TY - JOUR
A1 - Teich, Paula
A1 - Fühner, Thea Heidi
A1 - Granacher, Urs
A1 - Kliegl, Reinhold
T1 - Physical fitness of primary school children differs depending on their timing of school enrollment
JF - Scientific reports
N2 - Previous research has shown that children who were enrolled to school according to the legal key date (i.e., keyage children, between eight and nine years in third grade) exhibited a linear physical fitness development in the ninth year of life. In contrast, children who were enrolled with a delay (i.e., older-than-keyage children [OTK], between nine and ten years in third grade) exhibited a lower physical fitness compared to what would be expected for their age. In these studies, cross-sectional age differences within third grade and timing of school enrollment were confounded. The present study investigated the longitudinal development of keyage and OTK children from third to fifth grade. This design also afforded a comparison of the two groups at the same average chronological age, that is a dissociation of the effects of timing of school enrollment and age. We tested six physical fitness components: cardiorespiratory endurance, coordination, speed, power of lower and upper limbs, and static balance. 1502 children (i.e., 1206 keyage and 296 OTK children) from 35 schools were tested in third, fourth, and fifth grade. Except for cardiorespiratory endurance, both groups developed from third to fourth and from fourth to fifth grade and keyage children outperformed OTK children at the average ages of 9.5 or 10.5 years. For cardiorespiratory endurance, there was no significant gain from fourth to fifth grade and keyage and OTK children did not differ significantly at 10.5 years of age. One reason for a delayed school enrollment could be that a child is (or is perceived as) biologically younger than their chronological age at the school entry examination, implying a negative correlation between chronological and biological age for OTK children. Indeed, a simple reflection of chronological age brought the developmental rate of the chronologically youngest OTK children in line with the developmental rate observed for keyage children, but did not eliminate all differences. The mapping of chronological and biological age of OTK children and other possible reasons for lower physical fitness of OTK children remain a task for future research.
KW - Health care
KW - Paediatrics
KW - Physiology
Y1 - 2023
U6 - https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-023-35727-y
SN - 2045-2322
VL - 13
IS - 1
PB - Springer Nature
CY - London
ER -
TY - JOUR
A1 - Delfan, Maryam
A1 - Juybari, Raheleh Amadeh
A1 - Gorgani-Firuzjaee, Sattar
A1 - Høiriis Nielsen, Jens
A1 - Delfan, Neda
A1 - Laher, Ismail
A1 - Saeidi, Ayoub
A1 - Granacher, Urs
A1 - Zouhal, Hassane
T1 - High-intensity interval training improves cardiac function by miR-206 dependent HSP60 induction in diabetic rats
JF - Frontiers in cardiovascular medicine
N2 - ObjectiveA role for microRNAs is implicated in several biological and pathological processes. We investigated the effects of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) and moderate-intensity continuous training (MICT) on molecular markers of diabetic cardiomyopathy in rats. MethodsEighteen male Wistar rats (260 +/- 10 g; aged 8 weeks) with streptozotocin (STZ)-induced type 1 diabetes mellitus (55 mg/kg, IP) were randomly allocated to three groups: control, MICT, and HIIT. The two different training protocols were performed 5 days each week for 5 weeks. Cardiac performance (end-systolic and end-diastolic dimensions, ejection fraction), the expression of miR-206, HSP60, and markers of apoptosis (cleaved PARP and cytochrome C) were determined at the end of the exercise interventions. ResultsBoth exercise interventions (HIIT and MICT) decreased blood glucose levels and improved cardiac performance, with greater changes in the HIIT group (p < 0.001, eta(2): 0.909). While the expressions of miR-206 and apoptotic markers decreased in both training protocols (p < 0.001, eta(2): 0.967), HIIT caused greater reductions in apoptotic markers and produced a 20% greater reduction in miR-206 compared with the MICT protocol (p < 0.001). Furthermore, both training protocols enhanced the expression of HSP60 (p < 0.001, eta(2): 0.976), with a nearly 50% greater increase in the HIIT group compared with MICT. ConclusionsOur results indicate that both exercise protocols, HIIT and MICT, have the potential to reduce diabetic cardiomyopathy by modifying the expression of miR-206 and its downstream targets of apoptosis. It seems however that HIIT is even more effective than MICT to modulate these molecular markers.
