The effect of warm-ups with stretching on the isokinetic moments of collegiate men

Southeast Asian, African, and Middle East Expert Consensus on Structured Physical Activity-Dance, Exercise, and Sports

Physical inactivity (PIA) is a pressing public health issue globally, contributing significantly to the rise of non-communicable diseases (NCD), such as cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes. The World Health Organization emphasises the importance of regular physical activity (PA) for preventing and managing NCDs. Initiatives to promote active living have gained momentum, ranging from community programs to workplace wellness campaigns, all focused on reducing sedentary lifestyles in modern society. Structured Physical Activity-Dance, Exercise, and Sports (SPADES) has emerged as an innovative approach to addressing PIA and promoting holistic health. After thoroughly reviewing existing literature from PubMed and Google Scholar databases, a panel of experts developed consensus statements through in-depth discussions, and the strength of concurrence on these statements was voted on using a Likert scale. The panel reached a consensus on the best strategies for PA, dance, exercise, sports, and key factors to consider during PA. This consensus targets individuals with metabolic diseases, particularly in regions like South Asia, East Africa, the Gulf, and Latin America, where these conditions are highly prevalent. The SPADES guidelines emphasise overcoming the barriers people with metabolic disorders face in achieving adequate PA, providing tailored recommendations to improve health outcomes for this population.

Injury prevention in professional soccer players: can re-warmup training be organized in the post-warmup and half-time during a soccer game in a short time?

INTRODUCTION

Passive time, during the post-warmup and half-time, decreases athletes' performance and increases injury risk factors in the active phases of the soccer match. Objective. This narrative review aims to research and synthesize existing evidence to identify brief re-warmup strategies that may find applicability in the post-warmup and half-time of a soccer match.

EVIDENCE ACQUISITION

The analysis was conducted on PubMed, Web of Science, PEDro, SPORTDiscus and Google Scholar. Due to the lack of evidence, no temporal time was established, preferring most up-to-date articles. The data were synthesized in relation to the objectives, following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) guidelines.

EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS

Our research yielded a total of 753 studies, 463 related to re-warmup, 136 articles on re-warmup in soccer, and 154 articles on re-warmup during half-time. Of these, 26 met the inclusion objectives and were included in this research. Our findings confirm that a re-warmup can mitigate the decremental effect of static rest on performance. From the studies considered, we have identified a work that emphasizes how a 1-minute warmup of high-intensity exercise at speed corresponding to 90% of VO2max can prevent decreases related to passive time, in sprint performance and muscle strength, as well as improve muscle temperature. These results could apply to both post-warmup and half-time scenarios of a soccer match.

CONCLUSIONS

From this narrative review, it has been possible to highlight a one-minute high-intensity re-warmup that improved sprint performance, increased core temperature, and enhanced muscle activation, not leading to additional physiological or psychological fatigue.

Comparative Analysis of Various Rotator Cuff Stretching Techniques: Efficacy and Recommendations for Gym Enthusiasts

Shoulder pain is a common complaint among gym-going individuals, particularly those engaged in upper limb workouts. The rotator cuff, comprising four muscles, plays a crucial role in stabilizing the shoulder joint during movements and supporting its mobility. Imbalances or weaknesses in these muscles can lead to shoulder injuries, affecting performance and overall well-being. The main aim of this review is to explore the benefit of one of the approaches in preventing shoulder pain and improving performance among gym-going individuals. Specific rotator cuff stretching exercises target the entire shoulder complex to enhance the mobility, control, and stabilization of the joint. The dynamic warm-up routine will actively engage the relevant muscles in various planes of motion, promoting the increased range of motion and reduced inflammation. Ultimately, the results from this review can serve as important knowledge for gym-going individuals, trainers, and fitness enthusiasts, guiding them in incorporating evidence-based warm-up strategies to optimize their workouts. Empowering individuals to take proactive measures in caring for their shoulder health can lead to improved overall performance and a better training experience in the gym.

