@article{HammamiChaabeneKharratetal.2021, author = {Hammami, Raouf and Chaabene, Helmi and Kharrat, Fatma and Werfelli, Hanen and Duncan, Michael and Rebai, Haithem and Granacher, Urs}, title = {Acute effects of different balance exercise types on selected measures of physical fitness in youth female volleyball players}, series = {BMC Sports Science, Medicine and Rehabilitation}, volume = {13}, journal = {BMC Sports Science, Medicine and Rehabilitation}, publisher = {BioMed Central}, address = {London}, issn = {1758-2555}, doi = {10.1186/s13102-021-00249-5}, pages = {8}, year = {2021}, abstract = {Background Earlier studies have shown that balance training (BT) has the potential to induce performance enhancements in selected components of physical fitness (i.e., balance, muscle strength, power, speed). While there is ample evidence on the long-term effects of BT on components of physical fitness in youth, less is known on the short-term or acute effects of single BT sessions on selected measures of physical fitness. Objective To examine the acute effects of different balance exercise types on balance, change-of-direction (CoD) speed, and jump performance in youth female volleyball players. Methods Eleven female players aged 14 years participated in this study. Three types of balance exercises (i.e., anterior, posterolateral, rotational type) were conducted in randomized order. For each exercise, 3 sets including 5 repetitions were performed. Before and after the performance of the balance exercises, participants were tested for their static balance (center of pressure surface area [CoP SA] and velocity [CoP V]) on foam and firm surfaces, CoD speed (T-Half test), and vertical jump height (countermovement jump [CMJ] height). A 3 (condition: anterior, mediolateral, rotational balance exercise type) × 2 (time: pre, post) analysis of variance was computed with repeated measures on time. Results Findings showed no significant condition × time interactions for all outcome measures (p > 0.05). However, there were small main effects of time for CoP SA on firm and foam surfaces (both d = 0.38; all p < 0.05) with no effect for CoP V on both surface conditions (p > 0.05). For CoD speed, findings showed a large main effect of time (d = 0.91; p < 0.001). However, for CMJ height, no main effect of time was observed (p > 0.05). Conclusions Overall, our results indicated small-to-large changes in balance and CoD speed performances but not in CMJ height in youth female volleyball players, regardless of the balance exercise type. Accordingly, it is recommended to regularly integrate balance exercises before the performance of sport-specific training to optimize performance development in youth female volleyball players.}, language = {en} } @article{PrieskeDalagerLooksetal.2021, author = {Prieske, Olaf and Dalager, Tina and Looks, Vanessa and Golle, Kathleen and Granacher, Urs}, title = {Physical fitness and psycho-cognitive performance in the young and middle-aged workforce with primarily physical versus mental work demands}, series = {Journal of public health : from theory to practice : official organ of the Deutscher Verband f{\"u}r Gesundheitswissenschaften Public Health e.V. (DVGPH)}, volume = {29}, journal = {Journal of public health : from theory to practice : official organ of the Deutscher Verband f{\"u}r Gesundheitswissenschaften Public Health e.V. (DVGPH)}, number = {1}, publisher = {Springer}, address = {Berlin ; Heidelberg}, issn = {2198-1833}, doi = {10.1007/s10389-019-01099-9}, pages = {75 -- 84}, year = {2021}, abstract = {Aim The purpose of this study was to examine physical fitness and psycho-cognitive performance and their associations in young and middle-aged workers with primarily physical versus mental work demands. Subjects and methods Healthy young and middle-aged workers (73 men, age = 33 +/- 7 years; 75 women, age = 35 +/- 9 years) were recruited from German small-to-medium-sized enterprises (< 250 employees) and classified into groups with primarily mental (MD) or physical demands (PD) at work. Participants were tested for cardiorespiratory fitness, trunk flexor/extensor muscular endurance, handgrip strength, balance, leg muscle power, perceived stress, cognitive performance, and work ability. Results Ninety-four workers were allocated to the MD (53\% females) and 54 to the PD (46\% females) groups. The MD group showed significantly better balance, trunk extensor muscular endurance, and cognitive performance (p < 0.035, 0.35 <= d <= 0.55) and less stress compared with the PD group (p < 0.023, d = 0.38). Group-specific Spearman rank correlation analysis (r(S)) revealed significant