KW - diabetes
KW - apoptosis
KW - miRNAs
KW - exercise
KW - cardiomyopathy
Y1 - 2022
U6 - https://doi.org/10.3389/fcvm.2022.927956
SN - 2297-055X
VL - 9
PB - Frontiers Media
CY - Lausanne
ER -
TY - JOUR
A1 - Saidi, Karim
A1 - Zouhal, Hassane
A1 - Boullosa, Daniel
A1 - Dupont, Gregory
A1 - Hackney, Anthony C.
A1 - Bideau, Benoit
A1 - Granacher, Urs
A1 - Ben Abderrahman, Abderraouf
T1 - Biochemical markers and wellness status during a congested match play period in elite soccer players
JF - International journal of sports physiology and performance : IJSSP
N2 - Objectives:
To analyze biochemical markers, wellness status, and physical fitness in elite soccer players in relation to changes in training and match exposure during a congested period of match play.
Methods:
Fourteen elite soccer players were evaluated 3 times (T1, T2, and T3) over 12 weeks (T1-T2: 6-wk regular period of match play and T2-T3: 6-wk congested period of match play). Players performed vertical jump tests, repeated shuttle sprint ability test, and the Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery Test at T1, T2, and T3. Plasma C-reactive protein, creatinine, and creatine kinase were analyzed at T1, T2, and T3. Wellness status was measured daily using the Hopper questionnaire (delayed onset of muscle soreness, stress, fatigue, and sleep quality). Training session rating of perceived exertion was also recorded on a daily basis.
Results:
A significant increase was found in stress, fatigue, delayed onset of muscle soreness scores, and Hopper index during the congested period (between T2 and T3) compared with the regular period (between T1 and T2) (.001 < P < .008, 0.8 < ES < 2.3). Between T2 and T3, significant relationships were found between the percentage variations (Delta%) of C-reactive protein, and Delta% of creatine kinase with the Hopper Index, and the Delta% of fatigue score. In addition, the Delta% of fatigue score and Delta% of delayed onset of muscle soreness score correlated with Delta% Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery Test and Delta% best of repeated shuttle sprint ability test (.49 < r < P < .01).
Conclusions:
An intensive period of congested match play significantly compromised elite soccer players' physical fitness and wellness status. Elite soccer players' wellness status reflects declines in physical fitness during this period while biochemical changes do not.
KW - training
KW - congested calendar
KW - overtraining
KW - overreaching
KW - recovery
Y1 - 2022
U6 - https://doi.org/10.1123/ijspp.2020-0914
SN - 1555-0265
SN - 1555-0273
VL - 17
IS - 4
SP - 605
EP - 620
PB - Human Kinetics Publ.
CY - Champaign
ER -
TY - JOUR
A1 - Brahms, Clemens Markus
A1 - Hortobágyi, Tibor
A1 - Kressig, Reto W.
A1 - Granacher, Urs
T1 - The Interaction between mobility status and exercise specificity in older adults
JF - Exercise and sport sciences reviews
N2 - 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.
KW - exercise prescription
KW - training intervention
KW - walking speed
KW - activities
KW - of daily living
KW - elderly
Y1 - 2021
U6 - https://doi.org/10.1249/JES.0000000000000237
SN - 0091-6331
SN - 1538-3008
VL - 49
IS - 1
SP - 15
EP - 22
PB - Lippincott Williams & Wilkins
CY - Hagerstown, Md.
ER -
TY - JOUR
A1 - Behm, David G.
A1 - Alizadeh, Shahab
A1 - Drury, Ben
A1 - Granacher, Urs
A1 - Moran, Jason
T1 - Non-local acute stretching effects on strength performance in healthy young adults
JF - European journal of applied physiology
N2 - Background
Static stretching (SS) can impair performance and increase range of motion of a non-exercised or non-stretched muscle, respectively. An underdeveloped research area is the effect of unilateral stretching on non-local force output.
