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A special issue of International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health (ISSN 1660-4601). This special issue belongs to the section "Sport and Health".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (31 August 2023) | Viewed by 27126

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Dr. Antonino Patti

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Sport and Exercise Sciences Research Unit, Department of Psychology, Educational Science and Human Movement, University of Palermo, 90144 Palermo, Italy
Interests: physical activity; exercise; gait analysis; dynamic postural; fitness; balance; posture; biomechanics; human movement
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Prof. Dr. Antonino Bianco

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Department of Psychological, Pedagogical, Educational Science and Human Movement, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy
Interests: physical activity; training; strength and conditioning; health promotion; COVID-19 pandemic
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

The literature demonstrates that the benefits of human movement go beyond the musculoskeletal and cardiovascular system and athletic performance, impacting the control of the progression of specific diseases or even lowering drug need. Practicing sports and physical activity is one of the most effective strategies in maintaining and improving health as a preventive factor in a large number of diseases. The WHO recommends that all countries establish national guidelines and set physical activity targets. Human movement programs are applied to subjects with cancer, cardiovascular disease, chronic metabolic conditions, depression, and osteoporosis. Furthermore, exercise programs are also employed to increased one’s strength, endurance, and mobility, improving the quality of life in elderly populations; even minor increases in physical activity are associated with improved health.

Therefore, this Special Issue seeks original research articles and reviews on any subject related to exercise, sports medicine, human movement, and physical fitness. Particular interest will be on articles that examine the effects of movement in the most common chronic diseases. All manuscripts will be peer-reviewed by experts in the field and held to the highest level of academic and scientific integrity. We look forward to receiving your contributions.

Dr. Antonino Patti
Prof. Dr. Antonino Bianco
Guest Editors

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Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2500 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

sports medicine
clinical exercise
preventive health
physical fitness
musculoskeletal disorders
physical activity and health
health promotion
injury prevention
quality of life
fatigue, pain, and balance

Published Papers (11 papers)

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Research

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12 pages, 837 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Grip Strength and Sports Performance in Competitive Master Weightlifters

by Marianne Huebner, Bryan Riemann and Andrew Hatchett

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2023, 20(3), 2033; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijerph20032033 - 22 Jan 2023

Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2653

Abstract

Grip strength (GS) is correlated with major muscle group strength; weakness and asymmetry in older adults are predictive of future disease and functional limitation risk. GS at different ages and hand symmetry for Olympic-style weightlifters and their association with performance have not been established. GS was measured in 164 athletes participating in the 2022 World Master Weightlifting Championships. The objectives wereto study the magnitude of the age-associated decline in GS in weightlifters and the association of GS with weightlifting performance. Hand symmetry was considered as a potential factor in successful lifts. Ages ranged from 35 to 90 (mean 53 years). Participants reported weekly training averages of 8.3 h of weightlifting and 4.1 additional hours of physical activities. The age-associated decline in GS was less steep than the decline in weightlifting performance. GS was lower in weightlifters compared to athletes in other sports that require grasping or force application (t = −2.53, p=0.053 for females; t = −2.62, p= 0.029 for males). The rate of decline was similar across different populations (weightlifters, other athletes, community-dwelling adults). Height and age were associated with GS, but performance level and training hours were not. GS was associated with snatch performance (t = 3.56, p < 0.001) but not with clean and jerk (t = 0.48, p = 0.633). Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Medicine in Sports and Exercise)

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12 pages, 1765 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Relationship between Muscle-Tendon Stiffness and Drop Jump Performance in Young Male Basketball Players during Developmental Stages

by Marco Gervasi, Piero Benelli, Roberto Venerandi and Eneko Fernández-Peña

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(24), 17017; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijerph192417017 - 18 Dec 2022

