Effects of FIFA 11 + warm-up program on kinematics and proprioception in adolescent soccer players: a parallel‑group randomized control trial

This study aimed to compare the effects of 8 weeks 11 + warm-up injury prevention program on kinematics and proprioception in adolescent male and female soccer players. Forty adolescent soccer players (20 males, 20 females) aged between 14-16 years old were randomly assigned into four groups. The experimental group performed the 11 + program for 8 weeks and the control group did their warm-up program. The kinematic variable in a cutting maneuver was measured using VICON motion analysis and ankle and knees' proprioception by joint position sense (JPS) was measured using a digital inclinometer. For kinematic variables only significant differences in knee valgus among females 11 + compared with female and male control groups were found (P < 0.05). Moreover, there were significant improvements in joint position sense variables in 11 + groups compared to control groups (P < 0.05). In conclusion, the 11 + program was proven to be a useful warm-up protocol in improving knee valgus and JPS among female and male adolescent soccer players. We suggest adding more training elements to the 11 + program that aimed to enhance the proper alignment of lower extremities which may consequently improve joint kinematics.

Effect of Four Weeks of Home-Based Balance Training on the Performance in Individuals with Functional Ankle Instability: A Remote Online Study

The purpose of the current study is to evaluate the effect of 4 weeks of home-based balance training (HBBT) on the performance of individuals with functional ankle instability (FAI) in daily activities and sports. Thirty college students diagnosed with FAI and with a mean weight of 79.8 ± 3.4 kg, height of 182.5 ± 5.1 cm, age of 23.5 ± 1.2 years, and instability score of 20 ± 2.3 were selected to participate in this study and were randomly divided by computer-generated methods into two groups: the HBBT group and the control group (CG), each consisting of 15 subjects. The HBBT group performed the program at home for 4 weeks, while the CG was non-exercise. Before and after the 4 weeks of exercise program, a form containing the foot and ankle ability measure for daily activities and sports was completed by the individuals. For data analysis, intra- and inter-group comparisons were performed using paired and independent sample t-tests, respectively, at a significance level of p ≤ 0.05. The results showed that 4 weeks of progressive HBBT were sufficient to significantly improve the measurement of the ability of ankle and foot function in individuals with FAI, even with a total volume of only 60 min per week. Accordingly, it is suggested that individuals with FAI can benefit from short-term HBBT programs, which are simple yet powerful enough to promote improvements in daily activities.

The distribution of protochlorophyllide and chlorophyll within seedlings of the lip1 mutant of Pea

The distribution of protochlorophyllide (Pchlide) and NADPH-Pchlide oxidoreductase (POR) was characterized in the epicotyls and roots of wild-type pea (Pisum sativum L. cv. Alaska) and lip1, a mutant with light-independent photomorphogenesis caused by a mutation in the COP1 locus. The upper part of the dark-grown lip1 mutant epicotyls had a high Pchlide content that decreased downward the organ. The elevated Pchlide level in lip1 seedlings was a result of the differentiation of more proplastids into Pchlide-containing plastids. The cortex cells in the lip1 epicotyl were filled with such plastids in contrast to the cortex cells of wild-type seedlings. The mutant also developed Pchlide-containing plastids in the roots, indicating the suppressing effect of the COP1 locus on development of plastids in the corresponding tissues in dark-grown wild-type plants. The distribution of Pchlide-containing plastids in dark-grown lip1 mutant stem and root was similar to the distribution of chloroplasts in irradiated wild-type plants. Both wild-type and lip1 epicotyls contained mostly short wavelength Pchlide fluorescing at 631 nm with only a small shoulder at 654 nm, which was transformed to a minute amount of chlorophyllide (Chlide) by flash irradiation. In contrast, with continuous irradiation a considerable amount of Chlide was formed especially in the lip1 epicotyls. Immunoblots indicated the presence of POR, as a 36 kDa band, in epicotyls of both dark-grown wild-type and lip1 mutant seedlings. However, lip1 stem tissue had a higher content of POR than the wild-type pea. The high content of POR was unexpected as lip1 lacked both the 654 nm fluorescing Pchlide form and the regular PLBs. In light, a significant amount of chlorophyll was formed also in the roots of the lip1 seedlings.