Objective
The objective of this review was to describe the effects of unilateral SS on contralateral, non-stretched, muscle force and identify gaps in the literature.
Methods
A systematic literature search following preferred reporting items for systematic review and meta-analyses Protocols guidelines was performed according to prescribed inclusion and exclusion criteria. Weighted means and ranges highlighted the non-local force output response to unilateral stretching. The physiotherapy evidence database scale was used to assess study risk of bias and methodological quality.
Results
Unilateral stretching protocols from six studies involved 6.3 +/- 2 repetitions of 36.3 +/- 7.4 s with 19.3 +/- 5.7 s recovery between stretches. The mean stretch-induced force deficits exhibited small magnitude effect sizes for both the stretched (-6.7 +/- 7.1%, d = -0.35: 0.01 to -1.8) and contralateral, non-stretched, muscles (-4.0 +/- 4.9%, d = , 0.22: 0.08 to 1.1). Control measures exhibited trivial deficits.
Conclusion
The limited literature examining non-local effects of prolonged SS revealed that both the stretched and contralateral, non-stretched, limbs of young adults demonstrate small magnitude force deficits. However, the frequency of studies with these effects were similar with three measures demonstrating deficits, and four measures showing trivial changes. These results highlight the possible global (non-local) effects of prolonged SS. Further research should investigate effects of lower intensity stretching, upper versus lower body stretching, different age groups, incorporate full warm-ups, and identify predominant mechanisms among others.
KW - Flexibility
KW - Power
KW - Crossover
KW - Fatigue
KW - Mental fatigue
KW - Neural inhibition
Y1 - 2021
U6 - https://doi.org/10.1007/s00421-021-04657-w
SN - 1439-6319
SN - 1439-6327
VL - 121
IS - 6
SP - 1517
EP - 1529
PB - Springer
CY - Berlin ; Heidelberg
ER -
TY - JOUR
A1 - Hortobagyi, Tibor
A1 - Deak, Dorina
A1 - Farkas, Dora
A1 - Blenyesi, Eszter
A1 - Torok, Katalin
A1 - Granacher, Urs
A1 - Tollar, Jozsef
T1 - Effects of exercise dose and detraining duration on mobility at late midlife
BT - a randomized clinical trial
JF - Gerontology
N2 - Background:
Office workers near retirement tend to be sedentary and can be prone to mobility limitations and diseases. We examined the dose effects of exergaming volume and duration of detraining on motor and cognitive function in office workers at late midlife to reduce sedentariness and mobility limitations.
Methods:
In an assessor-blinded randomized trial, 160 workers aged 55-65 years performed physically active video games in a nonimmersive form of virtual reality (exergaming) in small, supervised groups for 1 h, 1x, 2x, or 3x/week for 8 weeks followed by detraining for 8 and 16 weeks. Exergaming comprises high-intensity, full-body sensorimotor coordination, balance, endurance, and strengthening exercises. The primary outcome was the 6-minute walk test (6MWT), and secondary outcomes were body mass, self-reported physical activity, sleep quality, Berg Balance Scale, Short Physical Performance Battery, fast gait speed, dynamic balance, heart rate recovery after step test, and 6 cognitive tests.
Results:
The 3 groups were not different in any of the outcomes at baseline (all p > 0.05). The outcomes were stable and had acceptable reliability (intraclass correlation coefficients >= 0.334) over an 8-week control period. Training produced an inverted U-shaped dose response of no (1x), most (2x), and medium (3x/week) effects of exergaming volume in most motor and selected cognitive outcomes. The distance walked in the 6MWT (primary outcome) increased most (94 m, 19%, p < 0.05), medium (57 m, 12%, p < 0.05), and least (4 m, 1%) after exergaming 2x, 3x, or 0x (control) (all different p < 0.05). The highest responders tended to retain the exercise effects over 8 weeks of detraining, independent of training volume. This maintenance effect was less consistent after 16 weeks of detraining.