small-to-medium-sized correlations between physical fitness and cognitive performance (- 0.205 <= r(S) <= 0.434) in the MD and PD groups. Significant small-to-medium-sized correlations were found for physical fitness and stress/work ability (0.211 <= r(S) <= 0.301) in the MD group only. Further, associations of trunk extensor muscular endurance and work ability were significantly higher in the MD group (r(S) = 0.240) compared with the PD group (r(S) = - 0.141; z = 2.16, p = 0.031). Conclusions MD workers showed better physical fitness measures (balance, trunk extensor muscular endurance) and cognitive performance and lower levels of perceived stress compared with PD workers. Small-to-medium-sized associations between physical fitness and psycho-cognitive performance measures indicate that gains in physical fitness may at least partly contribute to psycho-cognitive performance and/or vice versa, particularly in MD workers.}, language = {en} } @article{BrahmsHortobagyiKressigetal.2021, author = {Brahms, Clemens Markus and Hortob{\´a}gyi, Tibor and Kressig, Reto W. and Granacher, Urs}, title = {The Interaction between mobility status and exercise specificity in older adults}, series = {Exercise and sport sciences reviews}, volume = {49}, journal = {Exercise and sport sciences reviews}, number = {1}, publisher = {Lippincott Williams \& Wilkins}, address = {Hagerstown, Md.}, issn = {0091-6331}, doi = {10.1249/JES.0000000000000237}, pages = {15 -- 22}, year = {2021}, abstract = {Many adults older than 60 yr experience mobility limitations. Although physical exercise improves older adults' mobility, differences in baseline mobility produce large variations in individual responses to interventions, and these responses could further vary by the type and dose of exercise. Here, we propose an exercise prescription model for older adults based on their current mobility status.}, language = {en} } @article{JararnezhadgeroMamashliGranacher2021, author = {Jararnezhadgero, AmirAli and Mamashli, Elaheh and Granacher, Urs}, title = {An Endurance-Dominated Exercise Program Improves Maximum Oxygen Consumption, Ground Reaction Forces, and Muscle Activities in Patients With Moderate Diabetic Neuropathy}, series = {Frontiers in physiology / Frontiers Research Foundation}, volume = {12}, journal = {Frontiers in physiology / Frontiers Research Foundation}, publisher = {Frontiers Research Foundation}, address = {Lausanne, Schweiz}, issn = {1664-042X}, doi = {10.3389/fphys.2021.654755}, pages = {1 -- 15}, year = {2021}, abstract = {Background: The prevalence of diabetes worldwide is predicted to increase from 2.8\% in 2000 to 4.4\% in 2030. Diabetic neuropathy (DN) is associated with damage to nerve glial cells, their axons, and endothelial cells leading to impaired function and mobility. Objective: We aimed to examine the effects of an endurance-dominated exercise program on maximum oxygen consumption (VO2max), ground reaction forces, and muscle activities during walking in patients with moderate DN. Methods: Sixty male and female individuals aged 45-65 years with DN were randomly assigned to an intervention (IG, n = 30) or a waiting control (CON, n = 30) group. The research protocol of this study was registered with the Local Clinical Trial Organization (IRCT20200201046326N1). IG conducted an endurance-dominated exercise program including exercises on a bike ergometer and gait therapy. The progressive intervention program lasted 12 weeks with three sessions per week, each 40-55 min. CON received the same treatment as IG after the post-tests. Pre- and post-training, VO2max was tested during a graded exercise test using spiroergometry. In addition, ground reaction forces and lower limbs muscle activities were recorded while walking at a constant speed of ∼1 m/s. Results: No statistically significant baseline between group differences was observed for all analyzed variables. Significant group-by-time interactions were found for VO2max (p < 0.001; d = 1.22). The post-hoc test revealed a significant increase in IG (p < 0.001; d = 1.88) but not CON. Significant group-by-time interactions were observed for peak lateral and vertical ground reaction forces during heel contact and peak vertical ground reaction force during push-off (p = 0.001-0.037; d = 0.56-1.53). For IG, post-hoc analyses showed decreases in peak lateral (p < 0.001; d = 1.33) and vertical (p = 0.004; d = 0.55) ground reaction forces during heel contact and increases in peak vertical ground reaction force during push-off (p < 0.001; d = 0.92). In terms of muscle activity, significant group-by-time interactions were found for vastus lateralis and