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.

Hamstring muscle injury is preceded by a short period of higher running demands in professional football players.

The aim of this study was to examine match running patterns before a hamstring muscle injury occurs during a match in male professional football players. A total of 281 male professional football players belonging to 7 teams from LaLiga were prospectively monitored over three seasons. Among these, 36 players suffered a non-contact hamstring muscle injury during an official match. The injuries were recorded by the medical staff, including the minute when the injury occurred. Running distances at different speed thresholds for 5 min and 15 min before the injury were compared to mean values of the previous 5 matches for the same time points. There were a total of 44 non-contact hamstring muscle injuries, which represents a hamstring muscle injury incidence of 3.34 injuries/1000 h of match exposure. The average time loss for these injuries was 33 ± 28 days (range 7 to 117 days). In the 15 min prior to the injury, players ran a similar distance as in control matches (p from 0.22 to 0.08). However, players ran a greater distance in the 5-min period before the injury than in control matches at 21.0-23.9 km/h (p < 0.001) and at ≥ 24 km/h (p < 0.001). The odds ratio for a hamstring muscle injury was 7.147 for those players who ran > 30.0 m at ≥ 21 km/h in a 5-min period (p < 0.001). Hamstring muscle injuries during competition were preceded by 5 min of higher running demands at > 21 km/h, compared with control matches. This suggests that a short period of unusual running increases the risk of hamstring muscle injury in professional football players.

Alternative Models for Pelvic Marker Occlusion in Cycling.

Bike fitting aims to optimize riders' positions to improve their performance and reduce the risk of injury. To calculate joint angles, the location of the joint centers of the lower limbs needs to be identified. However, one of the greatest difficulties is the location of the hip joint center due to the frequent occlusion of the anterior superior iliac spine markers. Therefore, the objective of this study was to validate a biomechanical model adapted to cycling (modified pelvic model, MPM), based on the traditional pelvic model (TPM) with an additional lateral technical marker placed on the iliac crests. MPM was also compared with a widely used model in cycling, trochanter model (TM). Thirty-one recreational cyclists pedaled on a roller bike while the movement was captured with a 7-camera VICON system. The position of the hip joint center and knee angle were calculated and compared with the TPM continuously (along 10 pedaling cycles) and discreetly at 90° and 180° crank positions. No significant differences were found in the position of the hip joint center or in the knee flexion/extension angle between the TPM and the MPM. However, there are differences between TPM and TM (variations between 4.1° and 6.9° in favor of the TM at 90° and 180°; P < .001). Bland-Altman graphs comparing the models show an average difference or bias close to 0° (limits of agreement [0.2 to -8.5]) between TPM and MPM in both lower limbs and a mean difference of between -4° and -7° (limits of agreement [-0.6 to -13.2]) when comparing TPM and TM. Given the results, the new cycling pelvic model has proven to be valid compared with the TPM when performing bike fitting studies, with the advantage that the occluded markers are avoided. Despite its simplicity, the TM presents measurement errors that may be relevant when making diagnoses, which makes its usefulness questionable.

Bibliometric study on artistic swimming.

Introduction: The objective of this paper is to study the research trends in the sport modality of artistic swimming and to analyse the scientific production regarding this sport. Methods: Two hundred and twenty articles related to the theme were selected after a search in the PubMed, SPORTDiscus and Web of Science databases and some additional records, using the theme "synchronised swimming OR artistic swimming" up to December 2022. The variables scrutinized were the following: (1) title, (2) discipline, (3) type, (4) sample size and (5) sporting level. Results: The results indicate that (1) 53.6% of the artistic swimming articles were case studies, (2) 23.2% talked about physiology, (3) 32.7% had a sample of 11-50 participants, and (4) 30.9% of the sample was elite/international swimmers. Discussion: Over the years there has been a considerable increase in studies on artistic swimming; the topics of greatest interest in artistic swimming have been physiology, sports performance and injuries. Even so, it seems that for the moment artistic swimming has little impact, probably due to its status as a minority sport and it having limited social and economic impact.

Physical Inactivity Levels of European Adolescents in 2002, 2005, 2013, and 2017.

