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Zhang W, Chen X, Xu K, Xie H, Chen J, Zhu Z, Ji H, Li D, Sun J. The potential of a targeted unilateral compound training program to reduce lower limb strength asymmetry and increase performance: a proof-of-concept in basketball. Front Physiol 2024; 15:1361719. [PMID: 38989050 PMCID: PMC11234801 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2024.1361719] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2023] [Accepted: 05/16/2024] [Indexed: 07/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Objective This study investigates the efficacy of training methodologies aimed at mitigating asymmetries in lower limb strength and explosiveness among basketball players. Methods Thirty male university basketball athletes were enrolled in this research. Initial assessments were made regarding their physical attributes, strength, and explosiveness. Subsequently, the participants were randomly allocated into two groups: an experimental group (EG, n = 15) and a control group (CG, n = 15). Over 10 weeks, the EG engaged in a unilateral compound training regimen, incorporating resistance training exercises such as split squats, Bulgarian split squats, box step-ups, and single-leg calf raises (non-dominant leg: three sets of six repetitions; dominant leg: one set of six repetitions) and plyometric drills including lunge jumps, single-leg hops with back foot raise, single-leg lateral jumps, and single-leg continuous hopping (non-dominant leg: three sets of 12 repetitions; dominant leg: one set of 12 repetitions). The CG continued with their standard training routine. Assessments of limb asymmetry and athletic performance were conducted before and after the intervention to evaluate changes. Results 1) Body morphology assessments showed limb length and circumference discrepancies of less than 3 cm. The initial average asymmetry percentages in the single-leg countermovement jump (SLCMJ) for jump height, power, and impulse were 15.56%, 12.4%, and 4.48%, respectively. 2) Post-intervention, the EG demonstrated a significant reduction in the asymmetry percentages of SLCMJ height and power (p < 0.01), along with improvements in the isometric mid-thigh pull (IMTP) test metrics (p < 0.05). 3) The EG also showed marked enhancements in the double-leg countermovement jump (CMJ) and standing long jump (SLJ) outcomes compared to the CG (p < 0.01), as well as in squat performance (p < 0.05). Conclusion The 10-week unilateral compound training program effectively reduced the asymmetry in lower limb strength and explosiveness among elite male university basketball players, contributing to increased maximal strength and explosiveness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenfeng Zhang
- School of Athletic Training, Guangzhou Sport University, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Human Movement Function Science, School of Athletic Training, Guangzhou Sport University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xing Chen
- Sihui High School-High-Tech School, Sihui, China
| | - Kun Xu
- School of Athletic Training, Guangzhou Sport University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Hezhi Xie
- School of Athletic Training, Guangzhou Sport University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jiayong Chen
- Graduate School, Guangzhou Sport University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ziwei Zhu
- Graduate School, Guangzhou Sport University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Hongshen Ji
- School of Athletic Training, Guangzhou Sport University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Duanying Li
- School of Athletic Training, Guangzhou Sport University, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Human Movement Function Science, School of Athletic Training, Guangzhou Sport University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jian Sun
- School of Athletic Training, Guangzhou Sport University, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong Key Laboratory of Human Movement Function Science, School of Athletic Training, Guangzhou Sport University, Guangzhou, China
