Sports Medicine Commons^™

Electromyography Normalization And Assessment Methods For Muscle Activity: A Systematic Review And Meta-Analysis, Dariusz Tadeusz Skalski, Magdalena Prończuk, Kinga Łosińska, Ewelina Lulińska, Joanna Motowidło, Justyna Żurowska-Cegielska, Piotr Aschenbrenner, Mieszko Bartosz-Jefferies, Adam Maszczyk

Baltic Journal of Health and Physical Activity

Background: Electromyographic (EMG) normalization is essential for accurately measuring muscle activity across different populations and tasks. Various methods, including Maxi-mum Voluntary Isometric Contraction (MVIC) and Recurrence Quantification Analysis (RQA), have been employed to improve measurement reliability. However, discrepancies in results across studies necessitate a comprehensive review of normalization techniques. Objective: This report analyzed 40 research studies to evaluate EMG normalization and assessment methods, focusing on their reliability, applicability, and effectiveness across healthy and clinical populations. Methods: The studies employed a range of normalization techniques, including MVIC, submaximal contractions, task-specific approaches, and advanced methods such as RQA and Pre-Fatigue Maximal Voluntary …

The Evaluation Of Variants Within Eight Collagen Genes Col1a1, Col1a2, Col3a1, Col5a1, Col11a1, Col15a1, Col22a1, And Col27a1 And A Risk Of Non-Contact Knee Ligament Rupture In Elite Handball Players: A Case-Control Study, Katarzyna Krawczak-Wójcik, Andrzej Mastalerz, Aleksandra Bojarczuk, Monika Johne, Alison V. September, Aleksandra Garbacz, Katarzyna Komar, Ewelina Maculewicz

Baltic Journal of Health and Physical Activity

Introduction: Knee ligament ruptures are common injuries among athletes. While most previous studies examined single collagen gene polymorphisms, few have investigated haplotype-level associations across multiple genes, particularly in elite handball players. Materials and methods: This case-control study analyzed variants in eight collagen genes (COL1A1, COL1A2, COL3A1, COL5A1, COL11A1, COL15A1, COL22A1, and COL27A1) in 103 elite Polish handball players with non-contact knee ligament rupture and 226 matched controls. Results: The COL22A1 rs11784270 CC genotype was associated with an increased risk (OR = 2.88, p = 0.01), with the strongest effect in the …

Effects Of Different Loads Used In Post-Activation Potentiation Exercises On Sprint And Vertical Jump Performance Of Young Amateur Soccer Players, Emre Karaday, Yusuf Köklü, Erhan Işıkdemir, Bilal Utku Alemdaroğlu, Özlem Köklü

Baltic Journal of Health and Physical Activity

Background: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of different loads used in post-activation potentiation (PAP) exercises on the vertical jump and sprint performance of young amateur soccer players. Materials and methods: Twelve young amateur soccer players (age: 16.3 ± 1.2 years; height: 172.6 ± 3.88 cm; body weight: 63.2 ± 6.7 kg; training experience: 2.3 ± 1.4 years) participated voluntarily. The half squat exercise was performed in unloaded conditions and at three different intensities (L1:80%, L2: 90%, and L3: 100% of one-repetition maximum [1RM]), and its effects on players' countermovement jump (CMJ) and 30 m sprint …

Return To Sport And Performance Outcomes After Hand Fractures In Professional Baseball Players, Ryan W. Paul, Sean M. Wilson, Gaston Davis, Amit Syal, Steven B. Cohen

Rothman Institute Papers

BACKGROUND: About 7% of injuries in the Major League Baseball (MLB) involve the hand. Fractures of the hand are not uncommon in professional baseball players while fielding or from being hit by a pitch while batting; however, the outcomes of professional baseball players treated both operatively and nonoperatively are unclear.