Sport and Physical Activity (PA) Special Eurobarometer surveys may inform of the physical inactivity (PIA) levels in the European Union (EU). This study aimed to analyse the PIA levels of EU adolescents (15-17 years) in four time points, according to gender. The data were from 2002, 2005, 20013, and 2017 Special Eurobarometers. Adolescents were categorised as "Inactive" when performing less than 60 min/day of moderate to vigorous PA on average. A χ2 test was used to compare the levels of PIA between survey years. PIA levels between gender were analysed using a Z-score test for two population proportions. PIA levels ranged from 67.2% for boys (59.4% to 71.5%;) to 76.8% for girls (76.0% to 83.4) across the time points. Adjusted standardised residuals revealed a decrease in the observed levels versus the expected for 2005 (whole sample: -4.2; boys: -3.3) and an increase for 2013 (whole sample: +2.9; boys: +2.5). Boys presented lower PIA levels than girls in all years (p ≤ 0.003), but descriptively, the difference progressively decreased (from 18.4% to 11.8%). No significant reductions in PIA levels were observed between 2002 and 2017, and girls reported consistently higher levels of PIA than boys.

The Five-substitution Option Enhances Teams' Running Performance at High Speed in Football.

The aim of this investigation was to describe how the introduction of the five-substitution option affected football teams' running performance. A comparative analysis was performed in 17 professional football teams for the 2019-2020 (up to three substitutions) vs 2020-2021 (five substitutions option) seasons in LaLiga. The five-substitution option increased the number of substitutions (from 2.9±0.1 to 4.2±1.0 substitutions/match, respectively; p<0.01, Effect Size (ES)=2.11) but it did not change the time selected for the first substitution (from 57.5±13.0 to 56.2±13.7 min; p=0.06, ES=0.1). Total running distance was similar between seasons but running distance at 21.0-23.9 km/h (from 3.0±0.4 to 3.2±0.4 km; p=0.01, ES=0.6) and at≥24.0 km/h (from 3.0±0.6 to 3.2±0.5 km; p=0.01, ES=0.3) were higher with the five-substitution option. These increases were associated with a higher distance covered by starting players (p<0.05) rather than an effect of substitute players.: With the five-substitution option, team coaches increased the number of substitutions per match which enhanced the possibilities of the team's staff to manage players' physical load. The five-substitution option allowed also increased running performance at≥21.0 km/h during the matches.

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.

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.

[Estimación del aumento global del tiempo de sedentarismo durante los confinamientos de la COVID-19: una revisión sistemática y un metanálisis.] / Estimating the global increase in sedentary time during COVID-19 lockdowns: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: Las estrategias restrictivas de movilidad derivadas de la pandemia por COVID-19 podrían afectar negativamente al estado de salud de la población debido a la disminución de los niveles de actividad física. El objetivo de este estudio es estimar el aumento del tiempo de sedentarismo durante los confinamientos en comparación con la situación anterior al brote de COVID-19 en muestras de población adulta de diferentes países del mundo. METHODS: Se realizó una búsqueda sistemática en tres bases de datos electrónicas, hasta el 27 de febrero de 2021, de estudios que informaran sobre el tiempo total de sedentarismo antes y durante los confinamientos por COVID-19 utilizando una herramienta validada. Se realizó un metanálisis utilizando modelos de efectos aleatorios para calcular las diferencias de medias ponderadas en el tiempo sedentario diario total antes y durante los confinamientos. El análisis se repitió estratificado y comparando por sexo. RESULTS: Se incluyeron 20 estudios, con una calidad metodológica buena (n=15) y regular (n=5). Para el metanálisis se agruparon los datos de 18 estudios, con 47.245 participantes. Los confinamientos por COVID-19 en todo el mundo condujeron a un aumento medio ponderado de 2,40 horas diarias en el tiempo total de comportamiento sedentario (intervalo de confianza del 95%: 1,95; 2,85). El análisis estratificado y comparativo por sexo en 8 estudios indicó un aumento similar para mujeres (n=20.455) y hombres (n=11.825). CONCLUSIONS: El tiempo total de sedentarismo diario aumentó en 2,40 horas en todo el mundo durante los confinamientos en comparación con la situación anterior al brote de COVID-19, sin diferencias significativas entre sexos.

