A systematic review and network meta-analysis on the effectiveness of exercise-based interventions for reducing the injury incidence in youth team-sport players. Part 2: an analysis by movement patterns.

The objectives of this network meta-analysis were: (a) to estimate and compare the pooled effects of some injury prevention programs (IPPs) whose exercise-based components were categorized using a movement pattern-specific taxonomy on reducing overall and some specific body regions (lower extremity, thigh, knee, and ankle) injury incidences in youth team sport athletes and (b) to explore the individual effects of these components on the injury incidence rates (IIRs) previously mentioned. Searches were performed in PubMed, Web of Science, SPORTDiscus, and Cochrane Library. Eligible criteria were: exercise-based interventions comprised of exercises involving athletic motor skill competencies and evaluated against a control group, overall IIRs were reported, and youth (≤19 years old) team sport players. For the current analysis, a taxonomy based on movement patterns was employed for exercise component identification (upper body pushing and pulling; lower body concentric and eccentric; core; mechanics; acceleration; and lower body stability). Pooled effects were calculated by frequentist random effects pairwise and network meta-analyses. Nineteen studies were included. Most of the IPPs exhibit risk reduction when compared to their control groups on overall, lower extremity, and ankle injuries. Interventions comprised of lower body concentric and eccentric, core, mechanics, and lower body stability exercises were the most effective measures for reducing these injuries. None of the IPPs demonstrated to be effective for reducing thigh injuries, and contradictory results were found for knee injuries. Individual analysis at component level revealed that the lower body (bilateral and unilateral, concentric, and eccentric) component was the only one associated with a significant reduction on overall injuries. Indirect evidence suggests that interventions incorporating lower body concentric and eccentric, core, mechanics, and lower body stability exercises might be the most effective for reducing overall, lower extremity, and ankle injuries in youth team sports.

The categorization of exercise components based on the movement patterns might, a priori, be considered a criterion more closely associated with the injury phenomenon.Lower body concentric and eccentric, core, mechanics, and lower body stability exercises should be incorporated to any training program aimed at minimizing the risk of injury in youth.The ineffectiveness of interventions on the reduction of thigh injuries reveals the need for reconsideration of injury prevention strategies.

Acute pre- and post-competitive soccer match-play changes in neuromuscular factors, physical performance, and muscle response in youth male players.

There is a paucity of literature analyzing the impact of fatigue from actual competitive soccer match-play on measures of neuromuscular function and muscle damage markers in youth players. Aims The main purpose was to analyze the acute pre- and post-competitive soccer match-play changes in measures of landing mechanics, stretch-shortening cycle capability, physical performance, muscle damage, and match intensity. A secondary purpose was to explore whether the players' maturity status and chronological age were associated with post-soccer match-play responses. Methods Thirty-two male youth outfield soccer players from two chronological competition age groups (U14 and U16) were assessed pre-and post-competitive soccer match-play for 2D dynamic knee valgus at landing (DKV), leg stiffness, reactive strength index, 20 m sprint time, CMJ-Abalakov jump height, creatine kinase and urea activity and visual analogue scale for muscle soreness (VAS). Players' maturity status was also estimated using a previously validated regression equation. Results There were statistically significant (p < 0.05) post-competitive soccer match-play impairments in all measures of stretch-shortening cycle capability and muscle damage markers assessed irrespective of the age group. Likewise, significant post-match play alterations in landing mechanics (DKV of the dominant leg) and physical performance (sprint time and jump height) scores were documented for the U14 players. Significant interactions between maturity and landing mechanics and VAS responses to competitive soccer match-play were also found whereby more mature players demonstrated larger post-match changes. Conclusion The findings of this study suggest the existence of a negative influence of competitive match-play on neuromuscular function and muscle damage in youth soccer.

Experiential-sensorial adaptive system model for hospitality based on 360° VR videos and case-based reasoning.