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Buoite Stella A, Dragonetti AM, Fontanot S, Sabot R, Martini M, Galmonte A, Canton G, Deodato M, Murena L. The Acute Effects of Cold Water Immersion and Percussive Massage Therapy on Neuromuscular Properties and Muscle Soreness after Exercise in Young Male Soccer Players. Sports (Basel) 2024; 12:167. [PMID: 38921861 PMCID: PMC11207944 DOI: 10.3390/sports12060167] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2024] [Revised: 06/12/2024] [Accepted: 06/12/2024] [Indexed: 06/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Cold water immersion (CWI) and percussive massage therapy (PMT) are commonly used recovery techniques in team sports. In particular, despite its wide use, PMT has been scarcely investigated in the literature, especially regarding neuromuscular measures and in comparison with other techniques. This study aimed to evaluate and compare the acute and short-term effects (24 h) of CWI and PMT on muscle strength, contractile properties, and soreness after exercise. A randomized crossover study was performed on sixteen male soccer players (22 years, 20-27) who participated in three experimental sessions involving a fatiguing protocol consisting of a Yo-Yo Intermittent Endurance Test followed by 3 × 10 squat jumps and a wall sit for 30 s, and 12 min of recovery including CWI (10 °C water), bilateral PMT on the anterior and posterior thigh, or passive resting. Outcomes were assessed immediately after the exercise protocol, after the recovery intervention, and at 24 h. Isometric knee extension (IKE) and flexion (IKF) and tensiomyography (TMG) were assessed. Muscle soreness and fatigue were scored from 0 to 10. PMT increased strength after the treatment (p = 0.004) and at 24 h (p = 0.007), whereas no significant differences were found for the other two recovery modalities. At post-recovery, compared to CON, CWI resulted in a longer TMG contraction time (p = 0.027). No significant differences were found at 24 h. Finally, PMT and CWI enhanced muscle soreness recovery compared to passive rest (F4,60 = 3.095, p = 0.022, pη2 = 0.171). Preliminary results from this study suggest that PMT might improve isometric strength after strenuous exercise, and both PMT and CWI reduce muscle soreness perception, while the effects on TMG parameters remain controversial.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alex Buoite Stella
- School of Physiotherapy, Department of Medicine, Surgery and Health Sciences, University of Trieste, Via Pascoli 31, 34100 Trieste, Italy; (A.B.S.); (M.M.); (A.G.); (G.C.); (M.D.); (L.M.)
| | - Angelo Michele Dragonetti
- School of Physiotherapy, Department of Medicine, Surgery and Health Sciences, University of Trieste, Via Pascoli 31, 34100 Trieste, Italy; (A.B.S.); (M.M.); (A.G.); (G.C.); (M.D.); (L.M.)
| | - Simone Fontanot
- School of Physiotherapy, Department of Medicine, Surgery and Health Sciences, University of Trieste, Via Pascoli 31, 34100 Trieste, Italy; (A.B.S.); (M.M.); (A.G.); (G.C.); (M.D.); (L.M.)
| | - Raffaele Sabot
- School of Physiotherapy, Department of Medicine, Surgery and Health Sciences, University of Trieste, Via Pascoli 31, 34100 Trieste, Italy; (A.B.S.); (M.M.); (A.G.); (G.C.); (M.D.); (L.M.)
| | - Miriam Martini
- School of Physiotherapy, Department of Medicine, Surgery and Health Sciences, University of Trieste, Via Pascoli 31, 34100 Trieste, Italy; (A.B.S.); (M.M.); (A.G.); (G.C.); (M.D.); (L.M.)
- PhD Program in Personalized Medicine and Innovative Therapies, Department of Medicine, Surgery and Health Sciences, University of Trieste, 34100 Trieste, Italy
| | - Alessandra Galmonte
- School of Physiotherapy, Department of Medicine, Surgery and Health Sciences, University of Trieste, Via Pascoli 31, 34100 Trieste, Italy; (A.B.S.); (M.M.); (A.G.); (G.C.); (M.D.); (L.M.)
| | - Gianluca Canton
- School of Physiotherapy, Department of Medicine, Surgery and Health Sciences, University of Trieste, Via Pascoli 31, 34100 Trieste, Italy; (A.B.S.); (M.M.); (A.G.); (G.C.); (M.D.); (L.M.)
- Orthopedics and Traumatology Unit, Department of Medicine, Surgery and Health Sciences, University of Trieste, Strada di Fiume 447, 34149 Trieste, Italy
| | - Manuela Deodato
- School of Physiotherapy, Department of Medicine, Surgery and Health Sciences, University of Trieste, Via Pascoli 31, 34100 Trieste, Italy; (A.B.S.); (M.M.); (A.G.); (G.C.); (M.D.); (L.M.)
| | - Luigi Murena
- School of Physiotherapy, Department of Medicine, Surgery and Health Sciences, University of Trieste, Via Pascoli 31, 34100 Trieste, Italy; (A.B.S.); (M.M.); (A.G.); (G.C.); (M.D.); (L.M.)