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2038

Abstract

Background: The relationship between stiffness and drop jump performance in athletes in various stages of development has yet to be fully investigated. The first aim of this study was to investigate the association between the stiffness of the patellar and quadriceps tendon (PT, QT), gastrocnemius–Achilles tendon unit (GAT), and rectus femoris (RF) using drop jump (DJ) performance in young basketball players. The second aim was to investigate possible variations in the stiffness levels of those tissues in different developmental stages. Methods: The stiffness levels of the GAT, PT, QT, and RF were measured in both limbs in 73 male basketball players aged 12 to 18 years. The reactive strength index (RSI), contact time (CT) and jump height (JH) during 30 and 40 cm DJs were also measured. Results: Pearson correlation coefficients showed a significant association between DJ performance and PT, QT, GAT, and RF dynamic stiffness. Moreover, the youngest subjects were found to have lower stiffness values than the older ones. Conclusions: Tissue stiffness can affect athletic performance by modifying the stretch-shortening cycle in young basketball players. Stiffness of muscles and tendons increases during the maturation process. Further investigations could shed light on the effect of training on the stiffness of muscles and tendons. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Medicine in Sports and Exercise)

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18 pages, 1874 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Comparison of the Physical, Physiological, and Psychological Responses of the High-Intensity Interval (HIIT) and Small-Sided Games (SSG) Training Programs in Young Elite Soccer Players

by Zied Ouertatani, Okba Selmi, Santo Marsigliante, Bilel Aydi, Nadhir Hammami and Antonella Muscella

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(21), 13807; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijerph192113807 - 24 Oct 2022

Cited by 11 | Viewed by 2465

Abstract

We investigated the effects of high-intensity interval (HIIT) and small-sided games (SSG) training programs on physiological and psychological responses in young soccer players. Twenty-four male soccer players (age 16.7 ± 0.9 years) were divided into two groups (HIIT and SSG) and completed a 6-week training programs consisting of two training sessions a week. HIIT consisted of intermittent runs lasting 15 s at the 110% maximum aerobic speed followed by a passive recovery lasting 15 s; SSG was instead structured in a 4 versus 4 players games on a playing field of 25 × 35 m. The muscular power of the lower body was assessed before and after each training session using the 5-jump test to leg length, and two incremental field tests (VAMEVAL test and modified agility t-test). Our results show that HIIT and SSG have similar beneficial effects on the variables connected to the soccer-specific performance and the endurance with little influence on neuromuscular performances. Psychological responses were assessed using the “physical activity enjoyment scale”, the Hooper index and the POMS variables. Results showed that SSG offers greater perceived enjoyment than what can be achieved with HIIT. In conclusion, SSG can be considered an effective, more motivating, and fun soccer-specific training that brings about physiological responses and neuromuscular adjustments in young soccer players. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Medicine in Sports and Exercise)

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11 pages, 1168 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Ankle Joint Dorsiflexion Reference Values in Non-Injured Youth Federated Basketball Players: A Cross-Sectional Study

by Cristina Adillón, Montse Gallegos, Silvia Treviño and Isabel Salvat

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(18), 11740; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijerph191811740 - 17 Sep 2022

Viewed by 2163

Abstract

(1) Background: The aim of the present study was to establish ankle joint dorsiflexion reference values among youth federated basketball players. (2) Methods: Cross-sectional study. The participants were basketball players who belonged to youth basketball developmental teams (female and male) from under-12 (U12) to under-17 (U17) categories. Ankle joint dorsiflexion range of motion was evaluated with the weight-bearing lunge test through the Leg Motion system. The distance achieved was recorded in centimeters. (3) Results: 693 basketball players who met the eligibility criteria and volunteered to participate were included in the study. The mean (SD) of ankle joint dorsiflexion was 10.68 (2.44) cm and the reference values were: excessive hypomobility < 6.09 (0.54) cm; hypomobility 6.09 (0.88) cm–8.43 (0.77) cm; normal 8.44 (0.77)–13.11 (0.79) cm; hypermobility 13.11 (0.74)–15.44 (0.86) cm; and excessive hypermobility >15.44 (0.86) cm. (4) Conclusions: This study provides ankle joint dorsiflexion reference values in youth basketball players from 12 to under 17 years old. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Medicine in Sports and Exercise)