In this work, an adaptive software architecture is proposed for the generation of experiences for hotel promotion and marketing, based on Case-based Reasoning (CBR) that uses the attributes and user characteristics and immersive 360° videos. Considering that immersion in virtual reality (VR) environments can trigger responses in various dimensions, such as affective, cognitive, attitudinal, and behavioral dimensions, these dimensions are evaluated in immersive environments with 360° videos. To validate the results obtained with the software architecture, a quasi-experimental study was conducted through the evaluation of the experience, consisting in the visualization of the environments of a boutique hotel, with a sample of a randomly selected group of young people. The contribution of this work lies in the use of 360° VR videos, for the visualization of the hotel characteristics and environments according the user profiles, to evaluate the affective, cognitive and attitudinal and behavioral responses and their influence on the booking intention and attitude. Finally, conclusions and recommendations for future work have been established.

Prediction of ACL-tear by lower limbs muscle strength and flexibility: a prospective cohort study in 95 female soccer players.

The aims of the study were to build models using logistic regression analysis of flexibility and strength tests to prospectively predict risk factors for anterior cruciate ligament tear (ACL-tear) in female soccer (FS) players, and to determine training cut-off for risk factors of the predictive model built. A prospective cohort study of 95 female players (aged 14-33 years) was conducted. Age, anthropometric data, soccer history, lower limb range of motion (ROM) and hip maximal isometric strength (MIS) were measured. At the prospective follow-up after 12 months, 7.4% of the players had developed an ACL-tear. The model showed a significant relationship (χ2(93) = 30.531, p < 0.001) between the ACL-tear and the predictor variables (leg length, HAD-NH [hip adduction] MIS, asymmetric ROM [ankle dorsiflexion with knee extended (AD-KE) and with knee flexed (AD-KF), and HE (hip extension)], hip ROM [HIR (internal rotation) and HAB (abduction)]). The Akaike Information Criteria (AIC) and Bayesian Information Criteria (BIC) for model fit were 30.24 and 51.79, respectively. The value R2 showed good model fit, 76.5% for Nagelkerke´s R2, 71.4% for McFadden´s R2 and 67.5% for Tjur´s R2. For the screening test, cut-off for leg length of ≥0.40 m, for HIR ROM of ≤44º and for asymmetry of HE ROM of ≥5° were set, which have an acceptable (AUC ≥ 0.755) discriminatory ability for the development of ACL-tear.

Drug-Facilitated Sexual Assault With Tetrahydrozoline (Visine): A Case Report.

ABSTRACT: This is a case presentation of an 18-year-old male victim who experienced a drug-facilitated sexual assault (DFSA). The drug used to incapacitate him was tetrahydrozoline (Visine) given rectally. Tetrahydrozoline, intended for ophthalmic administration, is in the class of drugs known as imidazoline receptor agonists and has been used as an agent for DFSA since the 1940s. DFSA is increasing, particularly among young men. Care of victims of DFSA is discussed with particular attention to mental health sequelae in this patient population.

Triple-Negative PAM50 Non-Basal Breast Cancer Subtype Predicts Benefit from Extended Adjuvant Capecitabine.

PURPOSE: Predictive biomarkers for capecitabine benefit in triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) have been recently proposed using samples from phase III clinical trials, including non-basal phenotype and biomarkers related to angiogenesis, stroma, and capecitabine activation genes. We aimed to validate these findings on the larger phase III GEICAM/CIBOMA clinical trial. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN: Tumor tissues from patients with TNBC randomized to standard (neo)adjuvant chemotherapy followed by capecitabine versus observation were analyzed using a 164-gene NanoString custom nCounter codeset measuring mRNA expression. A prespecified statistical plan sought to verify the predictive capacity of PAM50 non-basal molecular subtype and tested the hypotheses that breast tumors with increased expression of (meta)genes for cytotoxic cells, mast cells, endothelial cells, PDL2, and 38 individual genes benefit from adjuvant capecitabine for distant recurrence-free survival (DRFS; primary endpoint) and overall survival. RESULTS: Of the 876 women enrolled in the GEICAM/CIBOMA trial, 658 (75%) were evaluable for analysis (337 with capecitabine and 321 without). Of these cases, 553 (84%) were profiled as PAM50 basal-like whereas 105 (16%) were PAM50 non-basal. Non-basal subtype was the most significant predictor for capecitabine benefit [HRcapecitabine, 0.19; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.07-0.54; P < 0.001] when compared with PAM50 basal-like (HRcapecitabine, 0.9; 95% CI, 0.63-1.28; P = 0.55; Pinteraction<0.001, adjusted P value = 0.01). Analysis of biological processes related to PAM50 non-basal subtype revealed its enrichment for mast cells, extracellular matrix, angiogenesis, and features of mesenchymal stem-like TNBC subtype. CONCLUSIONS: In this prespecified correlative analysis of the GEICAM/CIBOMA trial, PAM50 non-basal status identified patients with early-stage TNBC most likely to benefit from capecitabine.