Conclusion:
Less was more during training and lasted longer after detraining. A medium dose volume of exergaming produced the largest clinically meaningful improvements in mobility and selected cognitive tests in 60-year-old office workers with mild mobility limitations and intact cognition.
KW - exercise
KW - dose response
KW - walking capacity
KW - cognitive function
Y1 - 2021
U6 - https://doi.org/10.1159/000513505
SN - 0304-324X
SN - 1423-0003
VL - 67
IS - 4
SP - 403
EP - 414
PB - Karger
CY - Basel
ER -
TY - JOUR
A1 - Negyesi, Janos
A1 - Hortobagyi, Tibor
A1 - Hill, Jessica
A1 - Granacher, Urs
A1 - Nagatomi, Ryoichi
T1 - Can compression garments reduce the deleterious effects of physical exercise on muscle strength?
BT - a systematic review and meta-analyses
JF - Sports medicine
N2 - Background
The use of compression garments (CGs) during or after training and competition has gained popularity in the last few decades. However, the data concerning CGs' beneficial effects on muscle strength-related outcomes after physical exercise remain inconclusive.
Objective
The aim was to determine whether wearing CGs during or after physical exercise would facilitate the recovery of muscle strength-related outcomes.
Methods
A systematic literature search was conducted across five databases (PubMed, SPORTDiscus, Web of Science, Scopus, and EBSCOhost). Data from 19 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) including 350 healthy participants were extracted and meta-analytically computed. Weighted between-study standardized mean differences (SMDs) with respect to their standard errors (SEs) were aggregated and corrected for sample size to compute overall SMDs. The type of physical exercise, the body area and timing of CG application, and the time interval between the end of the exercise and subsequent testing were assessed.
Results
CGs produced no strength-sparing effects (SMD [95% confidence interval]) at the following time points (t) after physical exercise: immediately <= t < 24 h: - 0.02 (- 0.22 to 0.19), p = 0.87; 24 <= t < 48 h: - 0.00 (- 0.22 to 0.21), p = 0.98; 48 <= t < 72 h: - 0.03 (- 0.43 to 0.37), p = 0.87; 72 <= t < 96 h: 0.14 (- 0.21 to 0.49), p = 0.43; 96 h <= t: 0.26 (- 0.33 to 0.85), p = 0.38. The body area where the CG was applied had no strength-sparing effects. CGs revealed weak strength-sparing effects after plyometric exercise.
Conclusion
Meta-analytical evidence suggests that wearing a CG during or after training does not seem to facilitate the recovery of muscle strength following physical exercise. Practitioners, athletes, coaches, and trainers should reconsider the use of CG as a tool to reduce the effects of physical exercise on muscle strength.
Y1 - 2022
U6 - https://doi.org/10.1007/s40279-022-01681-4
SN - 0112-1642
SN - 1179-2035
VL - 52
IS - 9
SP - 2159
EP - 2175
PB - Springer
CY - Northcote
ER -
TY - JOUR
A1 - Saeterbakken, Atle H.
A1 - Stien, Nicolay
A1 - Andersen, Vidar
A1 - Scott, Suzanne
A1 - Cumming, Kristoffer T.
A1 - Behm, David G.
A1 - Granacher, Urs
A1 - Prieske, Olaf
T1 - The effects of trunk muscle training on physical fitness and sport-specific performance in young and adult athletes
BT - a systematic review and meta-analysis
JF - Sports medicine
N2 - Background
The role of trunk muscle training (TMT) for physical fitness (e.g., muscle power) and sport-specific performance measures (e.g., swimming time) in athletic populations has been extensively examined over the last decades. However, a recent systematic review and meta-analysis on the effects of TMT on measures of physical fitness and sport-specific performance in young and adult athletes is lacking.
Objective
To aggregate the effects of TMT on measures of physical fitness and sport-specific performance in young and adult athletes and identify potential subject-related moderator variables (e.g., age, sex, expertise level) and training-related programming parameters (e.g., frequency, study length, session duration, and number of training sessions) for TMT effects.
