Sports Sciences Commons^™

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 …

Measures Of Muscle Strength, Rate Of Force Development, And Fatiguability Across The Menstrual Cycle, Cassidy Wisler

All NMU Master's Theses

BACKGROUND: Hormone fluctuations and inconsistencies across the menstrual cycle paired with a shortage of literature on female physiology in exercise have made understanding on female exercise performance troublesome. Performance-based research has fallen behind and the increase in women participation and current evidence does not warrant general guidance on modulating specific exercise across the menstrual cycle. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of estrogen and progesterone on muscle strength, rate of force development, and fatiguability. METHODS: Nineteen recreationally active and eumenorrheic females (25.3 ± 5.8 yrs, 73.4 ± 12.2 kgs) volunteered to participate in the study. …

The Effect Of Ischemic Preconditioning On Rock Climbing Performance, Jordan Fleury

All NMU Master's Theses

Rock climbing involves isometric contractions of the finger flexors, limiting forearm blood flow and causing ischemia-induced fatigue. Ischemic preconditioning (IPC) has been shown to improve time to failure (TTF) during climbing-specific tasks, though its mechanisms remain unclear. The purpose of this study was to assess the effects of IPC on hemodynamics and muscle oxygenation during a finger flexor endurance test. This study assessed the effects of IPC on TTF, brachial artery blood flow (BF), vessel diameter (VD), and tissue saturation index (TSI). Variables were measured before (BL1) and after intervention (BL2), and throughout a finger-flexor fatiguing task (FT), including TSI …

Sex-Based Differences In The Representation Of Top Youth Athletes, Jessica J. James, Sandra K. Hunter, Elizabeth P. Bueckers, Michael J. Joyner, Jonathon W. Senefeld

Exercise Science Faculty Research and Publications

Although emerging research demonstrates that male athletes outperform female athletes before puberty, the effect of these sex-related advantages on ordinal ranking of top performances remains unclear.

Objectives

Among overall top performances of youth track and swimming athletes, we aimed to determine 1) the proportional number of male compared with female athletes represented and 2) at what age females are no longer represented.

Methods

Finishing times and sex of the top 10 and top 100 performances of youth runners and swimmers between 5 and 18 yr were abstracted from online U.S.-based databases for four running (100 m–800 m) and six freestyle …

Examining Relationships Between Us Children's Physical Activity Levels During Recess, School Days, And Weekend Days, Christopher M. Murphy, Erin K. Howie, Matthew J. Barenie, Kari A. Weber, Michael R. Thomsen

Health, Human Performance and Recreation Faculty Publications and Presentations

Objective: Physical activity opportunities, such as recess, in educational settings are vital yet only a handful of states have policies in place to ensure daily minimum recess allotment. We aim to investigate associations between physical activity during recess and other time periods to better understand the extent to which recess physical activity is related to physical activity throughout the week. Methods: Children K-5th grade were from four schools in Little Rock, Arkansas. Children wore accelerometers on their waist to assess physical activity across the week. Chi-square and t-tests or Wilcoxon rank-sum tests and multi-level mixed effects generalized linear regression were …

A Perspective Or Review Based Entirely On Low-Quality Evidence Is Simply An Opinion, Matthew S. Tenan, Sophia Nimphius

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

No abstract provided.

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 …

Molecular Landscape Of Sex- And Modality-Specific Exercise Adaptation In Human Skeletal Muscle Through Large-Scale Multi-Omics Integration, Macsue Jacques, Shanie Landen, Adam P. Sharples, Andrew Garnham, Ralf Schittenhelm, Joel Steele, Aino Heikkinen, Elina Sillanpää, Miina Ollikainen, James Broatch, Navabeh Zarekookandeh, Ola Hanson, Ola Ekström, Olof Asplund, Séverine Lamon, Sarah E. Alexander, Cassandra Smith, Carlie Bauer, Mary N. Woessner, Itamar Levinger, Andrew E. Teschendorff, Linn Gillberg, Ida Blom, Jørn Wulff Helge, Nicholas Harvey, Larisa M. Haupt

Research outputs 2022 to 2026

We investigated the molecular mechanisms of exercise adaptations in human muscle by integrating genome, methylome, transcriptome, and proteome data from over 1,000 participants (2,340 muscle samples). We identified distinctive signatures associated with maximal oxygen consumption (VO2max), and multi-omics integration uncovered five key genes as robust exercise markers across layers, with transcription factors functioning as activators, synergizing with DNA methylation to regulate gene expression. Minimal sex differences were observed, while modality-specific analysis highlighted distinct pathways for aerobic and resistance exercise, contrasting with muscle disuse patterns. Finally, we created a webtool, OMAx, featuring our individual omics and integration analysis. These findings provide …