The Association Between Chronological Age and Maturity Status on Lower Body Clinical Measurements and Asymmetries in Elite Youth Tennis Players.

BACKGROUND: Tennis is one of the most popular sports among youths. At elite levels, a notable increase in injury incidence and a temporary decline in performance may occur when children progress through puberty. However, limited research has explored maturity-associated variations in clinical measurements suggested as predictors of injury and tennis performance in elite youth players. Therefore, the main purpose of this study was to analyze the association between chronological age and maturity status on several measures of neuromuscular capability and physical performance as well as bilateral (interlimb) asymmetries in elite youth tennis players. HYPOTHESIS: Youth tennis players around peak height velocity (PHV) will show higher growth-related impairments or deficits in measures of neuromuscular capability and physical performance than their less (pre-PHV) and more (post-PHV) mature counterparts irrespective of sex. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Level 4. METHODS: A total of 68 male (age, 13.7 ± 1.1 years; height, 162.4 ± 9.4 cm; body mass, 51.4 ± 10.3 kg [Mean values ± SD]) and 60 female (age, 13.6 ± 1.1 years; height, 162.8 ± 7.2 cm; body mass, 52.7 ± 7.5 kg [Mean values ± SD]) elite youth tennis players from 2 different age groups (under 13 [U13] and under 15 [U15]) and maturity status (pre-PHV, around PHV, and post-PHV), were tested during national training camps. Tests included the Y Balance Test, isometric hip abduction and adduction strength, hip ranges of motion (ROMs), and countermovement jump (CMJ) height. Bayesian analysis was used to establish any significant between-group differences. RESULTS: Only dynamic balance (in boys; Bayesian factor [BF10] = 88.2) and jump height (in both boys and girls; BF10 >100) were significatively associated with chronological age, whereby the U15 group showed lower Y Balance Test reach distances (-6%; standardized effect size δ = 0.62) but higher CMJ height scores (+18%; δ = 0.73) than the U13 group. Although boys jump higher (+11%; δ = 0.62) and were stronger in isometric hip adduction strength (+14%; δ = 0.92) than girls, the latter had greater hip internal ROM values (+15%; δ = 0.75). Furthermore, relevant maturity-associated effects (BF10 = 34.6) were solely observed for the CMJ test in boys, with the most mature players demonstrating higher jump height scores (+12%; δ = 0.93). Finally, a significant percentage (>25%) of tennis players, independent of sex, demonstrated bilateral asymmetries in hip ROM, hip strength, and jump height values. CONCLUSION: The findings of this study show that in U13 and U15 male and female tennis players, there were neither positive nor negative maturity-associated variations in the clinical measurements analyzed (with the exception of jump height in male players). The high proportion of tennis players showing bilateral asymmetries in dynamic balance, hip ROM, and strength and jump performance highlight the need of future studies to analyze these factors in relation to unilateral tennis-specific adaptations in the musculoskeletal and sensorimotor systems. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: These results may help to better understand how different clinical measurements are associated with the process of growth and maturation in elite youth tennis players and may aid in the design of specific training interventions during these stages of development.

Dissemination of doctor of nursing practice project findings: Benefits and challenges associated with publishing in healthcare journals.

