Purpose: The globalisation of artificial turf and the increase in player participation has driven the need to examine injury risk in the sport of football. The purpose of this study was to investigate the surfaceeplayer interaction in female football players between natural and artificial turf. Methods: Eight university level female football players performed an unanticipated cutting manoeuvre…
Purpose: The present study investigated the effects of 16 weeks of small-volume, small-sided soccer training soccer group (SG, n ¼ 13) and oscillating whole-body vibration training vibration group (VG, n ¼ 17) on body composition, aerobic fitness, and muscle PCr kinetics in healthy inactive premenopausal women in comparison with an inactive control group (CO, n ¼ 14). Methods: Training for …
The complexity of the physical demands of soccer requires the completion of a multi-component training programme. The development,planning, and implementation of such a programme are difficult due partly to the practical constraints related to the competitive schedule at the top level. The effective planning and organisation of training are therefore crucial to the effective delivery of the tra…
Purpose: In age-restricted youth sport, the over-selection of athletes born in the first quarter of the year and under-selection of athletes born in the last quarter of the year has been called the relative age effect (RAE). Its existence in youth sports like soccer is well established. Why it occurs has not been identified, however, one thought is that older players, generally taller and heavi…
Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries are common in soccer. Understanding ACL loading mechanisms and risk factors for ACL injury is critical for designing effective prevention programs. The purpose of this review is to summarize the relevant literature on ACL loading mechanisms, ACL injury risk factors, and current ACL injury prevention programs for soccer players. Literature has shown that…
Purpose: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the changes in some hormonal parameters (cortisol, testosterone, ratio of testosterone/cortisol (T/C)) in professional soccer players during a season. Methods: Fifteen professional players from a soccer club of the first division of the Greek soccer league participated. All sport medical examinations were conducted four times: before the re-bu…
Background: Exercise-associated menstrual dysfunction (EAMD) is a common health problem in female athletes as a part of female athlete triad (FAT), a condition related to low energy availability. In this study, we explored the possibility that carbohydrate supplements can improve the status of EAMD and prevent exercise-induced ovarian injury in a FAT rat model. This research aimed to provide ex…
Growing literature has demonstrated that exercise may be an effective prevention and treatment option for drug addiction. In the past few years, many studies have suggested that there were sex differences in all phases of drug addiction. However, very limited research has investigated sex differences in the effectiveness of exercise intervention in drug addiction and rehabilitation. In this min…
Purpose: The purpose of this study was to determine if antioxidant supplementation, moderate exercise, and the combination of both treatments could ameliorate cognitive performance in adult mice and whether the apolipoprotein E (APOE ) genotype as well as sex could influence the functional outcomes of the treatments. Methods: For a period of 16 weeks, separate groups of male and female mice ex…
Purpose: The aim of this study was to assess the effects of combining the FIFA 11þ and acute vibration training on reactive strength index (RSI) and 505 agility. Methods: Seventy-four male collegiate soccer players took part in the study and were randomly assigned to FIFA 11þ with acute vibration group (FIFA þ WBV), FIFA 11þ with isometric squat group (FIFA þ IS) or a control group consis…
Background: Prematurely menopausal women have a doubled lifetime risk of dementia and a 5-fold increased risk of mortality from neurological disorders, but the molecular mechanisms underlying these risks remain unclear. We hypothesized that ischemia-induced amyloidogenesis may be enhanced in the hippocampus following prolonged loss of ovarian 17b-estradiol (E2), which could contribute to these …
The number of older adults (individuals 65 years), particularly women, in our society is increasing and understanding the impact of exercise on muscle capacity (e.g., strength and power) and subsequently physical function is of utmost importance to prevent disability and maintain independence. Muscle capacity declines with age and this change negatively impacts physical function in older women…