- PhD Program in Personalized Medicine and Innovative Therapies, Department of Medicine, Surgery and Health Sciences, University of Trieste, 34100 Trieste, Italy
- Orthopedics and Traumatology Unit, Department of Medicine, Surgery and Health Sciences, University of Trieste, Strada di Fiume 447, 34149 Trieste, Italy
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Deodato M, Saponaro S, Šimunič B, Martini M, Murena L, Buoite Stella A. Trunk muscles' characteristics in adolescent gymnasts with low back pain: a pilot study on the effects of a physiotherapy intervention including a postural reeducation program. J Man Manip Ther 2024; 32:310-324. [PMID: 37649443 PMCID: PMC11216269 DOI: 10.1080/10669817.2023.2252202] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2023] [Accepted: 08/20/2023] [Indexed: 09/01/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Trunk muscles' function and characteristics are of great importance for both static and dynamic tasks in different sports, and abnormalities of trunk flexors and extensors might be associated with low back pain (LBP). The aim of this study was to provide a comprehensive evaluation of the functional, morphological and contractile properties in trunk flexors and extensors of young gymnasts with and without LBP. METHODS Young gymnasts (14/25 females, 14-18 y) were screened for the presence of chronic LBP. Abdominal and lumbar muscles were tested for function (McGill's endurance tests), thickness (ultrasound), and contractile responses (tensiomyography). An 8-sessions physiotherapy intervention including postural reeducation was performed by a subsample of 10 subjects with LBP. RESULTS LBP was found to be associated to higher flexors-to-extensors endurance ratio (OR 11.250, 95% CI: 1.647-76.849, p = 0.014), reduced mean lumbar multifidus thickness (OR 16.500, 95% CI: 2.246-121.228, p = 0.006), and reduced mean erector spinae radial displacement (OR 16.500, 95% CI: 2.246-121.228, p = 0.006). The physiotherapy intervention was found to reduce LBP symptoms and it was associated with a significant improvement in the flexors-to-extensors ratio (p < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS This study provides preliminary evidence of functional, morphological, and contractile trunk muscles' alterations associated with chronic LBP in young gymnasts, and presents the effects of a postural reeducation program on symptoms and muscles' functional properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manuela Deodato
- School of Physiotherapy, Department of Medicine, Surgery and Health Sciences, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy
- PhD Program in Neural and Cognitive Sciences, Department of Life Sciences, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy
| | - Serena Saponaro
- School of Physiotherapy, Department of Medicine, Surgery and Health Sciences, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy
| | - Boštjan Šimunič
- Institute for Kinesiology Research, Science and Research Center of Koper, Koper, Slovenia
| | - Miriam Martini
- School of Physiotherapy, Department of Medicine, Surgery and Health Sciences, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy
| | - Luigi Murena
- School of Physiotherapy, Department of Medicine, Surgery and Health Sciences, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy
- Orthopaedics and Traumatology Unit, Cattinara Hospital - ASUGI, Department of Medicine, Surgery and Health Sciences, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy
| | - Alex Buoite Stella
- School of Physiotherapy, Department of Medicine, Surgery and Health Sciences, University of Trieste, Trieste, Italy
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Maly T, Hank M, Verbruggen FF, Clarup C, Phillips K, Zahalka F, Mala L, Ford KR. Relationships of lower extremity and trunk asymmetries in elite soccer players. Front Physiol 2024; 15:1343090. [PMID: 38370013 PMCID: PMC10869622 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2024.1343090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2023] [Accepted: 01/16/2024] [Indexed: 02/20/2024] Open
Abstract
In light of previous research highlighting the prevalence of asymmetries in soccer players and possible links to injury risks, there is a crucial gap in the biomechanical understanding of complex relationships between lower extremity and trunk asymmetries in elite soccer players. The purpose of this study was to investigate the level, relationships, and differences among twelve different parameters of strength, morphological, and neuromuscular asymmetries in elite soccer players. Methods: Elite male soccer players (n = 25, age 21.7 ± 3.9 years) were tested in the following tests: bilateral fluid distribution, hip flexor range of motion, postural stability, isokinetic strength of knee extensors and flexors, isometric lateral trunk rotation strength, eccentric strength of knee flexors, isometric bilateral strength of hip adductors, and vertical ground reaction force in counter-movement jump-free