Data Sources
A systematic literature search was conducted with PubMed, Web of Science, and SPORTDiscus, with no date restrictions, up to June 2021.
Study Eligibility Criteria
Only controlled trials with baseline and follow-up measures were included if they examined the effects of TMT on at least one measure of physical fitness (e.g., maximal muscle strength, change-of-direction speed (CODS)/agility, linear sprint speed) and sport-specific performance (e.g., throwing velocity, swimming time) in young or adult competitive athletes at a regional, national, or international level. The expertise level was classified as either elite (competing at national and/or international level) or regional (i.e., recreational and sub-elite).
Study Appraisal and Synthesis Methods
The methodological quality of TMT studies was assessed using the Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro) scale. A random-effects model was used to calculate weighted standardized mean differences (SMDs) between intervention and active control groups. Additionally, univariate sub-group analyses were independently computed for subject-related moderator variables and training-related programming parameters.
Results
Overall, 31 studies with 693 participants aged 11-37 years were eligible for inclusion. The methodological quality of the included studies was 5 on the PEDro scale. In terms of physical fitness, there were significant, small-to-large effects of TMT on maximal muscle strength (SMD = 0.39), local muscular endurance (SMD = 1.29), lower limb muscle power (SMD = 0.30), linear sprint speed (SMD = 0.66), and CODS/agility (SMD = 0.70). Furthermore, a significant and moderate TMT effect was found for sport-specific performance (SMD = 0.64). Univariate sub-group analyses for subject-related moderator variables revealed significant effects of age on CODS/agility (p = 0.04), with significantly large effects for children (SMD = 1.53, p = 0.002). Further, there was a significant effect of number of training sessions on muscle power and linear sprint speed (p <= 0.03), with significant, small-to-large effects of TMT for > 18 sessions compared to <= 18 sessions (0.45 <= SMD <= 0.84, p <= 0.003). Additionally, session duration significantly modulated TMT effects on linear sprint speed, CODS/agility, and sport-specific performance (p <= 0.05). TMT with session durations <= 30 min resulted in significant, large effects on linear sprint speed and CODS/agility (1.66 <= SMD <= 2.42, p <= 0.002), whereas session durations > 30 min resulted in significant, large effects on sport-specific performance (SMD = 1.22, p = 0.008).
Conclusions
Our findings indicate that TMT is an effective means to improve selected measures of physical fitness and sport-specific performance in young and adult athletes.
Independent sub-group analyses suggest that TMT has the potential to improve CODS/agility, but only in children. Additionally, more (> 18) and/or shorter duration (<= 30 min) TMT sessions appear to be more effective for improving lower limb muscle power, linear sprint speed, and CODS/agility in young or adult competitive athletes.
Y1 - 2022
U6 - https://doi.org/10.1007/s40279-021-01637-0
SN - 0112-1642
SN - 1179-2035
VL - 52
IS - 7
SP - 1599
EP - 1622
PB - Springer
CY - Northcote
ER -
TY - JOUR
A1 - Haile, Sarah R.
A1 - Fühner, Thea Heidi
A1 - Granacher, Urs
A1 - Stocker, Julien
A1 - Radtke, Thomas
A1 - Kriemler, Susi
T1 - Reference values and validation of the 1-minute sit-to-stand test in healthy 5-16-year-old youth
BT - a cross-sectional study
JF - BMJ open
N2 - 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.
Y1 - 2021
U6 - https://doi.org/10.1136/bmjopen-2021-049143
SN - 2044-6055
VL - 11
IS - 5
PB - BMJ Publishing Group
CY - London
ER -
TY - JOUR
A1 - Jafarnezhadgero, AmirAli
A1 - Ghorbanloo, Farshad
A1 - Fatollahi, Amir
A1 - Dionisio, Valdeci Carlos
A1 - Granacher, Urs
T1 - Effects of an elastic resistance band exercise program on kinetics and muscle activities during walking in young adults with genu valgus
BT - A double-blinded randomized controlled trial
JF - Clinical biomechanics : a journal affiliated to the International Society of Biomechanics and the American Society of Biomechanics
N2 - 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.