PURPOSE/HYPOTHESIS: The purpose of this study was to report the return-to-sport (RTS) rate, RTS time, and performance outcomes in professional baseball position players who sustained a hand fracture. The secondary purpose was to compare outcomes between positions and between operatively versus nonoperatively treated players. It was hypothesized that there would …

Effect Of Gait Retraining In Minimalist Footwear Or Barefoot On Running Footstrike And Cadence: A Systematic Review, John Desrochers, Alexis Chow, David Rubin, Altamash Raja

Rowan-Virtua School of Osteopathic Medicine Departmental Research

Gait retraining programs take a structured approach to altering a runner's gait, often with the goal of decreasing footstrike angle and increasing cadence, as these outcomes have been correlated to a reduced rate of injury and optimal performance. Minimalist footwear, or running barefoot entirely, has been explored as a tool for gait adjustment in runners, largely due to the increased feedback from ground forces experienced by the runner. This systematic review aims to decipher the effect of gait retraining with minimalist footwear or barefoot running on footstrike angle and cadence. The comparison group included runners that underwent gait retraining in …

The Use Of Physical Therapy In Gymnastics: A Systematic Review, Anna Bergman

Scholarly Horizons: University of Minnesota, Morris Undergraduate Journal

Gymnastics is a popular sport with hundreds of thousands of participants. Gymnastics also has a high injury rate among participants. Unfortunately, gymnastics requires specific rehabilitation and not much information exists on how to properly rehab gymnasts. The goal of this paper was to find existing literature about treating gymnasts’ injuries and analyze the results. Finally, recommendations were made in terms of future research.

The Effectiveness Of Myofascial Massage Of The Gastrocnemius Muscle On The Threshold And Pain Tolerance., Karolina Pawlikowska, Aleksandra Jażdżewska, Jakub Kortas

Baltic Journal of Health and Physical Activity

Background: The aim of the study was to assess the effectiveness of the myofascial self-massage technique of the gastrocnemius muscle in determining the possibility of increasing pain tolerance and individual pain threshold, which could increase exercise efficiency, allow for greater training loads and accelerate post-exercise regeneration, as well as to determine the subjective assessment of pain intensity using the VAS scale. Material and Methods: 85 students at Gdansk University of Physical Education and Sport took part in the research, including 37 women and 48 men aged 19–25 years. (M = 20.7; SD = 1.07). The test consisted of applying pressure …

The Effectiveness Of The Addition Of Slow Deep Breathing To Brain Gym Exercise On Cognitive Impairment Of The Elderly, Dhia Maharani Ms, Mohammad Ali Mr, Zahra Sativani Mrs

Jurnal Fisioterapi Terapan Indonesia

Background: According to WHO, 65.5 million elderly people worldwide have impaired cognitive function. Cognitive impairment can be caused by impaired oxygen supply to the brain, stress, and lack of physical activity. Physiotherapy has a role in elderly cognition through interventions to improve cognition, namely in the form of Brain Gym Exercise with the addition of Slow Deep Breathing. Objective: Knowing the effectiveness of the addition of Slow Deep Breathing to Brain Gym Exercise on cognitive impairment of the elderly at Panti Sosial Tresna Werdha Budi Mulia 4. Methods: This study used quasi experimental with two group pre-post …

Efektivitas Senam Hamil Dalam Mengurangi Tingkat Stres Dan Kecemasan Ibu Hamil Trimester Iii: Literature Review, Suyati Suwito, Dini Nur Alpiah

Jurnal Fisioterapi Terapan Indonesia

According to WHO (2020), around 10% of pregnant women experience depression and this condition is higher in developing countries, reaching 15.6% during pregnancy and 19.8% after giving birth. Anxiety experienced during pregnancy can have negative effects on both the mother and the fetus. These negative impacts are not only during pregnancy but can also affect the labor process and lactation period. There are various types of sports to reduce anxiety, one of which is gymnastics. This study aims to determine the effectiveness of pregnancy gymnastics in reducing stress and anxiety before childbirth. Literature review research was conducted using PICO search …

Efektivitas Massage Endorphin Untuk Mengurangi Kecemasan Pada Ibu Hamil Menjelang Persalinan, Widiya Saryani, Dini Nur Alpiah

Jurnal Fisioterapi Terapan Indonesia

Pregnancy is a biological process involving complex physiological and psychological transitions that demand high adaptability from women, especially approaching childbirth. Anxiety during the third trimester is frequently reported and is associated with increased cortisol secretion, which may negatively impact labor effectiveness. This literature review aimed to synthesize scientific evidence regarding the effectiveness of endorphin massage in reducing anxiety among pregnant women in the third trimester. The review used a systematic approach based on the PICO framework, covering studies published between 2021 and 2025. Databases such as PubMed, Google Scholar, and SINTA were used to identify quasi-experimental studies comparing endorphin massage …