arms, counter-movement jump, squat jump, and drop jump tests. One-way ANOVA, Pearson's coefficient (r), and partial eta squared (η p 2) were used for data analysis. Results: Significant differences in asymmetries were found in elite soccer players (F11,299 = 11.01, p < .01). The magnitude of asymmetry over 10% was in postural stability and drop jump parameters. The lowest magnitudes of asymmetries were in the fluid distribution of the lower limbs and the vertical ground reaction force during the take-off phase in squat jumps. The highest asymmetries between the dominant and non-dominant sides were found in postural stability and drop jump. A total of eleven significant correlations (p < 0.05, r = 0.41-0.63, R2 = 0.17-0.40) were detected between the analyzed asymmetries in elite soccer players. The lateral trunk rotation asymmetries were significantly correlated to vertical ground reaction force asymmetries and knee extensors. Conclusion: Long-term exposure in elite soccer leads to unilateral biomechanical loading that induces abnormal strength and morphological adaptations in favor of the dominant side while linking lower limb and trunk strength asymmetries. By unraveling these complex relationships, we strive to contribute novel methods that could inform targeted training regimens and injury prevention strategies in the elite soccer community. The data should encourage future researchers and coaches to monitor and develop trunk strength linked to lower body kinematics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomas Maly
- Sport Research Center, Faculty of Physical Education and Sport, Charles University, Prague, Czechia
- Department of Performance, AC Sparta Praha, Prague, Czechia
| | - Mikulas Hank
- Sport Research Center, Faculty of Physical Education and Sport, Charles University, Prague, Czechia
| | - Ferdia Fallon Verbruggen
- Sport Research Center, Faculty of Physical Education and Sport, Charles University, Prague, Czechia
- Department of Performance, AC Sparta Praha, Prague, Czechia
| | | | - Kirk Phillips
- Department of Performance, AC Sparta Praha, Prague, Czechia
| | - Frantisek Zahalka
- Sport Research Center, Faculty of Physical Education and Sport, Charles University, Prague, Czechia
| | - Lucia Mala
- Sport Research Center, Faculty of Physical Education and Sport, Charles University, Prague, Czechia
| | - Kevin R. Ford
- Department of Physical Therapy, High Point University, High Point, NC, United States
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Richlan F, Weiß M, Kastner P, Braid J. Virtual training, real effects: a narrative review on sports performance enhancement through interventions in virtual reality. Front Psychol 2023; 14:1240790. [PMID: 37928573 PMCID: PMC10622803 DOI: 10.3389/fpsyg.2023.1240790] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2023] [Accepted: 10/04/2023] [Indexed: 11/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The present article reports a narrative review of intervention (i.e., training) studies using Virtual Reality (VR) in sports contexts. It provides a qualitative overview and narrative summary of such studies to clarify the potential benefits of VR technology for sports performance enhancement, to extract the main characteristics of the existing studies, and to inform and guide future research. Our literature search and review eventually resulted in 12 intervention studies with a pre vs. post design focused on different sports, including target and precision sports (archery, bowling, curling, darts, golf), bat/racquet and ball sports (baseball, table tennis), goal sports (football/soccer, basketball), martial arts (karate), and sport-unspecific processes such as bodily sensations and balancing. The samples investigated in the primary studies included novice, amateur, and expert athletes (total aggregated sample size N = 493). Many studies found statistically significant effects in relevant target skills following interventions in VR, often outperforming training effects in passive or active control conditions (e.g., using conventional training protocols). Therefore, interventions in VR (or extended reality) have the potential to elicit real effects in sports performance enhancement through training of motor and psychological skills and capabilities in athletes, including perception-action skills, strategic, tactical and decision-making, responding to unexpected events, and enhancing psychological resilience and mental performance under pressure. The neurocognitive mechanisms (e.g., visual search behavior, imagery), methodological aspects (e.g., adaptive training difficulty), and the issues of real-world transfer and generalizability via which these potential sports-performance-related improvements may occur are discussed. Finally, limitations of the present review, the included studies, the current state of the field in general as well as an outlook and future perspectives for research designs and directions are taken into consideration.
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