KW - Free moment
KW - Gait
KW - Knee valgus
KW - Loading rate
KW - Theraband training
Y1 - 2021
U6 - https://doi.org/10.1016/j.clinbiomech.2020.105215
SN - 0268-0033
SN - 1879-1271
VL - 81
PB - Elsevier Science
CY - Amsterdam [u.a.]
ER -
TY - JOUR
A1 - Wick, Kristin
A1 - Kriemler, Susi
A1 - Granacher, Urs
T1 - Effects of a strength-dominated exercise program on physical fitness and cognitive performance in preschool children
JF - Journal of strength and conditioning research : the research journal of the NSCA
N2 - 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.
KW - motor skills
KW - cognitive skills
KW - attention
KW - kindergarten
KW - structured
KW - physical activity program
Y1 - 2021
U6 - https://doi.org/10.1519/JSC.0000000000003942
SN - 1064-8011
SN - 1533-4287
VL - 35
IS - 4
SP - 983
EP - 990
PB - Lippincott Williams & Wilkins
CY - Philadelphia
ER -
TY - JOUR
A1 - Chaabene, Helmi
A1 - Negra, Yassine
A1 - Moran, Jason
A1 - Prieske, Olaf
A1 - Sammoud, Senda
A1 - Ramirez-Campillo, Rodrigo
A1 - Granacher, Urs
T1 - Plyometric training improves not only measures of linear speed, power, and change-of-direction speed but also repeated sprint ability in young female handball players
JF - Journal of strength and conditioning research : the research journal of the NSCA
N2 - This study examined the effects of an 8-week plyometric training (PT) program on components of physical fitness in young female handball players. Twenty-one female adolescent handball players were assigned to an experimental group (EG, n = 12; age = 15.9 +/- 0.2 years) or an active control group (CG, n = 9, age = 15.9 +/- 0.3 years). While EG performed plyometric exercises in replacement of some handball-specific drills, CG maintained the regular training schedule. Baseline and follow-up tests were performed for the assessment of linear speed (i.e., 5-, 10-, and 20-m time), change-of-direction (CoD) speed (i.e., T-test time), muscle power (i.e., countermovement jump [CMJ] height and reactive strength index [RSI]), and repeated sprint ability (RSA) (RSA total time [RSA(total)], RSA best time [RSA(best)], and RSA fatigue index [RSA(FI)]). Data were analyzed using magnitude-based inferences. Within-group analyses for the EG revealed moderate-to-large improvements for the 5-m (effect size [ES] = 0.81 [0.1-1.5]), 10-m sprint time (ES = 0.84 [0.1-1.5]), RSI (ES = 0.75 [0.1-1.4]), RSA(FI) (ES = 0.65 [0.0-1.3]), and T-test time (ES = 1.46 [0.7-2.2]). Trivial-to-small ES was observed for RSA(best) (ES = 0.18 [-0.5 to 0.9]), RSA(total) (ES = 0.45 [-0.2 to 1.1]), 20-m sprint time (ES = 0.56 [-0.1 to 1.2]), and CMJ height (ES = 0.57 [-0.1 to 1.3]). For the CG, within-group analyses showed a moderate performance decline for T-test time (ES = -0.71 [-1.5 to 0.1]), small decreases for 5-m sprint time (ES = -0.46 [-1.2 to 0.3]), and a trivial decline for 10-m (ES = -0.10 [-0.9 to 0.7]) and 20-m sprint times (ES = -0.16 [-0.9 to 0.6]), RSA(total) (ES = 0.0 [-0.8 to 0.8]), and RSA(best) (ES = -0.20 [-0.9 to 0.6]). The control group achieved trivial-to-small improvements for CMJ height (ES = 0.10 [-0.68 to 0.87]) and RSI (ES = 0.30 [-0.5 to 1.1]). In conclusion, a short-term in-season PT program, in replacement of handball-specific drills, is effective in improving measures of physical fitness (i.e., linear/CoD speed, jumping, and RSA) in young female handball players.
