Sports Medicine Commons^™

Acute Nitrate Ingestion On Blood Pressure And Lower Body Power In Healthy Females, Sydney N. Brennan, Ryan Tran, Logan J. Dore, Henry C. Nafzger, Justin M. Foster, Kyle S. Geppert, Trevor J. Molnar, Renee M. Skiera, Rylee M. Perlmutter, Mikayla A. Yue, Michael Egiazarian, Christopher B. Sottile, Graciela K. Simpson, Layla A. Busquets, Abigial F. Ballhagen, Adam Pennell, Rachel Tan

Seaver College Research And Scholarly Achievement Symposium

Dietary nitrate supplementation can improve blood pressure and contractile function of type II (fast twitch) muscle fiber contraction and force production. However, limited data are available for  women and dosing guidelines for women. The purpose of this study is to investigate if nitrate ingestion, provided as nitrate-rich beetroot juice, improves blood pressure and countermovement jumps and cycling sprint performance compared to nitrate-depleted beetroot juice placebo in women. Eight recreationally active women have been assigned in a randomized, double-blind, crossover design to three experimental conditions to receive: (1) 2 x 70 ml of concentrated nitrate--depleted beetroot juice placebo (PL; 0.10 mmol …

Cardiovascular Adaptation To Whole-Body Vibration Exercise In Obese Young Adults: A Systematic Review, Meta-Analysis, And Exploratory Analysis Of Sex Differences, Rafiu Okuneye, Abdulkareem Taiwo, Fatai Akinola Apalara, Okechukwu Kingsley Oforka, Isaiah Whenayon Ajoseh, Ogar Emmanuel Ekawu

Indonesian Journal of Research in Physical Education, Sport, and Health

Background: Obesity is strongly associated with hypertension and autonomic dysfunction. Whole-body vibration exercise (WBVE) has been proposed as a low-impact intervention for improving cardiovascular function in obese adults, but sex-specific responses remain unclear. Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the effects of whole-body vibration exercise on blood pressure, autonomic function, and cardiac output in adults with obesity, and to explore potential sex differences in cardiovascular adaptations. Methods: We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials and quasi-experimental studies examining the effects of WBV on systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), heart rate variability (HRV), and …

Dietary Patterns And Nutritional Status In Soccer Athletes: A Cross-Sectional Study From An Ergonomic Perspective, Rina Mayangsari, Ravi Masitah

Indonesian Journal of Research in Physical Education, Sport, and Health

Background: Normal nutritional status has been established as one of the principal determinants in an athlete's performance. Dietary quality plays a critical role in optimizing athletes' physical fitness and performance outcomes. Objective: To examine the associations between dietary patterns on the MacPersona System and nutritional status of soccer players (energy, protein, et cetera, fat, and carbohydrates). Methods: A cross-sectional quantitative study was conducted involving 21 soccer players (total sampling). Dietary patterns were assessed using a validated Semi-Quantitative Food Frequency Questionnaire (SQ-FFQ). Nutritional status was measured using Body Mass Index(BMI) based on anthropometric data. The chi-square test was used for statistical …

Balneotherapy For Sleep Improvement And Reducing Depression In Knee Osteoarthritis Patients, Anca Paula Ciurba, Alexandru Bogdan Ilieș, Ionel Haidu, Doriana Ioana Ciobanu, Theodora Ursu, Florin Mihai Marcu, Dorina Ianc

Baltic Journal of Health and Physical Activity

Background: Knee osteoarthritis (OA) is the most common chronic condition and a leading cause of global disability, often associated with pain, depression, and sleep disturbances. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of warm mineral water combined with physical therapy on sleep quality, depression and pain intensity in patients with knee osteoarthritis. Materials and Methods: The study involved 101 subjects (68.78±6.92 years) who were assigned to  a control group (CG) or an experimental group (EG). All subjects benefited from physical therapy and electrotherapy for 10 days. The experimental group additionally benefited from therapy with hot mineral water. …

Six-Week Time-Restricted Eating Lowers Premature Mortality Risk In Overweight Early Elderly Adults: Evidence From A Body Shape Index, Przemysław Domaszewski, Mariusz Konieczny

Baltic Journal of Health and Physical Activity

Background: A Body Shape Index (ABSI) is an anthropometric indicator combining waist circumference, weight, and height, providing a BMI-independent measure of central obesity and a recognized predictor of mortality. Despite its relevance, research on ABSI in early elderly populations remains limited. This study assessed the impact of a six-week time-restricted eating (TRE) intervention on ABSI z-scores in overweight adults aged 65–74, with attention to gender differences. Materials and Methods: A total of 116 participants were randomized into a TRE group (16:8 fasting window from 8:00 PM to 12:00 PM) or a control group maintaining habitual eating. ABSI z-scores were evaluated …