The Effect Of The Proposed Training Program Using Body Resistance Exercises (Trx) On The Level Of Some Physical And Skill Abilities Of Female Gymnasts In Jerusalem, Hala Jaber, Ahmad Sharaf

Journal of the Arab American University مجلة الجامعة العربية الامريكية للبحوث

The aim of this study is to identify the effect of the proposed training program using body resistance exercises (TRX) on the level of some physical and skill abilities of female gymnasts in the governorates of Jerusalem. The study was conducted on a sample of (30) gymnasts at the Rosary Sisters School, they were divided into two groups, the experimental group and its members (15) and the control group and its members (15), after ensuring the homogeneity and equivalence of the sample. The control group was subjected to the traditional program, and the experimental group was subjected to the proposed …

Establishing A Novel Neurofunctional Pre-Season Baseline For Sports-Related Concussion In Men And Women Collegiate Athletics, Jonathan C. Vincent, Jon G. Divine Md Ms, Aaron Kuehn-Himmler At Ms, Robert E. Mangine Pt Med Atc, Jim K. Ellis Od, Frederick R. Carrick Dc, Phd, Ms-Hped, Kimberly A. Hasselfeld, Blake M. Bacevich, Daniel Fosselman Do Mba, Joseph F. Clark Phd, Atc

Journal for Sports Neuroscience

Objective: To develop and validate a multi-domain neurofunctional baseline incorporating ocular, vestibular, proprioceptive, and cognitive assessments for collegiate athletes, thereby providing a more comprehensive approach to detecting and managing sports-related concussions.

Design: Retrospective chart review of pre-season baseline data.

Setting: Collegiate athletic training facility.

Participants: A total of 194 Division I collegiate athletes aged 18–24 years, stratified by sport, sex, and self-reported concussion history.

Interventions: A comprehensive battery of clinical and instrument-based neurological assessments, including Dynavision D2 tests (visual-motor coordination and reaction time), stereopsis, convergence, proprioception, peripheral vision, and retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thickness measurements.

Main Outcome Measures: Normative …

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 …

Intrapersonal And Interpersonal Factors Of Participation In Physical Activity And Resistance Training In Adolescent Girls: A Narrative Review, Ben Banse-Fay

University Honors Theses

Low rates of participation in physical activity and resistance training among adolescent girls are a concern due to increased health and injury risks. Adolescent girls participate in physical activity and resistance training at a lower rate than boys, which may explain higher rates of injury. Research examining physical activity of adolescent girls often utilizes an ecological framework, identifying intrapersonal, interpersonal, and environmental factors. Of these ecological levels, intrapersonal and interpersonal factors are modifiable without large costs.

Therefore, this review aimed to identify and summarize recent research that explores the intrapersonal and interpersonal factors associated with participation in physical activity and …

Analysis Of The Characteristics Of Lower Limb Muscle Synergy Controlistic Patterns During Unilateral Load-Bearing Walking, Jinwei Zhao, Luyao Chen, Fuyong Liu, Piotr Aschenbrenner, Tomasz Grzywacz, Jan Strawiński

Baltic Journal of Health and Physical Activity

Background: This study aims to investigate how unilateral load-bearing conditions influence lower limb muscle synergistic control patterns during walking. Understanding these patterns is crucial for elucidating the biomechanics of gait under loaded conditions. Materials and Methods: Sixteen healthy adults participated in the study. The Qualisys 600 series motion capture system was used to collect kinematic data, and the Delsys 16-channel wireless surface EMG system to record muscle activity. Four unilateral loading conditions (LL10, LR10, LL20, LR20) were tested, with normal walking as the control. Results: Load-bearing conditions significantly altered muscle contributions in different synergistic units. For example, in Synergistic Unit …

Effects Of Intensity During Wingate Anaerobic Testing On Pedal Power Asymmetry In Recreationally Active Individuals, Balqees Mraiyan

Student Theses and Dissertations

This study examined the differences between three different intensity levels during a Wingate Anaerobic test (WAT) on the pedal power asymmetry and descriptive variables in recreationally active individuals. Six recreationally active volunteers completed a counterbalanced design of three separate WAT at different intensities. Test intensities consisted of a low resistance (5%), traditional resistance (7.5%), and a high resistance (8.7%) of each individual’s body mass in kilograms (kg). Descriptive data (age, weight, height, blood pressure, and heart rate) were also collected. A two-way repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) examined the differences between each intensity level across all four sprints with …

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 …