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7 pages, 301 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Examining the Relationship between Pes Planus Degree, Balance and Jump Performances in Athletes

by Fatma Neşe Şahin, Levent Ceylan, Hamza Küçük, Tülay Ceylan, Gökhan Arıkan, Sevcan Yiğit, Derya Çetin Sarşık and Özkan Güler

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(18), 11602; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijerph191811602 - 15 Sep 2022

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 2539

Abstract

The foot absorbs shocks with its arches, muscles, ligaments and joints, and bodyweight transmission and it pushes the body forward during all movement patterns. Pes planus is more important in sports activities that include balance and sports performance, such as walking, running, jumping, or transferring weight to a single lower limb. This study, conducted with this information in mind, aims to examine the effects of pes planus deformity on balance and vertical jump performance. Fifty athletes were included in the study. The presence of pes planus was evaluated according to the Feiss line. Balance measurements were performed with a Balance System SD Biodex. Vertical jump performance was recorded using an Omegawave jumping mat. The relationship between the pes planus grades of the participants and their balance and jump performances was analyzed using the Spearman correlation method. Vertical jump and Limit of stability (LOS) was significantly correlated with pes planus. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Medicine in Sports and Exercise)

11 pages, 1172 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Sex Differences in Age-Associated Rate of Decline in Grip Strength When Engaging in Vigorous Physical Activity

by Marianne Huebner, Frank Lawrence and Lara Lusa

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(17), 11009; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijerph191711009 - 02 Sep 2022

Cited by 8 | Viewed by 1888

Abstract

Handgrip strength (GS) is used as an indicator of overall muscle strength and health outcomes for aging adults. GS has also been evaluated as a potential link with sport performances. We quantified the age-associated decline in grip strength for males and females engaged in weekly vigorous physical activity, differentiated by body mass, and investigated whether there was an acceleration of decline at any age. The Survey of Health, Ageing and Retirement in Europe is a multinational complex panel data survey with a target population of individuals aged 50 years or older. Data from 48,070 individuals from 20 European countries, collected from 2004 to 2015, were used in multivariable regression models to study the association of age and body weight with grip strength for individuals engaged in vigorous physical activity at least once a week. The annual rate of change in GS differed for males and females; it was constant from ages 50 to 55 years and then accelerated for females, possibly due to the menopausal transition. In contrast, the decline in GS accelerates with each year of increase in age for males. Higher body mass was associated with an increase in GS, but the increase was less pronounced for older males. The increase in GS diminished with a body mass above the median even with engagement in weekly vigorous physical activities. GS reference values for individuals engaged in vigorous physical activity add to existing reference values for general populations. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Medicine in Sports and Exercise)

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14 pages, 2233 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Mental Fatigue Effects on the Produced Perception of Effort and Its Impact on Subsequent Physical Performances

by Hassen Hakim, Aymen Khemiri, Oussema Gaied Chortane, Samia Boukari, Sabri Gaied Chortane, Antonino Bianco, Santo Marsigliante, Antonino Patti and Antonella Muscella

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(17), 10973; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijerph191710973 - 02 Sep 2022

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 2585

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between mental fatigue induced by a demanding cognitive task and impaired physical performance in endurance due to a higher perception of effort. A total of 12 healthy adults and volunteers, who had previously practiced endurance activities for 4 to 8 h per week, performed a one-hour cognitive task involving either the process of response inhibition (Stroop task) or not (visualization of a documentary as control task), then 20 min of pedaling on a cycle ergometer at a constant perception of effort while cardio-respiratory and neuromuscular functions were measured. The Stroop task induces subjective feelings of mental fatigue (vigor: 3.92 ± 2.61; subjective workload: 58.61 ± 14.57) compared to the control task (vigor: 5.67 ± 3.26; p = 0.04; subjective workload: 32.5 ± 10.1; p = 0.005). This fatigue did not act on the produced perceived effort, self-imposed, and did not affect the cardio-respiratory or neuromuscular functions during the subsequent physical task whose type was medium-term endurance. Regardless of the mental condition, the intensity of physical effort is better controlled when the participants in physical activity control their perception of effort. Mental fatigue does not affect subsequent physical performance but estimated perceived exertion, which increases with the intensity and duration of the exercise. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Medicine in Sports and Exercise)