Changes In 25(Oh)D Concentration, Bone Resorption Markers And Physical Performance Due To Sun Exposure, Diet And Training Load Among Professional Women Handball Players During The Half-Year Training Season, Sorin Dacian Buhas, Zbigniew Jastrzębski, Paul Florian Dragos, Marius Alin Marinau, Maria Skalska, Mirela Stef, Joanna Jastrzębska, Mihai Sandra, Dana Ioana Cristea

Baltic Journal of Health and Physical Activity

Background: The aim of the study was to demonstrate changes in 25(OH)D concentration, bone resorption indicators and physical fitness in female handball players as a result of their exposure to the sun, diet and exercise load during the six-month training period from mid-March to mid-September, i.e. the time when the sun exposure is the highest during the calendar year. Twenty-two women handball players participated in the study. Due to the random occurrences and exclusion criteria, 20 players completed the project. Biochemical analysis of blood, aerobic capacity, running speed and power tests (Wingate test, squat jump, counter movement jump, etc.) was …

From Eccentric Force To Explosive Output: A Multidimensional Analysis Of Mechanical Efficiency, Neuromuscular Strategy, And Performance Prediction In National-Level Junior Badminton Athletes Undergoing Overload Training, Mariola Gepfert, Kinga Łosińska, Dariusz T. Skalski, Magdalena Prończuk, Izabella Socha, Alicja Markiel, Aleksandra Markowska, Adam Maszczyk, Artur Gołaś

Baltic Journal of Health and Physical Activity

This study aimed to investigate the neuromechanical pathways linking eccentric force production to explosive concentric output during countermovement jumps (CMJ) in national-level junior badminton athletes undergoing a specialized eccentric training program. Objective: 36 male athletes (age 16.5 ± 1.2 years) were quasi-randomly assigned to an experimental group (EG; n=18), which completed a 6-week supervised eccentric overload training in-volving flywheel squats and depth jumps thrice weekly, or a control group (CG; n=18), which maintained their habitual in-season training without additional interventions. Methods: Pre- and post-intervention assessments included CMJ performance measured on a force platform, with detailed analysis of kinetic and temporal …

Physical And Physiological Profiles Of Competitive Fencers: A Systematic Review And Meta-Analysis Of Strength, Power, Endurance, Agility And Asymmetry, Joanna Motowidło, Miłosz Drozd, Petr Stastny, Dariusz T. Skalski, Izabella Socha, Adam Maszczyk

Baltic Journal of Health and Physical Activity

Background: Evidence on lower-limb strength, explosive power and bilateral asymmetry in competitive fencing is fragmented, and the relative impact of general neuromuscular capacity versus targeted training interventions remains unclear. The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis is to provide a multidimensional, evidence-based synthesis of data on strength, power, and bilateral asymmetry of the lower limbs in professional fencers. Materials and methods: Following PRISMA 2020 (PROSPERO CRD420251041007), six databases were searched by 31 January 2025. Forty studies of fencers aged ≥ 12 years met the inclusion criteria. Three domain-specific random-effects meta-analyses (DerSimonian–Laird) were conducted: (1) integrated strength and power across …

Educational Intervention To Improve Awareness Of The Female Athlete Triad Among Division I Athletes, Carly J. Haring, Jonathan Olson Md

Aesculapius Journal (Health Sciences & Medicine)

Introduction: The Female Athlete Triad poses short- and long-term health risks for female athletes through the interrelated components of low energy availability, menstrual dysfunction, and impaired bone health. Despite its prevalence, awareness and education surrounding the Triad remain limited, contributing to delayed recognition and care. The objective of this project was to assess baseline knowledge and comfort discussing Female Athlete Triad–related topics among Division I female athletes and to evaluate the impact of a brief educational intervention on knowledge, attitudes, and help-seeking intentions.