Background: The aim of this study was to compare 6 weeks short-term moderate intensity aerobic exercise and dieting on serum metabolomics and cardio-metabolic risk factors in pre-menopausal women. Methods: Ninety previously inactive overweight and obese (BMI 25e35 kg/m2) women (age 41.5 7.6 years) were randomized to either a 6-week Nordic walking exercise program (EX, n ¼ 45) or dietary cou…
The differences of learning and memory between males and females have been well documented and confirmed by both human and animal studies. The sex differences in cognition started from early stage of neuronal development and last through entire lifespan. The major biological basis of the gender-dependent cognitive activity includes two major components: sex hormone and sex-related characteristi…
Aging is associated with physiological declines, notably a decrease in bone mineral density (BMD) and lean body mass, with a concurrentincrease in body fat and central adiposity. Interest in women and aging is of particular interest partly as a result of gender specific responses to aging, particularly as a result of menopause. It is possible that the onset of menopause may augment the physiolo…
superficial layer intrinsic muscles and the function of the longitudinal arch. Our hypothesis was that running in minimal shoes would cause hypertrophy in these muscles and lead to higher, stronger, stiffer arches. Methods: The hypothesis was tested using a sample of 33 healthy runners randomized into two groups, a control group shod in traditional running footwear and an experimental group sh…
Background: Investigations of running gait among barefoot and populations have revealed a diversity of foot strike behaviors, with some preferentially employing a rearfoot strike (RFS) as the foot touches down while others employ a midfoot strike (MFS) or forefoot strike (FFS). Here, we report foot strike behavior and joint angles among traditional Hadza hunter-gatherers living in Northern Tanz…
Purpose: This study examined variation in foot strike types, lower extremity kinematics, and arch height and stiffness among Tarahumara Indians from the Sierra Tarahumara, Mexico. Methods: High speed video was used to study the kinematics of 23 individuals, 13 who habitually wear traditional minimal running sandals (huaraches), and 10 who habitually wear modern, conventional running shoes with…
Background: Running is becoming an increasingly popular activity among Americans with over 50 million participants. Running shoe research and technology has continued to advance with no decrease in overall running injury rates. A growing group of runners are making the choice to try the minimal or barefoot running styles of the pre-modern running shoe era. There is some evidence of decreased fo…
Background: Forefoot strike (FFS) and rearfoot strike (RFS) runners differ in their kinematics, force loading rates, and joint loading patterns, but the timing of their muscle activation is less clear. Methods: Forty recreational and highly trained runners ran at four speeds barefoot and shod on a motorized treadmill. “Barefoot” runners wore thin, five-toed socks and shod runners wore neut…
Backgound: Barefoot (BF) running has recently increased in popularity with claims that it is more natural and may result in fewer injuries due to a reduction in impact loading. However, novice BF runners do not necessarily immediately switch to a forefoot strike pattern. This may increase mechanical parameters such as loading rate, which has been associated with certain running-related injuries…
Purpose: To observe the relative change in foot-strike pattern, pressure characteristics, surface electromyography (sEMG) recordings, and stride characteristics in forefoot strike runners wearing both minimalist and traditional shoes during a 50-km run. Methods: Four experienced minimalist runners were enrolled in this study. Each runner ran a 50-km simulated run in both minimalist shoes and t…
Background: The forefoot running footfall pattern has been suggested to reduce the risk of developing running related overuse injuries due to a reduction of impact related variables compared with the rearfoot running footfall pattern. However, only time-domain impact variables have been compared between footfall patterns. The frequency content of the impact shock and the degree to which it is a…
Background: Previous studies of foot strike patterns of distance runners in road races have typically found that the overwhelming majority of shod runners initially contact the ground on the rearfoot. However, none of these studies has attempted to quantify foot strike patterns of barefoot or minimally shod runners. This study classifies foot strike patterns of barefoot and minimally shod runne…
Background: Numerous studies about the interaction between footwear (and barefoot) and kinematic and kinetic outcomes have been published over the last few years. Recent studies however lead to the conclusion that the assumed interactions depend mainly on the subjects’ experience of barefoot (BF) walking/running, the preferred running strike pattern, the speed, the hardness of the surface, th…