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8 pages, 512 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Kinematics of Cervical Spine during Rowing Ergometer at Different Stroke Rates in Young Rowers: A Pilot Study

by Valerio Giustino, Daniele Zangla, Giuseppe Messina, Simona Pajaujiene, Kaltrina Feka, Giuseppe Battaglia, Antonino Bianco, Antonio Palma and Antonino Patti

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(13), 7690; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijerph19137690 - 23 Jun 2022

Cited by 4 | Viewed by 1663

Abstract

Background: Research on biomechanics in rowing has mostly focused on the lumbar spine. However, injuries can also affect other body segments. Thus, the aim of this pilot study was to explore any potential variations in the kinematics of the cervical spine during two different stroke rates on the rowing ergometer in young rowers. Methods: Twelve young rowers of regional or national level were recruited for the study. The experimental protocol consisted of two separate test sessions (i.e., a sequence of 10 consecutive strokes for each test session) at different stroke rates (i.e., 20 and 30 strokes/min) on an indoor rowing ergometer. Kinematics of the cervical spine was assessed using an inertial sensor capable of measuring joint ROM (angle of flexion, angle of extension, total angle of flexion–extension). Results: Although there were no differences in the flexion and total flexion–extension movements between the test sessions, a significant increase in the extension movement was found at the highest stroke rate (p = 0.04, d = 0.66). Conclusion: Young rowers showed changes in cervical ROM according to stroke rate. The lower control of the head during the rowing stroke cycle can lead to a higher compensation resulting in an augmented effort, influencing sports performance, and increasing the risk of injury. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Medicine in Sports and Exercise)

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11 pages, 1091 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Are sEMG, Velocity and Power Influenced by Athletes’ Fixation in Paralympic Powerlifting?

by Ialuska Guerra, Felipe J. Aidar, Gianpiero Greco, Paulo Francisco de Almeida-Neto, Michele De Candia, Breno Guilherme de Araújo Tinoco Cabral, Luca Poli, Mauro Mazini Filho, Roberto Carvutto, Ana Filipa Silva, Filipe Manuel Clemente, Georgian Badicu, Stefania Cataldi and Francesco Fischetti

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(7), 4127; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijerph19074127 - 31 Mar 2022

Cited by 7 | Viewed by 1804

Abstract

The bench press is performed in parapowerlifting with the back, shoulders, buttocks, legs and heels extended over the bench, and the use of straps to secure the athlete to the bench is optional. Thus, the study evaluated muscle activation, surface electromyography (sEMG), maximum velocity (MaxV) and mean propulsive velocity (MPV), and power in paralympic powerlifting athletes under conditions tied or untied to the bench. Fifteen experienced Paralympic powerlifting male athletes (22.27 ± 10.30 years, 78.5 ± 21.6 kg) took part in the research. The sEMG measurement was performed in the sternal portion of the pectoralis major (PMES), anterior deltoid (AD), long head of the triceps brachii (TRI) and clavicular portion of the pectoralis major (PMCL). The MaxV, MPV and power were evaluated using an encoder. Loads of 40%, 60%, 80% and 100% 1RM were analyzed under untied and tied conditions. No differences were found in muscle activation between the tied and untied conditions; however, sEMG showed differences in the untied condition between AD and TRI (F (3112) = 4.484; p = 0.005) in the 100% 1RM load, between PMCL and AD (F (3112) = 3.743; p = 0.013) in 60% 1RM load and in the tied condition, between the PMES and the AD (F (3112) = 4.067; p = 0.009). There were differences in MaxV (F (3112) = 213.3; p < 0.001), and MPV (F (3112) = 248.2; p < 0.001), between all loads in the tied and untied condition. In power, the load of 100% 1RM differed from all other relative loads (F (3112) = 36.54; p < 0.001) in both conditions. The tied condition seems to favor muscle activation, sEMG, and velocity over the untied condition. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Medicine in Sports and Exercise)