The impact of passive heat maintenance strategies between an active warm-up and performance: a systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Prior to exercise, a warm-up routine has been suggested to be an imperative factor in task readiness with the anticipation that it will enhance performance. One of the key benefits of a warm-up is the increase in muscle and core temperature, which can be achieved in a variety of ways. An effective way to achieve improvements in core and muscle temperature is by performing an active warm-up. However, lengthy transition periods between an active warm-up and exercise performance are known to cause a decline in core and muscle temperature, thereby reducing performance capability. As such, methods are needed to assist athletes during transition periods, to maintain the benefits of a warm-up with the aim of optimising performance. Accordingly, the purpose of this review is to systematically analyse the evidence base that has investigated the use of passive heating to aide sporting performance when a transition period is experienced.

METHODS

A systematic review and meta-analysis were undertaken following relevant studies being identified using PubMed, Web of Science, and EBSCO. Studies investigating the effects of passive heating strategies during the transition period between an active warm-up and exercise performance were included. The quality of the included studies were assessed by two independent reviewers using a modified version of the Physiotherapy Evidence Database scale.

RESULTS

Seven studies, all high quality (mean = 7.6), reported sufficient data (quality score > 5) on the effects of passive heating strategies on exercise performance, these studies consisted of 85 well-trained athletes (78 male and 7 female). Passive heating strategies used between an active warm-up and exercise, significantly increased peak power output in all studies (ES = 0.54 [95% CI 0.17 to 0.91]). However, only a favourable trend was evident for exercise performance (ES = 1.07 [95% CI - 0.64 to 0.09]).

CONCLUSIONS

Based upon a limited number of well-conducted, randomised, controlled trials, it appears that passive heating strategies used between an active warm-up and exercise have a positive impact on peak power output. Although, additional research is necessary to determine the optimum procedure for passive warm-up strategies.

Feasibility of an Ultrasound-Based Method for Measuring Talar Displacement during the Anterior Drawer Stress Test Using a Telos Device: A Preliminary Study

This study was conducted to measured talar displacement using ultrasound during an anterior drawer test (ADT) with a Telos device. Five adults (3 men and 2 women; 8 ankles; mean age: 23.2 y) with a history of ankle sprain and eight adults (5 men and 3 women; 16 ankles; mean age: 22.1 y) without a history of ankle sprain were recruited into a history of ankle sprain (HAS) and a control group, respectively. Talar displacement was observed in response to load forces applied by a Telos device during the ultrasound stress imaging test. The ultrasound probe was placed 5 mm inside from the center of the Achilles tendon on the posterior ankle along the direction of the major axis. The inter-rater reliability for the present method was classified as good and excellent (ICC_(2,2) = 0.858 and 0.957 at 120 N and 150 N, respectively) in the control group and excellent (ICC_(2,2) = 0.940 and 0.905 at 120 N and 150 N, respectively) in the HAS group, according to specific intraclass correlation coefficient values. We found that talar displacement during the ADT was lower in the HAS group than in the control group. Analysis of the receiver operating characteristic curve revealed that the quantitative ultrasound-based ADT using a Telos device was superior to the X-ray-based test in detecting reduced ankle joint mobility during the ADT (area under the curve of 0.905 and 0.726 at a force of 150 N using ultrasound-based and X-ray-based tests, respectively). Further investigation is needed; nevertheless, this preliminary study suggests that the ultrasound-based quantitative ADT using a Telos device might detect talar displacement more sensitively than the conventional stress X-ray.

ACUTE OUTCOMES OF MYOFASCIAL DECOMPRESSION (CUPPING THERAPY) COMPARED TO SELF-MYOFASCIAL RELEASE ON HAMSTRING PATHOLOGY AFTER A SINGLE TREATMENT

BACKGROUND

Myofascial decompression (MFD), or cupping, and self-myofascial release (SMR) are common techniques utilized to treat soft tissue injuries and increase flexibility. MFD is a negative pressure soft tissue treatment technique using suction to manipulate the skin and underlying soft tissues. One method of SMR is a foam roller, where a patient rolls his/her bodyweight over a dense foam cylinder in a self-massaging fashion to mobilize soft tissues for the body part treated.