Purpose: The purpose of this study was to evaluate whether and to what extent the observed effects on self-rated sleep in a previous study using a combined treatment program with physical exercise and sleep education can be attributed by the physical activity (PA) component. Methods: The present study reports supplementary analysis of an already described and published study. Data were provide…
Purpose: To summarize the approach-avoidance achievement goal and performance in the sport psychology literature. Methods: A total of 17 published studies, two of which provided two samples, were located. Accepted meta-analytic procedures were used with Hedges g as the effect size metric. From the 17 studies, 73 effect sizes were calculated. Results: Results based on a random effects model in…
Background: Using a cross-sectional design comparison, two overhead press techniques (in-front of the head or behind the head) were compared.The purpose of this study was to determine the impact of behind the head or in-front of the head overhead pressing technique on shoulder range of movement (ROM) and spine posture. The overhead press is commonly prescribed exercise. The two techniques (in-f…
Purpose: The purpose of this study was to develop and validate a method that would facilitate immediate feedback on linear hammer speed during training. Methods: Three-dimensional hammer head positional data were measured and used to calculate linear speed (calculated speed) and cable force. These data were used to develop two linear regression models (shifted and non-shifted) that would allow…
Background: Prolonged sitting is a risk factor for low-back pain. The primary purpose of this study is to determine if prolonged active sitting will result in increased trunk motion. Methods: Fifteen healthy female participants volunteered to sit for 30 min on each of three surfaces including an air-cushion, a stability ball, and a hard surface. Trunk motion was monitored using a Vicon motion …
Background: Accelerometers have been suggested to provide additional information during the 6-min walk test which may be useful in evaluating changes in functional exercise capacity. The aim of the study was to identify whether the additional information measured by the MyWellness Key (MWK) accelerometer during a treadmill 6-min walk test (t-6MWT) was related to currently used outcome measures…
Purpose: This study was designed to characterize and compare the vertical (kvert) and leg (kleg) stiffness measured during running in two different footwear conditions on negative, level, and positive slopes, using kinematic data only. Methods: Fourteen male recreational runners (age 23.4 4.4 years, height 177.5 5.2 cm, and body mass 69.5 5.3 kg) were tested on 2 separate days within 1 w…
Background: Poor sleep quality is associated with adverse effects on health outcomes. It is not clear whether exercise can improve sleep quality and whether intensity of exercise affects any of the effects. Methods: Fifteen healthy, non-obese (body mass index ¼ 24.4 2.1 kg/m2, mean SD), sedentary (
Purpose: Long-term training specificity is thought to alter performance in tests evaluating strength and power production capability. The aim of the present study was to provide additional information to the limited existing knowledge concerning the possible differences of the force/time profile of squat jumping among different groups of young female athletes. Methods: One hundred and seventy-…
Despite the large number of articles published in the medical literature advocating the use of Tai Ji Quan for a wide variety of health-related outcomes, there has been little systematic broad-scale implementation of these programs. It may be argued that the lack of funding from organizations capable of implementing and overseeing large-scale programs, such as governmental health agencies or na…
Tai Ji Quan is considered to be a part of traditional Chinese Wushu (a martial art) and comprises various styles that have evolved historically from the Chen, Yang, Wǔ, Wu´ , and Sun families (schools). Recent simplification of the original classic styles has made Tai Ji Quan easier to adopt in practice. Thus, the traditional legacy of using Tai Ji Quan for self-defense, mindful nurturing of …
The relationship between physical activity (PA) and cognition has received much attention recently. While evidence of improved cognition following PA has consistently been observed, the majority of studies have spotlighted aerobic exercise and the effects of other modes of PA, such as Tai Ji Quan, on cognition have received limited attention. This article provides a brief review of the literatu…
Currently there are more than 13.7 million cancer survivors living in the U.S., and that figure is projected to increase by 31% in the next decade, adding another 4 million cancer survivors into the healthcare system. Cancer is largely a disease of aging, and the aging of the population will sharply raise the proportion of older cancer survivors, many of whom will be long-term survivors (5þ ye…
