Cognition and Motion: Sensory Processing and Motor Skill Performance in Athletic Training and Rehabilitation

A special issue of Applied Sciences (ISSN 2076-3417). This special issue belongs to the section "Applied Biosciences and Bioengineering".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (20 August 2022) | Viewed by 33379

Special Issue Editor

Department of Biological and Medical Sciences, Faculty of Physical Education and Sport, Comenius University in Bratislava, 814 69 Bratislava, Slovakia
Interests: athlete performance development; motor control and learning; sports kinesiology; sport-specific exercise testing
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Training and rehabilitation programs for the improvement of sensory processing and motor skill performance represent an integral part of research in kinesiology, health, and sport sciences. However, most studies have investigated the effect of exercise on the motor components of the performance, whereas less attention has been paid to the sensory components. Although designed to improve sensory functions, training programs usually consist of exercises which also involve motor tasks. Consequently, an enhancement in performance is often ascribed to an improvement in sensory function; however, it can equally be ascribed to an improvement in motor function. Therefore, the relative contribution of each of these components to an improvement in physical performance has to be investigated. Within this topic, contributions in the form of review articles and original research articles which investigate the effectiveness of open and closed skill exercises in populations of different age groups and levels of physical fitness are welcomed.

Potential topics include, but are not limited to:

  • Cognitive training in sport and therapy;
  • Exercise-induced changes in sensorimotor functions;
  • Factors affecting sensory processing and motor skill performance;
  • Sport-specific differences in perceptual decision-making and change of direction speed;
  • Assessing the sensory and motor components of physical performance;
  • Sensory and motor functions in school-age children and elderly people.

Prof. Dr. Erika Zemková
Guest Editor

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Keywords

  • athletes
  • children
  • older people
  • physical performance
  • rehabilitation
  • sensorimotor function
  • testing
  • therapy
  • training

Published Papers (12 papers)

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Editorial

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6 pages, 229 KiB  
Editorial
Cognition and Motion: Sensory Processing and Motor Skill Performance in Athletic Training and Rehabilitation
by Erika Zemková
Appl. Sci. 2022, 12(20), 10345; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/app122010345 - 14 Oct 2022
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1364
Abstract
Recently, the role of exercise in improving executive functioning skills has been highlighted by researchers and conditioning specialists [...] Full article