Peningkatan Keterampilan Makan Pada Anak Down Syndrome Melalui Terapi Okupasi Berbasis Sensory Integration: Studi Kasus, Reza Nur Arsyi, Tambunan Seselia Thresagloria, Muhammad Luthfi, Ayleen Alicia K, Hermito Gideon

Jurnal Fisioterapi Terapan Indonesia

Children with Down Syndrome (DS) frequently experience feeding difficulties due to hypotonia, sensory processing disorder, and oromotor impairments. This case study aimed to describe the clinical reasoning and effectiveness of a sensory integration (SI)-based occupational therapy intervention in improving feeding skills in a 10-year-old child with DS. The intervention consisted of 12 structured sessions focusing on postural stability, proprioceptive awareness, fine motor control, and oromotor coordination. Evaluation tools included Sensory Profile 2 and the Functional Independence Measure (FIM). Post-intervention outcomes indicated significant improvement in spoon use, posture during mealtime, texture tolerance, and self-feeding independence. FIM scores improved from total assistance …

Efektivitas Latihan Aerobik Dalam Mengurangi Gejala Depresi: Literature Review, Putra Adytio Giriyoga, Dini Nur Alpiah

Jurnal Fisioterapi Terapan Indonesia

Depression is one of the most common mental health disorders worldwide and can significantly affect an individual's quality of life. Various treatment approaches have been implemented, with one of the most noteworthy being non-pharmacological interventions in the form of aerobic exercise. This study aims to review the effectiveness of aerobic exercise in reducing depressive symptoms. This research is a narrative literature review, in which 3,610 articles were initially identified and then filtered based on inclusion-exclusion criteria, resulting in 8 articles. After eliminating duplicates, further screening was conducted through critical appraisal. The final selection of 8 articles was reviewed. The findings …

Sports And Physical Activity Of Poles In The Context Of Good Health And Well-Being As A Sustainable Development Goal, Elżbieta Biernat, Monika Piątkowska, Robert Podstawski

Baltic Journal of Health and Physical Activity

Investing in physical activity (PA) is vital for achieving sustainable development goals. We examine PA trends in Poland using data from Eurobarometer surveys conducted in 2013, 2017, and 2022. In 2022, 64.6% of Poles did not participate in sports, and 41.8% did not engage in non-sport PA. There is a concerning trend of increasing inactivity in sports (Chi²_2022/2017 = 34.64; p < 0.001; Chi²_2017/2013 = 56.98; p < 0.001) and non-sports PA (Chi²_2022/2017 = 18.3, p < 0.01 and Chi²_2017/2013 = 16.95, p < 0.01). Participation in sport and PA is influenced by individual, inter-personal, environmental, political, and global factors. Notably, there is an upward trend in interpersonal (e.g., club membership, volunteering), environmental (e.g., PA in parks/nature, at home), and political (e.g., dissatisfaction with local government actions) factors. Government intervention is crucial and requires: (1) establishment of an institution for leadership and advocacy of PA, (2) adoption of a cross-sectoral approach for a coordinated change, and (3) increased in-vestment in monitoring systems to track the impact of interventions. These actions are essential for fostering a more active and healthier population in Poland.

Analysis Of Personality Traits, Intelligence Level And Ability To Cope With Stressful Situations And Their Impact On The Evaluation Of Judo Fights, Maciej Kostrzewa, Jan Supinski, Slawomir Kownacki, Miłosz Drozd, Anna Ścisłowska-Czarnecka, Jarosław Markowski, Jan Pilch, Alicja Markiel, Marcin Żak, Adam Maszczyk

Baltic Journal of Health and Physical Activity

Background: The aim of the study presented in this article was to conduct an analysis that would answer the research question: do personality traits such as extraversion, neuroticism, openness to experience, agreeableness, conscientiousness, intelligence level, and ability to cope with stressful situations correlate with the assessment of judo fights? Materials and Methods: Ninety individuals participated in the study, including international-class referees, national-class referees, coaches, and active judo athletes. The study used a correlational analysis approach to examine the relationships between personality traits and fight assessment criteria in judo. Results: The results indicate that in the referees' group, there is a …

No Evidence For Pape-Induced Jumping Performance Enhancement Following Isometric And Treadmill Warm-Ups In Team Sport Athletes, Artur Terbalyan, Adam Maszczyk, Robert Krzysztof Roczniok