Methods: A community-based educational initiative was conducted in November 2025 among Division I female athletes …

The Level Of Physical Activity And The Feeling Of Stress In Difficult Life Situations Among Refugees From Ukraine, Bartosz Gondek, Iwona Bonisławska, Milena Lachowicz

Baltic Journal of Health and Physical Activity

Background: Russia's attack on Ukraine in February 2022 started the largest armed conflict in Europe since World War II. In the face of danger, crowds of civilians decided to leave their homes and escape, among others, to Poland in search of shelter. Materials and methods: The research was conducted on groups of refugees from Ukraine who registered in the first days of the war in Sopot and Pruszcz Gdanski. The refugees came from Kharkov, Mariupol, Kherson, Zaporizhzhia, and western Ukraine (not involved in hostilities). People from the war zone areas mostly came with only hand luggage. The respondents were divided …

Cemented Femoral Fixation In A High-Risk Periprosthetic Fracture Cohort – A Case Series, John Spak, Philip C. Aurigemma, Yaser C. Rahim

The Lahey Journal

Introduction:
Periprosthetic femur fractures (PPFx) are a major cause of early revision after total hip arthroplasty (THA), accounting for nearly 20% of early failures. Cementless fixation, though widely used, has been associated with an increased risk of early PPFx, particularly in elderly or osteoporotic patients. Cemented femoral fixation may reduce this risk in high-risk populations.

Case Presentation:
We performed a retrospective review of 430 consecutive primary THAs conducted between July 2022 and July 2025 at a single institution. Cementless fixation was used in 390 patients and cemented fixation in 40 high-risk patients (mean age 81.7 vs. 65.9 years; BMI 24.5 …

Differences In Graft Rupture And Subsequent Meniscal Tears Following Adolescent Acl Reconstruction Using Quadriceps Tendon Versus Hamstrings Autograft: A Retrospective Study With Minimum 2-Year Follow-Up., Morgan E. Swanson, Christopher Defrancesco, Kevin M. Landrum, David Kell, Richa Gandhi, Sulagna Sarkar, Theodore J. Ganley, Kathleen J. Maguire

Department of Medicine Faculty Papers

BACKGROUND: Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction (ACLR) using quadriceps tendon (QT) autograft is associated with lower rates of graft rupture and favorable functional outcomes compared with hamstring (HS) autograft in adolescents. The ACL-deficient knee is at increased risk of injury to secondary stabilizers of the knee, including the menisci, although studies have not reported differences in rates of subsequent meniscal tear between HS and QT groups.

PURPOSE: The goal of this study was to compare rates of graft rupture and subsequent meniscal tear after adolescent ACLR using HS or QT autograft.

STUDY DESIGN: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3.

METHODS: …

Sociodemographic Influences On Student-Athlete Eating Disorder Risk And Treatment-Seeking Behavior In The National College Health Assessment, Savannah Hughbanks, Andrew W. Froehle, Brian A. Edwards

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

Objective: The present study was developed to explicate attributes associated with increased likelihood of disordered eating behaviors and treatment avoidance and help practitioners better-identify and assist high-risk individuals.

Participants: Varsity athletes (n=51,882) who completed the National College Health Assessment (NCHA) between 2011 and 2019.

Methods: Data was collected from survey responses to questions related to disordered eating behaviors. Disorders were cross-sectioned into eight predictors: year in school, gender, sexual-orientation, race/ethnicity, school-type, international-student, history of mental health illness, and anxiety of impending academic performance.

Results: Two percent of the student-athletes self-reported an ED diagnosis, and within those two percent 65.9% reported …

Reliability And Score Agreement Of A Modified Lower Quarter Y-Balance Test As Compared To The Lower Quarter Y-Balance Test In Healthy Adults, Braden L. Lawson, Jordan Morris, Alan Brubaker Rodriguez, Wendy Wheeler

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

Introduction: The Y-Balance Test (YBT) is a dynamic balance test assessing range of motion, flexibility, neuromuscular control, and strength. The YBT is used to evaluate individuals for increased injury risk, deficiencies, and progress of rehabilitation. Due to the higher cost associated with materials in a YBT kit, a modified YBT (mYBT) was created using three cloth measuring tapes, and three blocks of wood to help mitigate financial barriers. In previous studies the mYBT has demonstrated adequate agreement of composite scores with the Upper Quarter Y-Balance Test (UQYBT). The purpose of this study was to determine the agreement of composite scores …

The Effect Of Vitamin D Supplementation On Serum 25(Oh)D And Its Association With Stress Fractures In High-Risk, Physically Active Adults: A Critically Appraised Topic, Connor Lewis, Martha Yost, Aric J. Warren

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

Clinical Scenario: In collegiate athletic and military populations alike, the repetitive and intense training increase the risk of experiencing a stress fracture, representing a significant time loss and financial cost. Research suggests the use of supplemental vitamin D to prevent the occurrence of stress fractures in high-risk adults. Clinical Question: In high risk, physically active adults, does the effect of vitamin D supplementation on serum 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] concentration effect the occurrence of stress fractures? Clinical Bottom Line: The findings suggest that clinicians should consider the use of supplemental vitamin D as a protective measure against the occurrence of stress …