Research

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6 pages, 243 KiB  
Article
Effects of Isometric and Isotonic Training on Health-Related Fitness Components in Young Adults
by Kaukab Azeem and Erika Zemková
Appl. Sci. 2022, 12(17), 8682; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/app12178682 - 30 Aug 2022
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 4301
Abstract
Isometric and isotonic exercises are important modes of resistance training for enhancement of athletic performance. However, less is known about their effects on fitness and health in recreationally physically active individuals. This study evaluates the effect of isometric and isotonic training protocols on [...] Read more.
Isometric and isotonic exercises are important modes of resistance training for enhancement of athletic performance. However, less is known about their effects on fitness and health in recreationally physically active individuals. This study evaluates the effect of isometric and isotonic training protocols on health-related fitness components in young university students. A group of one hundred males (18–24 years) underwent a 12-week isotonic and isometric training program (two days per week, 45 min per session). They were randomized into two groups, group A (n = 50) and group B (n = 50). While group A underwent the isotonic resistance training, the group B completed isometric resistance training. Prior to and after training programs, body mass index (BMI) was measured and the bench press 1RM test, sit-ups test, sit and reach test, and 12 min run/walk test were performed. Results showed significant improvements in BMI, bench press 1RM test, sit-ups test, sit and reach test, and 12 min run/walk test after both isotonic and isometric training protocols. The isotonic training group increased in BMI by 2.70%, bench press 1RM by 34.45%, number of sit-ups by 24.13%, sit and reach distance by 29.12%, and 12 min run/walk distance by 19.82%. Isometric training group increased in BMI by 1.96%, bench press 1RM by 14.23%, number of sit-ups by 7.80%, sit and reach distance by 6.92%, and 12 min run/walk distance by 6.99%. A comparison of these training protocols revealed that the isotonic group improved significantly more than the isometric group in the bench press 1RM (20.22%), number of sit-ups (16.33%), and sit and reach distance (22.2%) but not in the 12 min run/walk distance (12.83%) and BMI (0.74%). These findings indicate that both isotonic and isometric resistance training protocols improve health-related fitness components in young adults; however isotonic training is more efficient than isometric training in increasing their muscle strength, muscular endurance, and flexibility. Full article
11 pages, 1436 KiB  
Article
The Effect of Different Types of Feedback on Learning of Aerobic Gymnastics Elements
by Anita Lamošová and Oľga Kyselovičová
Appl. Sci. 2022, 12(16), 8066; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/app12168066 - 12 Aug 2022
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1980
Abstract
The aim of our study was to discover the effect of different types of feedback in teaching/learning of difficulty elements of aerobic gymnastics. The study was designed as a one-group comparative interrupted time study. For this purpose, eight gymnasts competing in the national [...] Read more.
The aim of our study was to discover the effect of different types of feedback in teaching/learning of difficulty elements of aerobic gymnastics. The study was designed as a one-group comparative interrupted time study. For this purpose, eight gymnasts competing in the national development category were selected (average age 9 ± 1.5 years; average sport age 4 ± 1.5 years). The design of the study included two intervention programs; each lasting 23 days interrupted by an 8-week break. In intervention program 1, the group practiced a straddle jump using self-modeling followed by verbal feedback, and in intervention program 2 the group practiced a split jump using expert modeling followed by verbal feedback. The experimental group practiced three times a week for a period of 30 min per usual training session (normally lasting 90 min). The results showed that the execution of the elements in both intervention programs improved at the 5% level of significance. In intervention program 1, we noted a significant improvement (p ≤ 0.05) in subphase approach and culmination. In intervention program 2, we noted a significant improvement (p ≤ 0.05) in culmination only. There was no significant difference between the changes of the final scores of the executed elements in intervention programs 1 and 2. Comparing the results of individual subphases, we noted no significant difference either. Full article
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11 pages, 1742 KiB  
Article
Influences of Breathing Exercises and Breathing Exercise Combined with Aerobic Exercise on Changes in Basic Spirometry Parameters in Patients with Bronchial Asthma
by Ľuboš Grznár, Dávid Sucháň, Jana Labudová, Lukáš Odráška and Ivan Matúš
Appl. Sci. 2022, 12(14), 7352; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/app12147352 - 21 Jul 2022
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2438
Abstract
Scientific evidence shows that breathing or aerobic programs can improve the quality of life of asthma patients. The aim of this work was to find out the influences of breathing exercises and breathing exercises combined with aerobic exercise on changes in spirometry parameters [...] Read more.
Scientific evidence shows that breathing or aerobic programs can improve the quality of life of asthma patients. The aim of this work was to find out the influences of breathing exercises and breathing exercises combined with aerobic exercise on changes in spirometry parameters in patients with bronchial asthma. Participants: The group consisted of 33 women with bronchial asthma—mild to moderate persistent levels of FEV1 reduction (80–50%)—with a mean age of 34.73 ± 1.53 years. They were randomly assigned to experimental group 1 (EX1), experimental group 2 (EX2) or the control group (CG). Materials and methods: Changes in spirometry parameters were evaluated over a 16-week period in the three groups: CG (placebo), EX1 (breathing exercises) and EX 2 (combination of breathing exercises with an aerobic program). To evaluate the pre-training and post-training diagnostics, we used MIR Spirobank II. The influences of the experimental and control factors were assessed using the following dependent variables: forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1), Tiffeneau–Pinelli index (FEV1/FVC ratio), peak expiratory flow (PEF) and forced mid-expiratory flow (FEF25–75%). We used the Wilcoxon t-test and the Kruskal–Wallis test to evaluate the differences in the measured parameters. To examine the effect of our protocols, we used effect size (ES). Results: In CG we observed improvements in: FVC—(5%; p < 0.05; ES = 0.437). FEV1—(7.33%; p < 0.01; ES = 0.585). FEV1/FVC ratio (5.27%; p < 0.01; ES = 0.570). PEF (11.22%; p < 0.01; ES = 0.448). FEF25–75% (7.02%; p < 0.01; ES = 0.628). In EX1 we observed improvements in: FVC (5.23%; p < 0.01; ES = 0.631), FEV1 (20.67%; p < 0.01; ES = 0.627), FEV1/FVC ratio (16.06%; p < 0.01; ES = 0.628), PEF (13.35%; p < 0.01; ES = 0.627) and FEF25–75% (13.75%; p < 0.01; ES = 0.607). In EX2 we observed improvements in: FVC (9.12%; p < 0.01; ES = 0.627), FEV1 (27.37%; p < 0.01; ES = 0.626), FEV1/FVC ratio (15.32%; p < 0.01; ES = 0.610), PEF (30.66%; p < 0.01; ES = 0.626) and FEF25–75% (58.99%; p < 0.01; ES = 0.626). Significant differences compared to the control group were observed in EX1 for FEV1 (p < 0.05) and FEV1/FVC ratio (p < 0.01); and in EX2 for FEV1 (p < 0.05), FEV1/FVC ratio (p < 0.01), PEF (p < 0.05) and FEF (p < 0.05). A significant difference between EX1 and EX2 was observed in PEF (p < 0.05). Conclusions: It appears to be that combination of breathing exercises with aerobic activities is a more beneficial option for patients with bronchial asthma. Full article
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11 pages, 448 KiB  
Article
Age-Related Changes in Landing Mechanics in Elite Male Youth Soccer Players: A Longitudinal Study
by Michal Lehnert, Jakub Krejčí, Miroslav Janura and Mark De Ste Croix
Appl. Sci. 2022, 12(11), 5324; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/app12115324 - 25 May 2022
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 1244
Abstract
The aim of this longitudinal observational study was to examine the age differences in jump landing kinematics in 13–17-year-old male soccer players. Landing technique was evaluated in three consecutive seasons in U14 (n = 15) and the U16 (n = 10) [...] Read more.
The aim of this longitudinal observational study was to examine the age differences in jump landing kinematics in 13–17-year-old male soccer players. Landing technique was evaluated in three consecutive seasons in U14 (n = 15) and the U16 (n = 10) competition age groups using the Landing Error Scoring System (LESS). For the LESS, ANOVA revealed no significant interaction effect (p = 0.81, η2 = 0.009) or main effect for groups (p = 0.15, η2 = 0.086), but a significant year effect was observed (p < 0.001, η2 = 0.265). The LESS score in the U14 group decreased significantly in the second year (5.7 ± 1.9, p = 0.006, d = 0.84) and in the third year (5.9 ± 2.0, p = 0.020, d = 0.70) compared to the first year (7.1 ± 1.7). The LESS score in the U16 group decreased significantly in the second year (5.1 ± 0.9 points, p = 0.034, d = 0.77) and in the third year (4.9 ± 1.4, p = 0.013, d = 0.92) compared to the first year (6.4 ± 1.2). This trend was supported by the results of the separate assessment of the sagittal plane joint displacement. These findings support previous limited findings from cross-sectional studies, which point to improved landing mechanics during maturation. However, the LESS scores in both groups indicate that players who were around and/or post-peak height velocity during the observed periods may be considered “at-risk”, and suggest that preventive training programs should be introduced at earlier stages of players’ development. Full article
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9 pages, 270 KiB  
Article
Determinants of Y-Shaped Agility Test in Basketball Players
by Henrieta Horníková and Erika Zemková
Appl. Sci. 2022, 12(4), 1865; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/app12041865 - 11 Feb 2022
Cited by 4 | Viewed by 2771
Abstract
Y-shaped agility test is a reactive agility test that includes both sensory and motor components. However, there is a lack of information about the contribution of these components to reactive agility in basketball players. Therefore, this study investigates: (i) the relationship between Y-shaped [...] Read more.
Y-shaped agility test is a reactive agility test that includes both sensory and motor components. However, there is a lack of information about the contribution of these components to reactive agility in basketball players. Therefore, this study investigates: (i) the relationship between Y-shaped agility performance and reaction speed, sprint speed, change of direction speed, muscle strength, and (ii) determinants of this reactive agility test. Eleven male basketball players performed a Y-shaped agility test, 5 m and 20 m sprints, a 505 Agility test, squat, countermovement and drop jumps, and simple and two-choice reaction time tests. The results revealed a significant relationship between the time in Y-shaped agility test and 5 m sprint time (r = 0.795, p = 0.003, R2 = 0.632), 20 m sprint time (r = 0.676, p = 0.022, R2 = 0.457), and reactive strength index (r = −0.619, p = 0.042, R2 = 0.383), but not with simple and choice-based reaction times. These findings indicate that performance in the Y-shaped agility test is more profoundly determined by a motor rather than a sensory component. This may be ascribed to the structure of a predominantly velocity-oriented Y-shaped agility test with a small contribution of responses to visual stimuli. The adaptation of basketball players to training aimed at increasing speed and strength may also play a role. The structure of the Y-shaped agility test should be modified so as to better reflect the sensory component of reactive agility and more sensitively reveal within- and between-group differences. Full article
11 pages, 1372 KiB  
Article
Can IMU Provide an Accurate Vertical Jump Height Estimate?
by Stefan Marković, Milivoj Dopsaj, Sašo Tomažič, Anton Kos, Aleksandar Nedeljković and Anton Umek
Appl. Sci. 2021, 11(24), 12025; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/app112412025 - 17 Dec 2021
Cited by 7 | Viewed by 3202
Abstract
The aim of the present study was to determine if an inertial measurement unit placed on the metatarsal part of the foot can provide valid and reliable data for an accurate estimate of vertical jump height. Thirteen female volleyball players participated in the [...] Read more.
The aim of the present study was to determine if an inertial measurement unit placed on the metatarsal part of the foot can provide valid and reliable data for an accurate estimate of vertical jump height. Thirteen female volleyball players participated in the study. All players were members of the Republic of Serbia national team. Measurement of the vertical jump height was performed for the two exemplary jumping tasks, squat jump and counter-movement jump. Vertical jump height estimation was performed using the flight time method for both devices. The presented results support a high level of concurrent validity of an inertial measurement unit in relation to a force plate for estimating vertical jump height (CMJ t = 0.897, p = 379; ICC = 0.975; SQJ t = −0.564, p = 0.578; ICC = 0.921) as well as a high level of reliability (ICC > 0.872) for inertial measurement unit results. The proposed inertial measurement unit positioning may provide an accurate vertical jump height estimate for in-field measurement of jump height as an alternative to other devices. The principal advantages include the small size of the sensor unit and possible simultaneous monitoring of multiple athletes. Full article