OBJETIVO: This study aimed to estimate the increase in sedentary time during the lockdowns compared to the situation before the COVID-19 outbreak in adult population samples from different countries worldwide. METODOS: We systematically searched three electronic databases until 27th February 2021 for studies reporting data on total sedentary time before and during COVID-19 lockdowns using a validated tool. We performed a meta-analysis using random-effects models to calculate weighted mean differences in total daily sedentary time before and during the lockdowns. The analysis was repeated stratified and compared by sex. RESULTADOS: We included 20 studies, with a good (n=15) and fair (n=5) methodological quality. We pooled for meta-analysis the data from 18 studies, comprising 47,245 participants. The COVID-19 lockdowns across the globe led to a weighted mean increase of 2.40 hours per day in total sedentary behavior time (95% confidence interval: 1.95; 2.85). The stratified and comparative analysis by sex in 8 studies indicated a similar increase for women (n=20,455) and men (n=11,825). CONCLUSIONES: Total daily sedentary time increased by 2.40 hours worldwide during the lockdowns compared to the situation before the COVID-19 outbreak, with no significant difference between sexes.

Estimación del aumento global del tiempo de sedentarismo durante los confinamientos de la COVID-19: una revisión sistemática y un metanálisis / Estimating the global increase in sedentary time during COVID-19 lockdowns: a systematic review and meta-analysis

FUNDAMENTOS: Las estrategias restrictivas de movilidad derivadas de la pandemia por COVID-19 podrían afectar negativamenteal estado de salud de la población debido a la disminución de los niveles de actividad física. El objetivo de este estudio es estimar elaumento del tiempo de sedentarismo durante los confinamientos en comparación con la situación anterior al brote de COVID-19 enmuestras de población adulta de diferentes países del mundo.MÉTODOS: Se realizó una búsqueda sistemática en tres bases de datos electrónicas, hasta el 27 de febrero de 2021, de estudiosque informaran sobre el tiempo total de sedentarismo antes y durante los confinamientos por COVID-19 utilizando una herramientavalidada. Se realizó un metanálisis utilizando modelos de efectos aleatorios para calcular las diferencias de medias ponderadas en eltiempo sedentario diario total antes y durante los confinamientos. El análisis se repitió estratificado y comparando por sexo.RESULTADOS: Se incluyeron 20 estudios, con una calidad metodológica buena (n=15) y regular (n=5). Para el metanálisis seagruparon los datos de 18 estudios, con 47.245 participantes. Los confinamientos por COVID-19 en todo el mundo condujeron a unaumento medio ponderado de 2,40 horas diarias en el tiempo total de comportamiento sedentario (intervalo de confianza del95%: 1,95; 2,85). El análisis estratificado y comparativo por sexo en 8 estudios indicó un aumento similar para mujeres (n=20.455) yhombres (n=11.825).CONCLUSIONES: El tiempo total de sedentarismo diario aumentó en 2,40 horas en todo el mundo durante los confinamientos encomparación con la situación anterior al brote de COVID-19, sin diferencias significativas entre sexos.(AU)

BACKGROUND: This study aimed to estimate the increase in sedentary time during the lockdowns compared to the situationbefore the COVID-19 outbreak in adult population samples from different countries worldwide.METHODS: We systematically searched three electronic databases until 27th February 2021 for studies reporting data on total seden-tary time before and during COVID-19 lockdowns using a validated tool. We performed a meta-analysis using random-effects models tocalculate weighted mean differences in total daily sedentary time before and during the lockdowns. The analysis was repeated stratifiedand compared by sex.RESULTS: We included 20 studies, with a good (n=15) and fair (n=5) methodological quality. We pooled for meta-analysis the datafrom 18 studies, comprising 47,245 participants. The COVID-19 lockdowns across the globe led to a weighted mean increase of 2.40hours per day in total sedentary behavior time (95% confidence interval: 1.95; 2.85). The stratified and comparative analysis by sex in8 studies indicated a similar increase for women (n=20,455) and men (n=11,825).CONCLUSIONS: Total daily sedentary time increased by 2.40 hours worldwide during the lockdowns compared to the situationbefore the COVID-19 outbreak, with no significant difference between sexes.(AU)

LaLiga Lockdown: Conditioning Strategy and Adaptation to In-Game Regulations during COVID-19 Pandemic Prevented an Increase in Injury Incidence.