BACKGROUND: Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) programs require a project to improve outcomes in a health care setting. However, dissemination methods vary. PURPOSE: This evaluation examined benefits and challenges associated with submitting project manuscripts to a peer-reviewed health care journal in a DNP program with this requirement. METHODS: Benefits and challenges were assessed with surveys completed by 85 DNP program alumni and 28 DNP mentors and by interviewing 5 faculty who teach in the DNP program and 5 editors of nursing journals. FINDINGS: Benefits of completing a manuscript included sharing knowledge to improve health care outcomes and enhancing nursing scholarship. Among alumni, 81% reported manuscript development was beneficial and 69% published their work. Most students, most faculty, and all editors endorsed the requirement with alternatives for projects lacking rigor or innovation. Challenges included need for faculty involvement and editorial/statistical resources. DISCUSSION: Despite challenges, there are benefits of publishing rigorous and innovative DNP work.

Sex Differences in the Glycemic Response to Structured Exercise Interventions in Adults with Type II Diabetes Mellitus: A Systematic Review.

Despite physiological sex differences in the prevalence, pathogenesis, and responses to pharmacologic therapies of glucose metabolism in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and the current evidence regarding the benefits of physical activity in people with T2DM, there is still a lack of information about the response to physical activity in T2DM depending on the sex. Thus, the aim of the present systematic review was to analyze the physiological sex differences response to physical activity programs in adults with T2DM. A systematic review following PRISMA guidelines was performed up to 4th January 2022 in PubMed, SportDiscus and Web of Science databases. The research protocol of this systematic review was registered in PROSPERO (CRD42020189020). The PEDro scale and Cochrane risk of bias tools were used to analyze the quality and risk of bias of the studies included. Glycaemic (blood glucose, HbA1c, AUC glycemia, metabolic clearance rate, QUICKI) insulin (HOMA-IR, insulin levels, C-peptide) and cardiovascular parameters (VO2max, body fat mass, waist circumference, cardiovascular index) were registered. 6 studies met the inclusion criteria. Physical activity showed improvements in the glycaemic and insulin profiles and cardiovascular risk parameters for both men and women, but no relevant and significant differences between sex were found. No significant differences between males and females with regard to the effects elicited by physical activity on glycaemic biomarkers and cardiorespiratory fitness in individuals with T2DM were found. These results seem to lead towards the same physical activity prescription in men and women.

Microevolution and subspecific taxonomy of Trypanosoma cruzi.

Trypanosoma cruzi, the agent of Chagas disease, is a highly polymorphic species, subdivided into 6 main evolutionary lineages or near-clades (formerly discrete typing units or DTUs). An additional near-clade (TC-bat) has recently been evidenced. This pattern is considered to be the result of predominant clonal evolution (PCE). PCE is compatible with occasional mating/hybridization, which do not break the prevalent pattern of clonal evolution, the main trait of it being the presence of Multigene Bifurcating Trees (MGBTs) at all evolutionary levels ("clonal frame"). The development of highly resolutive genetic (microsatellites*) and genomic (sequencing and multi-single nucleotide polymorphism {SNP}* typing) markers shows that PCE also operates at a microevolutionary* level within each of the near-clades ("Russian doll pattern"), in spite of occasional meiosis and hybridization events. Within each near-clade, one can evidence widespread clonal multilocus genotypes*, linkage disequilibrium*, Multigene Bifurcating Trees and lesser near-clades. The within near-clade population structure is like a miniature picture of that of the whole species, suggesting gradual rather than saltatory evolution. Additional data are required to evaluate the stability of these lesser near-clades in the long run and to evaluate the need for an adequate nomenclature for this microevolutionary level.

Incidence, burden, and pattern of injuries in Spanish male youth soccer players: A prospective cohort study.