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11 pages, 3602 KiB  
Article
The Effects of a 4-Week Combined Aerobic and Resistance Training and Volleyball Training on Fitness Variables and Body Composition on STEAM Students
by Martin Pacholek, Erika Zemková, Keith Arnolds and Peter Šagát
Appl. Sci. 2021, 11(18), 8397; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/app11188397 - 10 Sep 2021
Cited by 5 | Viewed by 2413
Abstract
The study evaluates the effects of a 4-week program of combined resistance and aerobic training and volleyball training on physical fitness in young sedentary adults. Twenty-eight males (age 20.5 ± 1.5 years; body mass 87.2 ± 28.5 kg; height 173 ± 8.1 cm; [...] Read more.
The study evaluates the effects of a 4-week program of combined resistance and aerobic training and volleyball training on physical fitness in young sedentary adults. Twenty-eight males (age 20.5 ± 1.5 years; body mass 87.2 ± 28.5 kg; height 173 ± 8.1 cm; BMI 28.9 ± 8.4 kg/m2) were divided into two groups. While experimental group 1 (COM) underwent a fitness program consisting of a combination of strength and aerobic exercises, experimental group 2 (VOL) performed intermittent exercises in volleyball (four times per week for 50 min). The results showed that both training groups significantly improved in all fitness tests except the beep test, while only the COM group achieved a significant change in the number of repetitions (p = 0.041). Between-group analyzes revealed a greater change achieved by the COM group in standing long jump lengths than VOL (12.3% vs. 4.3%, p = 0.011). There were no other between-group significant differences in 20m Multistage Fitness Test (8.1% and 4.4%,), sit-ups (20.9% and 21.0%), flexibility (24.5% and 23.3%) and shuttle run 5 × 10 m (11.95 and 9.52%) or in anthropometric parameters (BMI, Fat %, Muscle Mass %, Visceral Fat %). These findings indicate that combined resistance and aerobic training are more effective in improving the explosive power of lower limbs and aerobic endurance than playing an intermittent-type sport such as volleyball. This program can be effectively applied to university students with a predominantly sedentary lifestyle. Full article
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12 pages, 334 KiB  
Article
Dietary Habits of Female University Students in Eastern Slovakia in the Context of Sports Activity
by Alena Buková, Klaudia Zusková, Ladislav Kručanica, Zuzana Küchelová, Lenka Urbanská and Richard Melichar
Appl. Sci. 2021, 11(14), 6402; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/app11146402 - 11 Jul 2021
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2185
Abstract
(1) Background: The aim of the research was to expand the current knowledge about the diets of female university students in relation to the frequency of their sports activity (SA). We were specifically interested in the eating frequency, the distribution of the amount [...] Read more.
(1) Background: The aim of the research was to expand the current knowledge about the diets of female university students in relation to the frequency of their sports activity (SA). We were specifically interested in the eating frequency, the distribution of the amount of food during the day, including breakfast in the diet, and the timing of dinner before bedtime. (2) Methods: The sample in this cross-sectional research consisted of 1055 female freshmen university students from the two universities in eastern Slovakia. Data were obtained through a set of selected questions from a questionnaire battery. (3) Results: We found a significant rank–order correlation between the frequency of meals during the day and the level of SA, as well as between the consumption of breakfast and SA. Furthermore, we found a significant indirect dependence on the distribution of meals during the day and SA. The results indicate a better dietary pattern of the more active female students in terms of the frequency of meals. (4) Conclusions: “The healthy behaviour”, which includes proper diet and regular SA, was monitored in the cross-sectional research we conducted, the results of which consistently point to opportunities for further improvement. There is a need for universities to develop professionally targeted programmes that will enable novice students to modify their health behaviours during their studies. Full article
8 pages, 1798 KiB  
Article
The Relationship between the Performance of Soccer Players on the Curved Sprint Test, Repeated Sprint Test, and Change-of-Direction Speed Test
by Tomáš Baranovič and Erika Zemková
Appl. Sci. 2021, 11(12), 5355; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/app11125355 - 09 Jun 2021
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2621
Abstract
The curved sprint test is the most commonly used test in team sports. From a practical point of view, it would be interesting to know to what extent it is related to a direct sprint and a sprint involving changes in direction. This [...] Read more.
The curved sprint test is the most commonly used test in team sports. From a practical point of view, it would be interesting to know to what extent it is related to a direct sprint and a sprint involving changes in direction. This study investigated the relationship between the times taken by soccer players in the curved sprint test, repeated sprint test involving changes in direction, and change-of-direction speed test. Two age groups of soccer players U15 and U17 (n = 22) took the curved sprint test, the repeated straight sprint test, and the repeated straight sprint test involving changes in direction. The total time taken in the curved sprint test did not differ significantly from the total time taken in the repeated straight sprint test (46.80 ± 1.85 s and 34.51 ± 1.66 s, respectively; T = 120). The total time taken in the curved sprint test was not significantly different from the total time taken in the repeated straight sprint test involving changes in direction (46.80 ± 1.85 s and 82.36 ± 4.47 s, respectively; T = 115). There was no significant correlation between the total times taken in the curved sprint test (CST) and the repeated sprint test involving changes in direction (RSCD) (r = 0.180). There was also no significant correlation between the total times taken in the curved sprint test (CST) and the repeated straight sprint test (RSST) (r = 0.301). The non-significant relationship between these abilities implies that they are independent of each other and may have to be tested and trained complementarily. Full article
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Review