The first division of Spanish professional football (LaLiga) was suspended for 12 weeks as part of the policies enforced by health authorities during the first wave of COVID-19. During this period, players were confined to home for 8 weeks, followed by a club-based retraining period of 4 weeks. Afterwards, LaLiga's teams completed 11 matches, with approximately 3 days of recovery between matches, to finish the competition. The aim of this investigation was to determine whether there is a difference in mean injury incidence in LaLiga players between the pre-lockdown period and post-lockdown period. A total of 277 players belonging to 11 teams competing in LaLiga were monitored during the 2019-2020 season. Injury incidence in the 27 matchdays completed before the lockdown was compared to the last 11 matchdays completed after the resumption of the competition. In comparison to the period before the suspension, the resumption of the championship did not significantly affect the injury incidence (4.2 vs. 5.4 injuries per 1000 h of exposure, p = 0.338). Injury incidence before suspension and after resumption of the competition was similar for muscle (2.6 vs. 3.4 injuries per 1000 h of exposure, p = 0.152) and ligament injuries (0.8 vs. 0.4 injuries per 1000 h of exposure, p = 0.062). The resumption of the competition also did not modify the distribution of injury according to body location (p = 0.948), injury type (p = 0.766), mode of onset (p = 0.614), severity (p = 0.065), or player position (p = 0.295). In summary, mean injury incidence in LaLiga players was similar before and after the lockdown. It is probable that the conditioning strategy adopted by clubs before the resumption of LaLiga and the adaptation of some in-game regulations helped to avoid an increased injury rate after the lockdown.

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.

Association between offensive and defensive playing style variables and ranking position in a national football league.

The aim of this study was to determine the association of playing style and efficacy variables with football success in a professional football league. Match statistics were obtained from 23 football teams competing in the 2017-2018 and 2018-2019 seasons of the Spanish national league(LaLiga). Offensive and defensive playing style and efficacy variables were calculated. Pearson's correlation coefficient tests and principal component analysis (PCA) were applied to establish the influence of these variables on the number of points obtained at the end of the season and on the ranking position. In isolation, the efficacy of completion showed the highest association with ranking points and position. A two-dimension PCA explained 77.8% of the variance in the ranking position. In dimension-1 (58.5%), game initiative and attack building, and in dimension-2 (19.3%), efficacy of defensive containment and a lower rate of long passes were within the variables that explained more variance in the ranking position. Success in football, measured by ranking position at the end of the Spanish national league, was associated with several playing style and efficacy variables. Overall, a dominant game style with high efficacy to finish attacking plays, and an offensive game initiative, are most associated with successful football.

Comparative analysis of reported physical activity from leisure centres' members versus the general population in Spain.

OBJECTIVES: (1) To describe the physical activity (PA) levels of the members of a Spanish leisure centre operator according to age and gender; (2) to describe the differences in the three PA levels between the members of a Spanish leisure centre operator and the general Spanish population considering the PA Eurobarometer data according to their gender and age and (3) to explore the intensity origin of the PA either in Spanish members of leisure centres or the Spanish population considering their gender. DESIGN: Descriptive epidemiology study. PARTICIPANTS: Data from 16 Spanish leisure centres (n=3627) and from the 2017 Eurobarometer 472 for Spain (n=1002) were used for this research. PRIMARY AND SECONDARY OUTCOMES MEASURES: The PA levels were analysed with the International Physical Activity Questionnaire short version, and respondents were grouped into physical inactivity (PIA), moderate-PA and high-PA. Moreover, gender (men or women) and age (18-29 years; 30-44 years; 45-59 years; 60-69 years; ≥70 years) were considered. Total metabolic equivalent (MET)-min/week, as well as total MET-min/week for walking intensity, moderate intensity and vigorous intensity were recorded. RESULTS: Leisure centres showed a lower prevalence of PIA and a higher prevalence of high-PA than the general population (p<0.05). Women displayed a higher prevalence of PIA and lower prevalence of high-PA than men (p<0.05). The prevalence of PIA increases with age while the prevalence of high-PA decreases. CONCLUSION: Leisure centres engage most of their members in regular PA, including women and older adults, and these members also perform a higher number of MET in vigorous PA, than the general population.