OBJECTIVES: To explore the incidence, burden, and pattern of injuries in Spanish male youth soccer players during a 9-month competitive season (from September to May-June). DESIGN: Prospective cohort study. PARTICIPANTS: 314 young (10-19 years) soccer players. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Incidence, burden, location, type, severity, mechanism, and circumstance of injuries, as well as potential differences by tactical position, month of the year, age group, and maturity status. RESULTS: A total of 146 time-loss injuries were sustained by 101 different players. This resulted in an overall injury incidence of 3.1 injuries per 1000 h, a training injury incidence of 1.8 injuries per 1000 h, and a match injury incidence of 11.2 injuries per 1000 h. The probability of injury over the season was 34%. Most of the injuries affected the lower extremity and were classified as muscle/tendon injuries, with hamstring muscle injuries representing the most burdensome diagnosis. The incidence of injuries increased with age and maturation, but a heightened risk of overuse injuries during periods around peak height velocity was also identified. CONCLUSIONS: These findings suggest a need for implementing specific injury prevention measures. Due to the high burden shown, these measures should mainly focus on reducing the number and severity of hamstring muscle injuries.

Multiple bacterial partners in symbiosis with the nudibranch mollusk Rostanga alisae.

The discovery of symbiotic associations extends our understanding of the biological diversity in the aquatic environment and their impact on the host's ecology. Of particular interest are nudibranchs that unprotected by a shell and feed mainly on sponges. The symbiotic association of the nudibranch Rostanga alisae with bacteria was supported by ample evidence, including an analysis of cloned bacterial 16S rRNA genes and a fluorescent in situ hybridization analysis, and microscopic observations. A total of 74 clones belonging to the phyla α-, ß-, γ-Proteobacteria, Actinobacteria, and Cyanobacteria were identified. FISH confirmed that bacteriocytes were packed with Bradyrhizobium, Maritalea, Labrenzia, Bulkholderia, Achromobacter, and Stenotrophomonas mainly in the foot and notum epidermis, and also an abundance of Synechococcus cyanobacteria in the intestinal epithelium. An ultrastructural analysis showed several bacterial morphotypes of bacteria in epidermal cells, intestine epithelium, and in mucus layer covering the mollusk body. The high proportion of typical bacterial fatty acids in R. alisae indicated that symbiotic bacteria make a substantial contribution to its nutrition. Thus, the nudibranch harbors a high diversity of specific endo- and extracellular bacteria, which previously unknown as symbionts of marine invertebrates that provide the mollusk with essential nutrients. They can provide chemical defense against predators.

Effects of Age and Maturation on Lower Extremity Range of Motion in Male Youth Soccer Players.

ABSTRACT: Robles-Palazón, FJ, Ayala, F, Cejudo, A, De Ste Croix, M, Sainz de Baranda, P, and Santonja, F. Effects of age and maturation on lower extremity range of motion in male youth soccer players. J Strength Cond Res 36(5): 1417-1425, 2022-Restricted joint range of motion (ROM) has been considered as a primary risk factor for some sport-related injuries. Consequently, preparticipation assessment of lower extremity joints ROM could help identify youth soccer players at high risk of injury and to aid in the design of tailored age and maturational specific training interventions. The purpose of this study was to analyze and compare the influence of chronological age and maturational stage on several lower extremity ROM measures, as well as to describe the lower extremity ROM profile using a comprehensive approach in youth soccer players. A total of 286 male youth soccer players' ROM were assessed including passive hip (extension [PHE], adduction with hip flexed 90° [PHADHF90°], flexion with knee flexed [PHFKF] and extended [PHFKE], abduction with hip neutral [PHABD] and flexed 90° [PHABDHF90°], external [PHER] and internal [PHIR] rotation), knee (flexion [PKF]) and ankle (dorsiflexion with knee flexed [ADFKF] and extended [ADFKE]) ROMs. Between-group differences were analyzed using a one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and magnitude-based decisions. The results only report statistically significant (p < 0.05; d > 0.5) and clinically relevant differences (>8°) for the PKF ROM between U12 vs. U19, and Pre-PHV vs. Post-PHV groups. Furthermore, approximately 40, 35, and 20% of players displayed restrictions in their PHFKE, PKF, and ADFKF ROM values, respectively. These findings emphasize the necessity of prescribing (across all age groups and periods of growth and maturation) compensatory measures in daily soccer training, and these exercises should be equally applied to both limbs with the aim of improving PHFKE, PKF and ADFKF ROM values.