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13 pages, 1090 KiB  
Review
Effects of Acute Fatigue on Cognitive Performance in Team Sport Players: Does It Change the Way They Perform? A Scoping Review
by Filip Skala and Erika Zemková
Appl. Sci. 2022, 12(3), 1736; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/app12031736 - 08 Feb 2022
Cited by 17 | Viewed by 4386
Abstract
Fatigue caused by exercise or mentally demanding tasks can lead to an alteration in the cognitive functioning of athletes. Therefore, it is important to investigate whether and to what extent fatigue influences athletes cognitive performance in sports with high cognitive demands. This scoping [...] Read more.
Fatigue caused by exercise or mentally demanding tasks can lead to an alteration in the cognitive functioning of athletes. Therefore, it is important to investigate whether and to what extent fatigue influences athletes cognitive performance in sports with high cognitive demands. This scoping review aims to map research articles dealing with the effects of acute fatigue on players cognitive performance in team sports. The main inclusion criterium was that studies had to examine the impact of any form of acute fatigue on (i) cognitive functions only, (ii) reactive agility, (iii) sport-specific skills with reactive components included. In total, 12 articles met our inclusion criteria. Results indicated that prolonged exercise causes a decline in the decision-making, attention, and perception abilities of players. Accuracy of sport-specific tasks with cognitive components included rather deteriorated after both exercise and mental fatigue inducement. However, alteration of players cognitive performance depends on the intensity and duration of fatigue-inducing tasks. Mental fatigue and consequent decision-making deterioration can be triggered by at least 30 min of a Stroop color-word task as well as smartphone application exposure. Analysis of the studies revealed a lack of research investigating the acute effect of fatigue on reactive agility, along with cognitive functions such as memory or learning. Due to possible acute negative effects of fatiguing exercise or mentally demanding tasks on human cognition, future research should consider the examination of different types and intensities of exercise on players’ cognitive performance. Full article
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Other