Tai Ji Quan, developed as a martial art, has traditionally served multiple purposes, including self-defense, competition/performance, and health promotion. With respect to health, the benefits historically and anecdotally associated with Tai Ji Quan are now being supported by scientific and clinical research, with mounting evidence indicating its potential value in preventing and managing vario…
Falls in older adults are a significant public health issue and a particularly significant health risk in Minnesota. With accumulating research evidence suggesting that falls can be prevented through exercise, there is an increased public health effort among organizations serving older adults to translate and disseminate evidence-based programs into the community. Such efforts, however, face ad…
Falls among people aged 65 and older are a significant public health problem and one that is expected to increase as the population ages.Randomized controlled trials have demonstrated that Tai Ji Quan can reduce falls and associated injuries among older adults. In this paper, we describe how Tai Ji Quan community programs are being utilized by public health and aging services organizations to r…
The article by Fink and Houston1 in this special issue of Journal of Sport and Health Science provides an excellent example of implementing an evidence-based fall prevention program in real communities with diverse cultures of elderly populations. Although preliminary, the project revealed a number of interconnected barriers and facilitators that shed light on practical implications (“less…
Older adult falls are a significant public health problem, but one that is amenable to preventive interventions.1,2 Despite the progress made in identifying risk factors, developing efficacious health-related interventions, and promoting evidencebased programs in the community, much work remains before these strategies are broadly available and effectively used to reduce fall-related injuries.3…
Background: Preventing anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries is very important for athletes, and dynamic knee valgus is considered a risk factor for non-contact ACL injury. However, little is known about whether the functions of the hip abductor and rear-foot increase dynamic knee valgus. A two-dimensional (2D) video-based screening test focused on hip abductor and rear-foot functions among…
The traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) theory of traditional Chinese health exercise (TCHE) is analyzed. The effect of meridians and acupoints contained in TCHE is summarized, the treatment methods of tonifying deficiencies and reducing excesses applied in TCHE are discussed, the regulation of Zang-fu organs are emphasized, and the leading role of Qi is introduced. The exercise prescription and…
Purpose: Educating adolescents about energy balance (EB) is essential for effective weight control. This study utilized the Sensewear (SWA)armband and a diet journal to promote adolescents’ EB knowledge and motivation. Methods: Ninety sixth graders were randomly assigned into the experimental group (n ¼ 46) who utilized SWA and diet journal for 7 consecutive days or the control group (n ¼ …
Background: Cognitive impairment is prevalent among older adults and results in degraded quality of life for older adults. As the population ages, this may cause a huge burden to society. Research has demonstrated that physical exercise is beneficial to cognitive function. The purpose of this meta-analysis was to critically assess the effect of Tai Chi exercise on global cognitive, executive, a…
Background: Overweight and obesity has become a serious public health problem in many parts of the world. Studies suggest that making small changes in daily activity levels such as “breaking-up” sedentary time (i.e., standing) may help mitigate the health risks of sedentary behavior. The aim of the present study was to examine time spent in standing (determined by count threshold), lying, a…
Objective: To examine factors of the youth physical activity promotion (YPAP) model that are associated with Chinese international students’ meeting PA recommendations (MPAR). Methods: A total of 649 (females ¼ 320, males ¼ 329) Chinese international college students participated in the study. This study was conducted in the United States (US.) between June and August in 2011. Participants…
Natural adult aging is associated with many functional impairments of the human neuromuscular system. One of the more observable alterations is the loss of contractile muscle mass, termed sarcopenia. The loss of muscle mass occurs primarily due to a progressive loss of viable motor units, and accompanying atrophy of remaining muscle fibers. Not only does the loss of muscle mass contribute to im…