Baltic Journal of Health and Physical Activity

Background: This study aimed to determine whether an isometric PAPE‐based warm-up could enhance jumping performance compared to a traditional treadmill jogging warm-up in team sport athletes. The primary focus was on assessing neuromuscular activation and performance indicators such as jump height and force asymmetry. Materials and Methods: Fifty-three athletes from basketball, volleyball, handball, and soccer participated in a controlled, parallel-group experiment. Participants performed either a unilateral isometric warm-up protocol – comprising two sets of four exercises per leg– or a 5‐minute treadmill jogging session, with jump performance assessed via countermovement jump tests on dual force plates. A split-plot ANOVA was …

Changes In Insulin, Leptin, Resistin And Irisin Levels And Their Associations With Blood Pressure After An 8-Week Supervised, Online “Hiit Mama” Program Vs. Self-Performed Moderate-To-Vigorous Physical Activity During Pregnancy - A Randomized Controlled Trial, Anna Szumilewicz, Junjiang Sun, Rita Santos-Rocha, Jan Mieszkowski, Andrzej Kochanowicz

Baltic Journal of Health and Physical Activity

We aimed to determine changes in insulin, leptin, resistin, and irisin levels and their associations with blood pressure (BP) during pregnancy, following an 8-week high-intensity interval training (HIIT) or a self-performed moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA). The study involved 54 Caucasian women in uncomplicated, singleton pregnancy (age 32 ± 4 years, week of gestation 24 ± 4, mean ± SD). They were randomly allocated to the 8-week supervised, online “HIIT Mama” program (HIIT group, n = 34) or educational intervention and self-performed MVPA (EDU group, n = 20). All participants maintained normotension throughout the study. The HIIT program in-duced a statistically …

Atrial Fibrillation In An Elite Athlete: Continuous Ecg Monitoring Guiding Therapy And Return To Play., Sean M Muir, Auroa Badin, Anne R Albers, Kanny Grewal

Heart and Vascular Articles

BACKGROUND: The diagnosis of atrial fibrillation (AF) is increasing among elite athletes. This case highlights the novel use of an implantable loop recorder to guide treatment decisions for AF in an elite soccer player.

CASE SUMMARY: A 25-year-old professional soccer player who had received a diagnosis of asymptomatic AF during routine screening underwent cardioversion and continuous monitoring with an implantable loop recorder. A rising AF burden prompted ablation.

DISCUSSION: This case demonstrates the potential utility of advanced monitoring technologies for managing AF in athletes, particularly when symptoms are absent or minimal. Additional studies are needed to confirm whether continuous monitoring …

The Evolution Of Sprinting Performance: Technological And Regulatory Influences From 1976 To 2024, Dariusz Tadeusz Skalski, Magdalena Prończuk, Kinga Łosińska, Ewelina Lulińska, Joanna Motowidło, Petr Stastny, Adam Maszczyk, Grzegorz Trybek

Baltic Journal of Health and Physical Activity

Background: This study examines the progression of sprinting performance across the 100m, 200m, and 400m events from 1976 to 2024, highlighting the influence of technological advancements and regulatory changes. Over the past decades, sprinting has been significantly shaped by developments in track surfaces, footwear technology, training methodologies, and regulatory frameworks. Understanding these factors is essential for assessing how sprint times have evolved and what future trends might emerge. Materials and methods: Utilizing a comprehensive dataset from international athletics federations, this research applies time series analysis, regression modeling, and variance testing to assess trends, gender disparities, and performance variability. Data sources …

A Description Of Mental Health Policies In Ohio Secondary Schools, Laura L. Harris, Molly Rowe

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

OBJECTIVE To compare secondary school mental health policies implemented for the student body with those implemented for student athletes.

Athletic Trainers Confidence In Evaluating And Treating Emergent Conditions, Andrea Cripps, Jenny Toonstra, Sara Stiltner

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

OBJECTIVE The profession of Athletic Training (AT) has undergone a substantial educational overhaul in the last decade, adding more advanced knowledge and skills than ever before. With more than 50% of the profession having obtained their certification more than 10 years prior,¹ it is essential that we understand the varying levels of confidence in evaluating and managing these new skills, so that appropriate continuing education opportunities can be developed to bridge any gaps that may be identified. The purpose of this study to examine self-reported confidence in evaluating and managing acute care skills.