gluteus medius during the loading phase and for vastus medialis during the mid-stance phase, and gastrocnemius medialis during the push-off phase (p = 0.001-0.044; d = 0.54-0.81). Post-hoc tests indicated significant intervention-related increases in vastus lateralis (p = 0.001; d = 1.08) and gluteus medius (p = 0.008; d = 0.67) during the loading phase and vastus medialis activity during mid-stance (p = 0.001; d = 0.86). In addition, post-hoc tests showed decreases in gastrocnemius medialis during the push-off phase in IG only (p < 0.001; d = 1.28). Conclusions: This study demonstrated that an endurance-dominated exercise program has the potential to improve VO2max and diabetes-related abnormal gait in patients with DN. The observed decreases in peak vertical ground reaction force during the heel contact of walking could be due to increased vastus lateralis and gluteus medius activities during the loading phase. Accordingly, we recommend to implement endurance-dominated exercise programs in type 2 diabetic patients because it is feasible, safe and effective by improving aerobic capacity and gait characteristics.}, language = {en} } @article{AhmadiHeratAlizadehetal.2021, author = {Ahmadi, Hamid and Herat, Nehara and Alizadeh, Shahab and Button, Duane C. and Granacher, Urs and Behm, David G.}, title = {Effect of an inverted seated position with upper arm blood flow restriction on measures of elbow flexors neuromuscular performance}, series = {PLOS ONE / Public Library of Science}, volume = {16}, journal = {PLOS ONE / Public Library of Science}, number = {5}, publisher = {PLoS}, address = {San Fransisco}, issn = {1932-6203}, doi = {10.1371/journal.pone.0245311}, pages = {19}, year = {2021}, abstract = {Purpose The objective of the investigation was to determine the concomitant effects of upper arm blood flow restriction (BFR) and inversion on elbow flexors neuromuscular responses. Methods Randomly allocated, 13 volunteers performed four conditions in a within-subject design: rest (control, 1-min upright position without BFR), control (1-min upright with BFR), 1-min inverted (without BFR), and 1-min inverted with BFR. Evoked and voluntary contractile properties, before, during and after a 30-s maximum voluntary contraction (MVC) exercise intervention were examined as well as pain scale. Results Inversion induced significant pre-exercise intervention decreases in elbow flexors MVC (21.1\%, Z2p = 0.48, p = 0.02) and resting evoked twitch forces (29.4\%, Z2p = 0.34, p = 0.03). The 30-s MVC induced significantly greater pre- to post-test decreases in potentiated twitch force (Z2p = 0.61, p = 0.0009) during inversion (75\%) than upright (65.3\%) conditions. Overall, BFR decreased MVC force 4.8\% (Z2p = 0.37, p = 0.05). For upright position, BFR induced 21.0\% reductions in M-wave amplitude (Z2p = 0.44, p = 0.04). There were no significant differences for electromyographic activity or voluntary activation as measured with the interpolated twitch technique. For all conditions, there was a significant increase in pain scale between the 40-60 s intervals and post-30-s MVC (upright< inversion, and without BFR< BFR). Conclusion The concomitant application of inversion with elbow flexors BFR only amplified neuromuscular performance impairments to a small degree. Individuals who execute forceful contractions when inverted or with BFR should be cognizant that force output may be impaired.}, language = {en} } @article{KasmiZouhalHammamietal.2021, author = {Kasmi, Sofien and Zouhal, Hassane and Hammami, Raouf and Clark, Cain Craig Truman and Hackney, Anthony C. and Hammami, Amri and Chtara, Moktar and Chortane, Sabri Gaied and Ben Salah, Fatma Zohra and Granacher, Urs and Ben Ounis, Omar}, title = {The Effects of Eccentric and Plyometric Training Programs and Their Combination on Stability and the Functional Performance in the Post-ACL-Surgical Rehabilitation Period of Elite Female Athletes}, series = {Frontiers in physiology}, volume = {12}, journal = {Frontiers in physiology}, publisher = {Frontiers Research Foundation}, address = {Lausanne, Schweiz}, issn = {1664-042X}, doi = {10.3389/fphys.2021.688385}, pages = {1 -- 11}, year = {2021}, abstract = {Background: The standard method to treat physically active patients with anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) rupture is ligament reconstruction surgery. The rehabilitation training program is very important to improve functional performance in recreational athletes following ACL reconstruction. Objectives: The aims of this study were to compare the effects of three different training programs, eccentric training (ECC), plyometric training (PLYO), or combined eccentric and plyometric training (COMB), on dynamic balance (Y-BAL), the Lysholm Knee Scale (LKS), the return to sport index (RSI), and the leg symmetry index (LSI) for the single leg hop test for distance in elite female athletes after ACL surgery. Materials and Methods: Fourteen weeks after rehabilitation from surgery, 40 elite female athletes (20.3 ± 3.2 years), who had undergone an ACL reconstruction, participated in a short-term (6 weeks; two times a week) training study. All participants received the same rehabilitation protocol prior to the training study. Athletes were randomly assigned to three experimental groups, ECC (n = 10), PLYO (n = 10), and COMB (n = 10), and to a control group (CON: n = 10). Testing was conducted before and after the 6-week training programs and included the Y-BAL, LKS, and RSI. LSI was assessed after the 6-week training programs only. Results: Adherence rate was 100\% across all groups and no training or test-related injuries were reported. No significant between-group baseline differences (pre-6-week training) were observed for any of the parameters. Significant group-by-time interactions were found for Y-BAL (p < 0.001, ES = 1.73), LKS (p < 0.001, ES = 0.76), and RSI (p < 0.001, ES = 1.39). Contrast analysis demonstrated that COMB yielded significantly greater improvements in Y-BAL, LKS, and RSI (all p < 0.001), in addition to significantly better performances in LSI (all p < 0.001), than CON, PLYO, and ECC, respectively. Conclusion: In conclusion, combined (eccentric/plyometric) training seems to represent the most effective training method as it exerts positive effects on both stability and functional performance in the post-ACL-surgical rehabilitation period of elite female athletes.}, language = {en} } @article{RamachandranSinghRamirezCampilloetal.2021, author = {Ramachandran, Akhilesh Kumar and Singh, Utkarsh and Ramirez-Campillo, Rodrigo and Clemente, Filipe Manuel and Afonso, Jos{\´e} and Granacher, Urs}, title = {Effects of Plyometric Jump Training on Balance Performance in Healthy Participants: A Systematic Review With Meta-Analysis / Effects of plyometric-jump training on balance performance in healthy individuals across the lifespan: A systematic review with meta-analysisist}, series = {Frontiers in Physiology}, volume = {12}, journal = {Frontiers in Physiology}, publisher = {Frontiers Research Foundation}, address = {Lausanne}, issn = {1664-042X}, pages = {22}, year = {2021}, abstract = {Postural balance represents a fundamental movement skill for the successful performance of everyday and sport-related activities. There is ample evidence on the effectiveness of balance training on balance performance in athletic and non-athletic population. However, less is known on potential transfer effects of other training types, such as plyometric jump training (PJT) on measures of balance. Given that PJT is a highly dynamic exercise mode with various forms of jump-landing tasks, high levels of postural control are needed to successfully perform PJT exercises. Accordingly, PJT has the potential to not only improve measures of muscle strength and power but also balance. To systematically review and synthetize evidence from randomized and non-randomized controlled trials regarding the effects of PJT on measures of balance in apparently healthy participants. Systematic literature searches were performed in the electronic databases PubMed, Web of Science, and SCOPUS. A PICOS approach was applied to define inclusion criteria, (i) apparently healthy participants, with no restrictions on their fitness level, sex, or age, (ii) a PJT program, (iii) active controls (any sport-related activity) or specific active controls (a specific exercise type such as balance training), (iv) assessment of dynamic, static balance pre- and post-PJT, (v) randomized controlled trials and controlled trials. The methodological quality of studies was assessed using the Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro) scale. This meta-analysis was computed using the inverse variance random-effects model. The significance level was set at p <0.05. The initial search retrieved 8,251 plus 23 records identified through other sources. Forty-two articles met our inclusion criteria for qualitative and 38 for quantitative analysis (1,806 participants [990 males, 816 females], age range 9-63 years). PJT interventions lasted between 4 and 36 weeks. The median PEDro score was 6 and no study had low methodological quality (≤3). The analysis revealed significant small effects of PJT on overall (dynamic and static) balance (ES = 0.46; 95\% CI = 0.32-0.61; p < 