HYPOTHESIS/PURPOSE

The purpose of this investigation was to examine the acute effects on hamstring flexibility and patient-rated outcome measures comparing two soft tissue treatments, 1) MFD, and 2) a moist heat pack with SMR using a foam roller in patients with diagnosed hamstring pathology.

STUDY DESIGN

Pilot randomized controlled trial study.

METHODS

Seventeen collegiate athletes [13 males (20.6+/- years; 184.9+/-cm; 90.8+/-kg) and 4 females (20.5+/-years; 167.1+/-cm; 62.7+/-kg)] with diagnosed hamstring pathology (mild strain and/or symptoms of tightness, pain, decreased strength, and decreased flexibility) were randomly assigned to receive MFD or SMR. The MFD group (n = 9) received three minutes of static treatment using six plastic-valve suction cups along the hamstrings followed by 20 repetitions of active movement with cups in place. SMR (n = 8) received 10 minutes of heat treatment over the hamstrings followed by 60 seconds of general mobilization over the entire hamstring area, and 90 seconds of targeted foam rolling on the area of most perceived tightness. Passive hamstring flexibility (ROM) and a patient-rated outcome measure [Perceived Functional Ability Questionnaire (PFAQ)] were assessed before and immediately after treatment. The Global Rating of Change measure (GROC) was administered post-intervention.

RESULTS

Passive ROM and subjective PFAQ measures for overall flexibility and flexibility of the hamstrings were significantly different from pre- to post-intervention measurements regardless of the treatment received. A significant difference was found in favor of the MFD group for the GROC values.

CONCLUSION

The findings suggest that both treatments are beneficial in increasing hamstring length. Patients though felt an enhanced treatment effect using MFD over SMR for perceived benefits to hamstring flexibility.

LEVELS OF EVIDENCE

Level 2.

Preventive factors against work-related musculoskeletal disorders: narrative review

Musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are major causes of morbidity among workers. They comprise several signs and symptoms, as e.g. pain, paresthesia, fatigue and limited range of motion, which can be related to work tasks. Workplace-related factors include physical, psychological, social and biomechanical hazards. The main kinetic factors associated with MSDs include repetitive movements, exerting excessive force, awkward postures, compression and mechanical vibration. Accurate knowledge of epidemiological aspects, evaluation of ergonomic hazards and musculoskeletal symptoms, and workplace exercise may help reduce the occurrence of MSDs. The aim of the present review is to analyze the applicability of preventive strategies against MSDs among workers. We performed a narrative review based on a survey of databases PubMed and BIREME and included studies published in English, Spanish or Portuguese. We found that workplace exercise is beneficial for both employers and workers. Risk analysis of MSDs is essential for early identification of occupational hazards and to prevent health consequences and costs associated with absenteeism.

Effect of aerobic and anaerobic exercise on estrogen level, fat mass, and muscle mass among postmenopausal osteoporotic females

OBJECTIVE

The life expectancy of women increases with the advancement in modern medicine, leading them to spent about two decades in menopausal state along with its associated complications. The process of aging triggers a deleterious cascade of physiological changes in the body. Hence, the aim of our study is to determine the effects of both aerobic and anaerobic exercises on estrogen level in postmenopausal osteoporotic females.

METHODOLOGY

A randomized control trial was conducted among 94 postmenopausal osteoporotic females, randomly divided into two equal groups. The participants in Group A were assigned to perform aerobic exercise, whereas Group B performed resistance exercises. Each group performed exercises for 12 weeks, whereas reading was collected for blood estrogen level, fat mass, and muscle mass before exercise training and after 12 weeks of training.

RESULTS

Twelve weeks of aerobic and anaerobic exercise program based on the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM); frequency, intensity, time, and type protocol has beneficial effect on estradiol level and lean mass, whereas inversely correlated with fat mass of postmenopausal osteoporotic female.

CONCLUSION

The study concluded that 12 weeks of exercise programs was found to be effective in improving estradiol level of postmenopausal osteoporotic female. The efficacy of anaerobic exercise was found to be more potent on estradiol level and lean mass than aerobic exercises as only 36 sessions of resisted exercises performed during a period of 12 weeks provided more significant result than 72 session of aerobic exercises.