ohio Athletic Trainers Association

OBJECTIVE This case presents the evaluation and management of a 15-year-old male multi-sport high school athlete. The athlete initially sustained a turf toe injury that progressed into a sesamoid fracture. This report showcases the clinical findings, treatment progression, and outcomes within a disablement model framework.

Prevalence Of Low Energy Availability (Lea) Risk In Division Iii Female Distance Athletes, Ciara Murphy

Journal of Sports Medicine and Allied Health Sciences: Official Journal of the Ohio Athletic Trainers Association

OBJECTIVE The objective of this study was to explore the prevalence of LEA among division III female distance athletes.

The Effectiveness Of An Educational Program On Young Swimmers Water Consumption And Dry Land Exercises, Maria Thibodeaux, Shelby Bay, Maddie Hoyt, Elizabeth Starns, Elizabeth Nix

Journal of Sports Medicine and Allied Health Sciences: Official Journal of the Ohio Athletic Trainers Association

OBJECTIVE/CONTEXT Although shown to improve performance, many young swimmers are reluctant to participate in dry land exercises.¹ They are also more likely to become dehydrated than their non-swimming counterparts, suggesting they are not adequately hydrating during activity and throughout their day.² Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the impact of a four-week educational program on dry land exercises and water consumption.

From Focal Chondral Defect To Matrix-Induced Autologous Chondrocyte Implantation In An Active Adult: A Case Study, Zoey Scott

Journal of Sports Medicine and Allied Health Sciences: Official Journal of the Ohio Athletic Trainers Association

OBJECTIVE Present a clinical case detailing the undetermined consequential factors associated with FCD progression  in athletic populations, and the subsequent challenges.

Post-Surgical Dislocations: A Latarjet Procedure, Brianagh Dean, Kimberly S. Peer

Journal of Sports Medicine and Allied Health Sciences: Official Journal of the Ohio Athletic Trainers Association

BACKGROUND The glenohumeral joint is the most frequently dislocated joint in the body, with an incidence rate of 40.4 per 100,000 in men and 15.5 per 100,000 women. Recurrence rates following a first-time anterior shoulder dislocation range from 33-40%, particularly among adolescent collision-sport athletes. Arthroscopic Bankart repair is performed to address anterior instability, however recurrent instability may occur in the presence of glenoid bone loss. The Latarjet surgery is indicated in cases of recurrent anterior instability with significant bony deficiency, functioning through a triple-blocking mechanism increasing glenoid surface area via coracoid transfer, creating a dynamic sling effect from the conjoined …

Oral Contraceptives Rate Of Reduction On Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injuries In Females: A Critically Appraised Topic, Paige Trent, Sara Stiltner

Journal of Sports Medicine and Allied Health Sciences: Official Journal of the Ohio Athletic Trainers Association

CLINICAL SCENARIO Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries occur more frequently in females than males, with estimates suggesting a 2-10 greater likelihood of females to sustain this trauma.3 FIFA issued a recent call to action encouraging further investigation into why females are still predisposed to this trauma.2 ACL incident rate is highest amongst females between 14–18-years-old with approximately 227.6 exposures per 100,000 persons per year.1 Multifactorial influences are suggested as predisposing risk factors including anatomical or hormonal components.1 Growing interest in hormonal contributions has led researchers to examine how fluctuations in estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone impact ligamentous integrity.8

Estrogen receptors are …

Case Report: Chronic Peroneal Subluxation, Natalie Weissman, Morgan Cooper Bagley, Colin Reidy

Journal of Sports Medicine and Allied Health Sciences: Official Journal of the Ohio Athletic Trainers Association

OBJECTIVE The case study presented explores the sign, symptoms, and unique treatment of a patient with a chronic peroneal subluxation of the right ankle. The clinical evaluation showed full range of motion with visible peroneal tendon movement over the right lateral malleolus. Surgery was not done or recommended; a four-phase rehabilitation with a return to play protocol was used. This case showed how rehabilitation through a non-surgical approach is still achievable.