Effects of Flywheel Resistance Training on Sport Actions. A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

The purpose of the present meta-analysis was to examine the effect of flywheel resistance training (FRT) on main sport action (i.e., jumping performance, sprinting time and change of direction performance) improvements in athletes and healthy active people. A Boolean search strategy adapted for each of the databases employed was conducted to identify all studies measuring change in sport actions performance after FRT interventions up to July 2019. Outcomes were analysed using an average effect size (D+) and a 95% confidence interval (CI), which was calculated assuming a random-effects model. A total of 9 studies with 283 participants met the inclusion criteria and were selected for the analysis. The mean quality score (PEDro scale) of the articles included in the meta-analysis was 5.67. The meta-analysis showed significant positive effects on jumping performance (SMC 0.65; 95% CI, 0.11-1.19; p = 0.02), sprinting time (SMC 1.33; 95% CI, 0.39-2.28; p < 0.01) and change of direction performance (SMC 1.36; 95% CI, 0.58-2.14; p < 0.01) after FRT interventions compared to control/traditional resistance training groups. The results of the present meta-analysis provide evidence of the usefulness of FRT to improve variables related to sport performance in both athletes and healthy population.

Changes in the Trunk and Lower Extremity Kinematics Due to Fatigue Can Predispose to Chronic Injuries in Cycling.

Kinematic analysis of the cycling position is a determining factor in injury prevention and optimal performance. Fatigue caused by high volume training can alter the kinematics of the lower body and spinal structures, thus increasing the risk of chronic injury. However, very few studies have established relationships between fatigue and postural change, being these in 2D analysis or incremental intensity protocols. Therefore, this study aimed to perform a 3D kinematic analysis of pedaling technique in a stable power fatigue protocol 23 amateur cyclists (28.3 ± 8.4 years) participated in this study. For this purpose, 3D kinematics in hip, knee, ankle, and lumbar joints, and thorax and pelvis were collected at three separate times during the protocol. Kinematic differences at the beginning, middle, and end of the protocol were analyzed for all joints using one-dimensional statistical parametric mapping. Significant differences (p < 0.05) were found in all the joints studied, but not all of them occur in the same planes or the same phase of the cycle. Some of the changes produced, such as greater lumbar and thoracic flexion, greater thoracic and pelvic tilt, or greater hip adduction, could lead to chronic knee and lumbar injuries. Therefore, bike fitting protocols should be carried out in fatigue situations to detect risk factor situations.

Acute Effects of 2 Consecutive Simulated Badminton Matches on the Shoulder Range of Motion and Isometric Strength of Elite Youth Players.

PURPOSE: To analyze the influence of playing 2 consecutive prolonged badminton matches on the shoulder strength and range of motion (ROM) of young players. METHODS: Sixteen elite junior badminton players (12 males and 4 females; mean (SD): age 16.2 [0.8] years, body mass 63.5 [6.6] kg, height 173.2 [6.3] cm) participated in a cross-sectional study. Shoulder internal (IR)/external rotation (ER) ROM and IR/ER strength measures were conducted before and after 2 consecutive prolonged (ie, 35 min) matches and 12 hours after the second match. RESULTS: After consecutive matches, IR strength of the dominant side and ER strength of the dominant and nondominant sides (effect size [ES] = 0.20-0.57) were reduced. Shoulder total ROM of the dominant side was decreased (ES = 0.80), while on the nondominant side, IR (ES = 0.66) was also decreased. After 12 hours, results showed decreased values in the IR/ER strength of the dominant side (ES = 0.36-1.00), as well as ER of both dominant and nondominant sides (ES = 0.30-0.59). IR ROM of the nondominant side (ES = 0.69) was also decreased. CONCLUSION: Present results showed that 2 consecutive matches on the same day with brief rest periods led to significant impairments in shoulder strength and ROM levels. These data can potentially elucidate the need for shoulder-specific training and recovery strategies prior to or during competitions.