A Comparison Of Novel Treatment Interventions To Improve Hamstring Range Of Motion, Sadie Buboltz-Dubs, Brittney Dejong, William S. Gear

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

Purpose: Perceived hamstring tightness is a prevalent condition caused by multiple factors, including anterior pelvic tilt and neural tension. Traditional treatments, such as static stretching, do not address these underlying conditions. This study aimed to determine the short-term effectiveness of two neuromuscular treatment techniques for increasing hamstring flexibility compared with a traditional static stretching technique. Methods: Hamstring range of motion was measured using PSLR and AKE pre-and post-intervention for two treatment sessions and again as a single discharge measurement one week after the first treatment session. Three treatments were studied: Primal Reflex Release Technique, Neurodynamic Sliding Technique, Static Stretching, …

Effects Of Functional Ankle Instability On Muscle Activation Latency In Ice Hockey Athletes: A Pilot Study, Nicolas Gonzalez, Tyler A. Wood, Nicholas E. Grahovec

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

This study examined lower extremity muscle activation latency during the push-off phase in ice hockey athletes with and without functional ankle instability (FAI). Ten athletes participated, divided into FAI and control groups based on the Identification of Functional Ankle Instability scale. Participants completed three push-off trials while wearing electromyography sensors on the tibialis anterior, fibularis longus, medial gastrocnemius, and gluteus medius. The FAI group demonstrated a significant increase in muscle activation latency across all muscles tested (p

Reliability Of Existing Measures And Classification Systems For Trochlear Dysplasia, Sean R. Waldron, Nihar S. Shah, Matthew W. Veerkamp, Brendan A. Williams, John A. Schlechter, Lauren H. Redler, Matthew D. Ellington, Shital N. Parikh

Department of Orthopaedic Surgery Faculty Papers

BACKGROUND: Patellofemoral instability (PFI) is common in adolescent patients and can lead to a reduction in quality of life and function, as well as long-term arthritis. Treatment of PFI involves assessing and, at times, surgically correcting underlying anatomic abnormalities. Trochlear dysplasia is the most common anatomic risk factor present in PFI.

PURPOSE: To determine the interrater reliability of existing measures and classification systems for the assessment of trochlear dysplasia.

STUDY DESIGN: Cohort study (diagnosis); Level of evidence, 3.

METHODS: As part of the PRISM (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) patellar instability Research Interest Group (RIG) project, a …

Shoulder Strength And Total Arc Range Of Motion: Associations With Upper-Extremity Joint Kinetics And Ball Velocity In Adolescent Baseball Pitchers, Tomohiro Ide, Stephen J. Thomas, Takato Ogasawara, Adam B. Rosen, Brian A. Knarr, Kazuma Akehi, Samuel J. Wilkins

Department of Exercise Science Faculty Papers

BACKGROUND: Adolescent baseball pitchers are vulnerable to upper-extremity injuries because of the repetitive, high-stress nature of throwing movements. While shoulder strength and range of motion (ROM) are commonly measured, they are often interpreted in isolation during injury prevention assessments.

PURPOSE: To determine the relationship between clinical measures (shoulder ROM and strength) and throwing arm joint kinetics in adolescent baseball pitchers.

STUDY DESIGN: Descriptive laboratory study.

METHODS: This study was conducted in a laboratory setting. A total of 43 adolescent baseball pitchers (age, 15-18 years) were recruited through convenience sampling. Participants underwent clinical assessments of shoulder ROM and isokinetic concentric strength …

Effects Of Bungee-Based Training On Physical Performance And Arch Jump Kinematics In Female College Rhythmic Gymnasts, Nasser Abouzeid, Mariola Gepfert, Abdulrahman I. Alaqil, Abdulmalek K. Bursais, Hussein Hashoos, Mohammed S. Alibrahim, Labeeb Z. Moseekh, Amr S. Hamza

Baltic Journal of Health and Physical Activity

Background: The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of an eight-week bungee-based training program on selected physical performance variables and arch jump kinematics in female college rhythmic gymnasts. Material and methods: Eighteen female college students (age: 18.1 ± 0.9 years) were randomly assigned to an experimental group (EG; n = 9) or a control group (CG; n = 9). The EG completed a bungee workout training program three times per week for eight weeks, while the CG followed a traditional rhythmic gymnastics training program. Physical performance variables included vertical jump, leg strength, back strength, standing long jump, …