0.001), dynamic (e.g., Y-balance test) balance (ES = 0.50; 95\% CI = 0.30-0.71; p < 0.001), and static (e.g., flamingo balance test) balance (ES = 0.49; 95\% CI = 0.31-0.67; p < 0.001). The moderator analyses revealed that sex and/or age did not moderate balance performance outcomes. When PJT was compared to specific active controls (i.e., participants undergoing balance training, whole body vibration training, resistance training), both PJT and alternative training methods showed similar effects on overall (dynamic and static) balance (p = 0.534). Specifically, when PJT was compared to balance training, both training types showed similar effects on overall (dynamic and static) balance (p = 0.514). Conclusion: Compared to active controls, PJT showed small effects on overall balance, dynamic and static balance. Additionally, PJT produced similar balance improvements compared to other training types (i.e., balance training). Although PJT is widely used in athletic and recreational sport settings to improve athletes' physical fitness (e.g., jumping; sprinting), our systematic review with meta-analysis is novel in as much as it indicates that PJT also improves balance performance. The observed PJT-related balance enhancements were irrespective of sex and participants' age. Therefore, PJT appears to be an adequate training regime to improve balance in both, athletic and recreational settings.}, language = {en} } @article{HaileFuehnerGranacheretal.2021, author = {Haile, Sarah R. and F{\"u}hner, Thea Heidi and Granacher, Urs and Stocker, Julien and Radtke, Thomas and Kriemler, Susi}, title = {Reference values and validation of the 1-minute sit-to-stand test in healthy 5-16-year-old youth}, series = {BMJ open}, volume = {11}, journal = {BMJ open}, number = {5}, publisher = {BMJ Publishing Group}, address = {London}, issn = {2044-6055}, doi = {10.1136/bmjopen-2021-049143}, pages = {7}, year = {2021}, abstract = {Objectives: It is essential to have simple, reliable and valid tests to measure children's functional capacity in schools or medical practice. The 1-minute sit-to-stand (STS) test is a quick fitness test requiring little equipment or space that is increasingly used in both healthy populations and those with chronic disease. We aimed to provide age-specific and sex-specific reference values of STS test in healthy children and adolescents and to evaluate its short-term reliability and construct validity. Design setting and participants: Cross-sectional convenience sample from six public schools and one science fair in central Europe. Overall, 587 healthy participants aged 5-16 years were recruited and divided into age groups of 3 years each. Outcomes: 1-minute STS. To evaluate short-term reliability, some children performed the STS test twice. To evaluate construct validity, some children also performed a standing long jump (SLJ) and a maximal incremental exercise test. Results: Data from 547 youth aged 5-16 years were finally included in the analyses. The median number of repetitions in 1 min in males (females) ranged from 55 [95\% CI: 38 to 72] (53 [95\% CI: 35 to 76]) in 14-16-year olds to 59 [95\% CI: 41 to 77] (60 [95\% CI: 38 to 77]) in 8-10-year olds. Children who repeated STS showed a learning effect of on average 4.8 repetitions more than the first test (95\% limits of agreement: -6.7 to 16.4). Moderate correlations were observed between the STS and the SLJ (r=0.48) tests and the maximal exercise test (r=0.43). Conclusions: The reported STS reference values can be used to interpret STS test performance in children and adolescents. The STS appears to have good test- retest reliability, but a learning effect of about 10\%. The association of STS with other measures of physical fitness should be further explored in a larger study and technical standards for its conduct are needed.}, language = {en} } @article{JafarnezhadgeroGhorbanlooFatollahietal.2021, author = {Jafarnezhadgero, AmirAli and Ghorbanloo, Farshad and Fatollahi, Amir and Dionisio, Valdeci Carlos and Granacher, Urs}, title = {Effects of an elastic resistance band exercise program on kinetics and muscle activities during walking in young adults with genu valgus}, series = {Clinical biomechanics : a journal affiliated to the International Society of Biomechanics and the American Society of Biomechanics}, volume = {81}, journal = {Clinical biomechanics : a journal affiliated to the International Society of Biomechanics and the American Society of Biomechanics}, publisher = {Elsevier Science}, address = {Amsterdam [u.a.]