13 pages, 677 KiB  
Study Protocol
Prevalence of Pain and Disability of the Spine and Joints in Selected Types of Sport: Protocol for a Cross-Sectional Study
by Alena Buková, Magdaléna Hagovská, Petra Tomková, Klaudia Zusková, Peter Takáč and Erika Chovanová
Appl. Sci. 2022, 12(1), 144; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/app12010144 - 24 Dec 2021
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 2703
Abstract
(1) Background: Joint and back pain are enormous and important clinical and public health problems that significantly affect people of all ages. Although the epidemiology of pain in the general population is well documented, less information is available in athletes. While in the [...] Read more.
(1) Background: Joint and back pain are enormous and important clinical and public health problems that significantly affect people of all ages. Although the epidemiology of pain in the general population is well documented, less information is available in athletes. While in the general population joint and back pain have predominantly functional origin, in athletes, pain is a consequence of not only functional, but very often structural changes in the spine, joints, and related tissues. Depending on the sports specialization, character of the training activity, exercises, training load, and many other factors, athletes are exposed to various injuries accompanied by pain. (2) Aim: This study is aimed at evaluating the prevalence of spinal and limb injuries, and back pain and joint pain among athletes of various specializations. A questionnaire survey on back pain, quality of life, and physical activity will be used to collect data from Slovak athletes. The outcomes of the survey will be compared to a physically active group. This article presents a study protocol that aims to evaluate the relationship between back pain and injury prevalence in athletes of various specializations. Full article
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