Epidemiology of injuries in male and female youth football players: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: To conduct a systematic review and meta-analysis of epidemiological data of injuries in male and female youth football players. METHODS: Searches were performed in MEDLINE/PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, and SPORTDiscus databases. Studies were considered if they reported injury incidence rate in male and female youth (≤19 years old) football players. Two reviewers (FJRP and ALV) extracted data and assessed trial quality using the Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology (STROBE) statement and the Newcastle Ottawa Scale. The Grading of Recommendations Assessment, Development, and Evaluation approach determined the quality of evidence. Studies were combined using a Poisson random effects regression model. RESULTS: Forty-three studies were included. The overall incidence rate was 5.70 injuries/1000 h in males and 6.77 injuries/1000 h in females. Match injury incidence (14.43 injuries/1000 h in males and 14.97 injuries/1000 h in females) was significantly higher than training injury incidence (2.77 injuries/1000 h in males and 2.62 injuries/1000 h in females). The lower extremity had the highest incidence rate in both sexes. The most common type of injury was muscle/tendon for males and joint/ligament for females. Minimal injuries were the most common in both sexes. The incidence rate of injuries increased with advances in chronological age in males. Elite male players presented higher match injury incidence than sub-elite players. In females, there was a paucity of data for comparison across age groups and levels of play. CONCLUSION: The high injury incidence rates and sex differences identified for the most common location and type of injury reinforce the need for implementing different targeted injury-risk mitigation strategies in male and female youth football players.

Leishmania and the Model of Predominant Clonal Evolution.

As it is the case for other pathogenic microorganisms, the respective impact of clonality and genetic exchange on Leishmania natural populations has been the object of lively debates since the early 1980s. The predominant clonal evolution (PCE) model states that genetic exchange in these parasites' natural populations may have a high relevance on an evolutionary scale, but is not sufficient to erase a persistent phylogenetic signal and the existence of bifurcating trees. Recent data based on high-resolution markers and genomic polymorphisms fully confirm the PCE model down to a microevolutionary level.

Comprehensive Lower Extremities Joints Range of Motion Profile in Futsal Players.

The purposes of this study were to describe the lower extremities joints range of motion (ROM) profile using a comprehensive approach in futsal players and to examine potential player position (goalkeepers vs. outfield players), competitive level (first [top] division vs. second division), number of playing years, sex (males vs. females), and bilateral (dominant limb vs. non-dominant limb) differences. A total of 72 male and 67 female elite futsal players from 11 clubs were measured of passive hip (flexion with knee flexed [HF KF ] and extended [HF KE ], extension [HE], abduction [HA], external [HER], and internal [HIR] rotation), knee (flexion [KF]) and ankle (dorsiflexion with knee flexed [ADF KF ] and extended [ADF KE ]) ROMs. Bayesian inferences exploring differences between player position, competitive level, sex and limb were made. A Bayesian correlation analysis was conducted to explore the influence of playing years on joints ROMs. The results showed no significant player position or competitive level related differences in any average ROM score. However, statistically significant sex-related differences were documented whereby female players reported higher hip and knee joints ROM average values than their male counterparts. Especially relevant were the proportions of males (72%) and players from teams engaged in the second division (61%) displaying limited HF KE ROMs. Likewise, around 35% of all players showed restricted ADF KF ROMs. In addition, approximately 21, 18, 22, and 25% of the futsal players were identified as having bilateral asymmetries (≥8°) for HA, HIR, HER, and KF ROMs, respectively. Finally, Bayesian correlation analysis did not report any significant association between years of playing futsal and ROM measures (all r values < 0.34). The implications that these restricted HF KE and ADF KF ROMs and bilateral asymmetries in hip (abduction, internal and external rotation) and knee (flexion) ROMs caused by the practice of futsal may have on physical performance and injury risk warrant future research.

Reliability, validity, and maturation-related differences of frontal and sagittal plane landing kinematic measures during drop jump and tuck jump screening tests in male youth soccer players.