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14 pages, 952 KiB

Open AccessArticle

Performance of Professional Soccer Players before and after COVID-19 Infection; Observational Study with an Emphasis on Graduated Return to Play

by Anamarija Jurcev Savicevic, Jasna Nincevic, Sime Versic, Sarah Cuschieri, Ante Bandalovic, Ante Turic, Boris Becir, Toni Modric and Damir Sekulic

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2021, 18(21), 11688; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijerph182111688 - 07 Nov 2021

Cited by 11 | Viewed by 3597

Abstract

The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic in sport has been the subject of numerous studies over the past two years. However, knowledge about the direct impact of COVID-19 infection on the performance of athletes is limited, and the importance of studies on this topic is crucial during the current pandemic era. This study aimed to evaluate the changes in the match running performance (MRP) of professional soccer players that occurred as a result of COVID-19 infection after fulfilling all of the prerequisites for a safe return to play (RTP). The participants were 47 professional soccer players from a team which competed in first Croatian division (21.6 years old on average) during the 2020/21 season. The total sample was divided into two subgroups based on the results of a PCR test for COVID-19, where 31 players tested positive (infected) and 16 tested negative. We observed the PCR test results (positive vs. negative PCR), the number of days needed to return to the team, number of days needed to RTP after quarantine and isolation, and MRP (10 variables measured by a global positioning system). The number of days where the infected players were not included in the team ranged from 7 to 51 (Median: 12). Significant pre- to post-COVID differences in MRP for infected players were only found for high-intensity accelerations and high-intensity decelerations (t-test = 2.11 and 2.13, respectively; p < 0.05, moderate effect size differences), with poorer performance in the post-COVID period. Since a decrease of the MRP as a result of COVID-19 infection was only noted in two variables, we can highlight appropriateness of the applied RTP. However, further adaptations and improvements of the RTP are needed with regard to high-intensity activities. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Medicine in Sports and Exercise)

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Review

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12 pages, 905 KiB

Open AccessReview

The Practice of Physical Activity on Psychological, Mental, Physical, and Social Wellbeing for Breast-Cancer Survivors: An Umbrella Review

by Marta Zanghì, Luca Petrigna, Grazia Maugeri, Velia D’Agata and Giuseppe Musumeci

Int. J. Environ. Res. Public Health 2022, 19(16), 10391; https://0-doi-org.brum.beds.ac.uk/10.3390/ijerph191610391 - 20 Aug 2022

Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2048

Abstract

(1) Background: The number of breast-cancer patients and survivors is increasing in the last years. Physical activity seems to be a feasible and useful complementary intervention to improve the physical, psychological, and social spheres and decrease some symptoms, especially for survivors. Consequently, the objective of the present umbrella review was to analyze the efficacy of different physical-activity interventions in the physical, mental, and social spheres of breast-cancer survivors. (2) Methods: Systematic reviews and meta-analyses of randomized controlled trials on breast-cancer survivors and physical-activity effects were searched on the electronic databases PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus till 9 August 2022. The quality of the studies included was evaluated, and the results were narratively analyzed. (3) Results: Physical-activity intervention generally improves the physical, mental, and social spheres of breast-cancer survivors, but the studies included present heterogeneity in the protocols adopted. (4) Conclusions: A well-structured and planned physical-activity intervention is useful for improvements in the physical, mental, and social spheres of breast-cancer survivors, but the studies presented high heterogeneity. Yoga seems to be the most effective physical intervention to complement medical therapy. Full article

(This article belongs to the Special Issue Medicine in Sports and Exercise)

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