}, issn = {0268-0033}, doi = {10.1016/j.clinbiomech.2020.105215}, pages = {10}, year = {2021}, abstract = {Background: This double-blinded randomized-controlled-trial aimed to identify the effects of an elastic band resistance training on walking kinetics and muscle activities in young adults with genu valgus. Methods: Forty-two male young adults aged 22.5(2.7) years with genu valgus were randomly allocated to two experimental groups. The intervention group (n = 21) conducted a 14-weeks elastic band resistance training. The control group was passive during the intervention period and received the same treatment after the post-tests. Pre and post training, ground reaction forces and lower limb muscle activities were recorded during walking. Findings: Results revealed significant group-by-time interactions for peak medial ground reaction force and timeto-peak for posterior ground reaction force in favor of the intervention group (p < 0.012; d = 0.83-3.76). Resistance training with elastic bands resulted in significantly larger peak medial ground reaction force (p < 0.001; d = 1.45) and longer time-to-peak for posterior ground reaction force (p < 0.001; d = 1.85). Finding showed significant group-by-time interactions for peak positive free moment amplitudes in favor of the intervention group (p < 0.001; d = 1.18-2.02). Resistance training resulted in a lower peak positive free moment amplitude (p = 0.001; d = 1.46). With regards to muscle activities, the analysis revealed significant group-by time interactions for rectus femoris and gluteus medius activities during the push-off phase in favor of the intervention group (p < 0.038; d = 0.68-0.89). Resistance training induced higher rectus femoris (p = 0.038; d = 0.84) and gluteus medius (p = 0.007; d = 0.54) activities. Interpretation: This study proved the effectiveness of resistance training using elastic bands on kinetics and muscle activities during walking in male adults with genu valgus disorder. Given that this training regime is low cost, effective, and easy-to-administer, we suggest that it should be implemented as a rehabilitative or preventive means for young adults with genu valgus.}, language = {en} } @article{WickKriemlerGranacher2021, author = {Wick, Kristin and Kriemler, Susi and Granacher, Urs}, title = {Effects of a strength-dominated exercise program on physical fitness and cognitive performance in preschool children}, series = {Journal of strength and conditioning research : the research journal of the NSCA}, volume = {35}, journal = {Journal of strength and conditioning research : the research journal of the NSCA}, number = {4}, publisher = {Lippincott Williams \& Wilkins}, address = {Philadelphia}, issn = {1064-8011}, doi = {10.1519/JSC.0000000000003942}, pages = {983 -- 990}, year = {2021}, abstract = {Wick, K, Kriemler, S, and Granacher, U. Effects of a strength-dominated exercise program on physical fitness and cognitive performance in preschool children. J Strength Cond Res 35(4): 983-990, 2021-Childhood is characterized by high neuroplasticity that affords qualitative rather than quantitative components of physical activity to maximize the potential to sufficiently develop motor skills and foster long-term engagement in regular physical activity. This study examined the effects of an integrative strength-dominated exercise program on measures of physical fitness and cognitive performance in preschool children. Children aged 4-6 years from 3 kindergartens were randomized into an intervention (INT) group (n = 32) or a control group (n = 22). The 10-week intervention period was conducted 3 times per week (each session lasted 30 minutes) and included exercises for the promotion of muscle strength and power, coordination, and balance. Pre and post training, tests were conducted for the assessment of muscle strength (i.e., handgrip strength), muscle power (i.e., standing long jump), balance (i.e., timed single-leg stand), coordination (hopping on right/left leg), and attentional span (i.e., "Konzentrations-Handlungsverfahren fur Vorschulkinder" [concentration-action procedure for preschoolers]). Results from 2 x 2 repeated-measures analysis of covariance revealed a significant (p <= 0.05) and near significant (p = 0.051) group x time interaction for the standing long jump test and the Konzentrations-Handlungsverfahren. Post hoc tests showed significant pre-post changes for the INT (p < 0.001; d = 1.53) but not the CON (p = 0.72; d = 0.83). Our results indicate that a 10-week strength-dominated exercise program increased jump performance with a concomitant trend toward improvements in attentional capacity of preschool children. Thus, we recommend implementing this type of exercise program for preschoolers.}, language = {en} }