OBJECTIVES: To determine the inter-rater and intra-rater reliability of frontal and sagittal plane landing kinematic measures during drop jump (DVJ) and tuck jump (TJA) tasks in male youth soccer players, to assess the concurrent validity between DVJ and TJA tests, and to evaluate the ability of both tasks to detect differences between players' stage of maturation. DESIGN: Cross-sectional study. PARTICIPANTS: 223 male youth soccer players. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Frontal plane knee projection angles (FPPA), and hip (HF), knee (KF) and ankle (AF) flexion angles at initial contact (IC) and peak flexion (PF) (i.e., the deepest landing position) in the sagittal plane were assessed. RESULTS: Good-to-excellent inter- and intra-rater reliability (ICC > 0.75; TEMST < 0.3; CVTE < 5%) for the FPPA, HF and KF during DVJ and TJA tasks were found. A low concurrent validity between DVJ and TJA measures was reported. Differences by maturity status (BF10 > 10; error < 10; δ > 0.6) were only identified for the TJA. Pre-PHV group reported higher FPPA, HF-IC, HF-PF, and KF-IC values, as well as lower AF-IC than post-PHV. Pre-PHV also displayed greater HF-IC and KF-IC than circa-PHV group. CONCLUSIONS: Although both tests are reliable, the TJA might be viewed as a more informative tool given it shows greater FPPA and can also detect differences by maturity status.

The Influence of Age and Maturation on Trajectories of Stretch-Shortening Cycle Capability in Male Youth Team Sports.

PURPOSE: To examine the influence of growth and maturation in the trajectory of stretch-shortening cycle capability. METHOD: Using a mixed-longitudinal design, absolute and relative leg stiffness and reactive strength index (RSI) were measured 3 times over a 3-year period in 44 youth team-sport players. Maturation was determined as maturity offset and included within the Bayesian inference analysis as a covariate alongside chronological age. RESULTS: Irrespective of age and maturation, there was no change in absolute leg stiffness, however relative leg stiffness decreased over time. Maturation and age reduced this decline, but the decline remained significant (Bayesian factor [10] = 5097, model averaged R2 = .61). The RSI increased over time and more so in older more mature youth players (Bayesian factor [10] = 9.29e8, model averaged R2 = .657). CONCLUSION: In youth players who are at/post peak height velocity, relative leg stiffness appears to decline, which could have an impact on both performance and injury risk. However, RSI increases during this period, and these data reinforce that leg stiffness and RSI reflect different components of stretch-shortening cycle capability. Practitioners should consider these differences when planning training to maximize stretch-shortening cycle capability during growth and maturation in athletes on the developmental performance pathway.

Reliability of five trunk flexion and extension endurance field-based tests in high school-aged adolescents: ISQUIOS programme.

This study aimed to explore the inter-session reliability of the measures obtained from 2 trunk extension (Biering-Sorensen and Dynamic Extensor Endurance (DEE) tests) and 3 trunk flexion (Ito, Side Bridge and Bench Trunk Curl-Up (BTC) tests) endurance field-based tests in adolescents. A total of 208 (males, n = 100; females, n = 108) adolescents performed all the field-based tests on 2 separate testing sessions, 7-days apart. The inter-session reliability scores were explored through relative reliability, inter-session differences and precision of measurements. Most of the trunk endurance measures demonstrated acceptable relative reliability (the intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC) ranged from 0.75 to 0.94). However, significant inter-session differences were identified for measures from the DEE and BTC tests. Likewise, the precision of the measurement of each field-based test was poor (the the standard error of measurement expressed as a percentage of the mean score (CVTE) ranged from 11.3 to 24.4%) with the minimal detectable change (MDC95) revealing that changes higher than 42% for trunk extension endurance tests and 31.4% for trunk flexion endurance tests after an intervention are required to indicate a significant change above measurement error. Therefore, the findings from this study indicate that only the BTC test demonstrates acceptable inter-session reliability (ICC > 0.9, CVTE ~ 10%, MDC95 ~ 30%) to monitor the changes in trunk endurance scores that may be expected in adolescents after performing an intervention programme.