A Field-Based Approach to Determine Soft Tissue Injury Risk in Elite Futsal Using Novel Machine Learning Techniques.

Lower extremity non-contact soft tissue (LE-ST) injuries are prevalent in elite futsal. The purpose of this study was to develop robust screening models based on pre-season measures obtained from questionnaires and field-based tests to prospectively predict LE-ST injuries after having applied a range of supervised Machine Learning techniques. One hundred and thirty-nine elite futsal players underwent a pre-season screening evaluation that included individual characteristics; measures related to sleep quality, athlete burnout, psychological characteristics related to sport performance and self-reported perception of chronic ankle instability. A number of neuromuscular performance measures obtained through three field-based tests [isometric hip strength, dynamic postural control (Y-Balance) and lower extremity joints range of motion (ROM-Sport battery)] were also recorded. Injury incidence was monitored over one competitive season. There were 25 LE-ST injuries. Only those groups of measures from two of the field-based tests (ROM-Sport battery and Y-Balance), as independent data sets, were able to build robust models [area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) score ≥0.7] to identify elite futsal players at risk of sustaining a LE-ST injury. Unlike the measures obtained from the five questionnaires selected, the neuromuscular performance measures did build robust prediction models (AUC score ≥0.7). The inclusion in the same data set of the measures recorded from all the questionnaires and field-based tests did not result in models with significantly higher performance scores. The model generated by the UnderBagging technique with a cost-sensitive SMO as the base classifier and using only four ROM measures reported the best prediction performance scores (AUC = 0.767, true positive rate = 65.9% and true negative rate = 62%). The models developed might help coaches, physical trainers and medical practitioners in the decision-making process for injury prevention in futsal.

Injury Profile in Women's Football: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

BACKGROUND: Football is the most popular sport among women; however, little is known about the injury profile in this population. This information would help design tailored injury risk mitigation strategies that may make football safer for women. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to perform a systematic review and meta-analysis of epidemiological data of injuries in women´s football. METHODS: A systematic review following PRISMA guidelines was performed up to January 2020 in PubMed, Web of Science, Sportdiscus and the Cochrane Library databases. Twenty-two studies reporting the incidence of injuries in women football were analysed. Two reviewers independently extracted data (intraclass correlation coefficient [ICC] for inter-reviewer reliability = 0.87) and assessed study quality using the STROBE statement, GRADE approach, Newcastle Ottawa Scale and Downs and Black assessment tools. Studies were combined in pooled analyses (injury incidence and injury proportion) using a Poisson random effects regression model. RESULTS: The overall incidence of injuries in female football players was 6.1 injuries/1000 h of exposure. Match injury incidence (19.2 injuries/1000 h of exposure) was almost six times higher than training injury incidence rate (3.5 injuries/1000 h of exposure). Lower extremity injuries had the highest incidence rates (4.8 injuries/1000 h of exposure). The most common types of injuries were muscle/tendon (1.8 injuries/1000 h of exposure) and joint (non-bone) and ligament (1.5 injuries/1000 h of exposure), which were frequently associated with traumatic incidents. Slight/minimal injuries (1-3 days of time loss) were the most common. The incidence rate of injuries during matches in the top five world ranking leagues was higher than the rest of the leagues (19.3 vs 10.7 injuries/1000 h of exposure, respectively). The weighted injury proportion was 1.1 (95% confidence interval = 0.6-1.7) whereby on average players sustained more than one injury per season. CONCLUSIONS: Female football players are exposed to a substantial risk of sustaining injuries, especially during matches that require the highest level of performance. To markedly reduce overall injury burden, efforts should focus on introducing and evaluating preventative measures that target match specific dynamics to make football players more capable of responding to the challenges that they have to deal with during match play. REGISTRATION: This systematic review was registered in the PROSPERO international prospective register of systematic reviews (ID = CRD42019118152).