KW - stretch-shortening cycle
KW - physical fitness
KW - young athletes
Y1 - 2021
U6 - https://doi.org/10.1519/JSC.0000000000003128
SN - 1064-8011
SN - 1533-4287
VL - 35
IS - 8
SP - 2230
EP - 2235
PB - Lippincott Williams & Wilkins
CY - Philadelphia
ER -
TY - JOUR
A1 - Jafarnezhadgero, Amir Ali
A1 - Noroozi, Raha
A1 - Fakhri, Ehsan
A1 - Granacher, Urs
A1 - Oliveira, Anderson Souza
T1 - The Impact of COVID-19 and muscle fatigue on cardiorespiratory fitness and running kinetics in female recreational runners
JF - Frontiers in physiology
N2 - Background:
There is evidence that fully recovered COVID-19 patients usually resume physical exercise, but do not perform at the same intensity level performed prior to infection. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of COVID-19 infection and recovery as well as muscle fatigue on cardiorespiratory fitness and running biomechanics in female recreational runners.
Methods:
Twenty-eight females were divided into a group of hospitalized and recovered COVID-19 patients (COV, n = 14, at least 14 days following recovery) and a group of healthy age-matched controls (CTR, n = 14). Ground reaction forces from stepping on a force plate while barefoot overground running at 3.3 m/s was measured before and after a fatiguing protocol. The fatigue protocol consisted of incrementally increasing running speed until reaching a score of 13 on the 6-20 Borg scale, followed by steady-state running until exhaustion. The effects of group and fatigue were assessed for steady-state running duration, steady-state running speed, ground contact time, vertical instantaneous loading rate and peak propulsion force.
Results:
COV runners completed only 56% of the running time achieved by the CTR (p < 0.0001), and at a 26% slower steady-state running speed (p < 0.0001). There were fatigue-related reductions in loading rate (p = 0.004) without group differences. Increased ground contact time (p = 0.002) and reduced peak propulsion force (p = 0.005) were found for COV when compared to CTR.
Conclusion:
Our results suggest that female runners who recovered from COVID-19 showed compromised running endurance and altered running kinetics in the form of longer stance periods and weaker propulsion forces. More research is needed in this area using larger sample sizes to confirm our study findings.
KW - hospitalization
KW - running mechanics
KW - ground reaction forces
KW - virus
KW - infection
KW - COVID-19
Y1 - 2022
U6 - https://doi.org/10.3389/fphys.2022.942589
SN - 1664-042X
VL - 13
PB - Frontiers Media
CY - Lausanne
ER -
TY - JOUR
A1 - Hortobágyi, Tibor
A1 - Vetrovsky, Tomas
A1 - Balbim, Guilherme Moraes
A1 - Sorte Silva, Narlon Cassio Boa
A1 - Manca, Andrea
A1 - Deriu, Franca
A1 - Kolmos, Mia
A1 - Kruuse, Christina
A1 - Liu-Ambrose, Teresa
A1 - Radak, Zsolt
A1 - Vaczi, Mark
A1 - Johansson, Hanna
A1 - Rocha dos Santos, Paulo Cezar
A1 - Franzen, Erika
A1 - Granacher, Urs
T1 - The impact of aerobic and resistance training intensity on markers of neuroplasticity in health and disease
JF - Ageing research reviews : ARR
N2 - Objective: To determine the effects of low- vs. high-intensity aerobic and resistance training on motor and cognitive function, brain activation, brain structure, and neurochemical markers of neuroplasticity and the association thereof in healthy young and older adults and in patients with multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's disease, and stroke. Design: Systematic review and robust variance estimation meta-analysis with meta-regression. Data sources: Systematic search of MEDLINE, Web of Science, and CINAHL databases. Results: Fifty studies with 60 intervention arms and 2283 in-analyses participants were included. Due to the low number of studies, the three patient groups were combined and analyzed as a single group. Overall, low- (g=0.19, p = 0.024) and high-intensity exercise (g=0.40, p = 0.001) improved neuroplasticity. Exercise intensity scaled with neuroplasticity only in healthy young adults but not in healthy older adults or patient groups. Exercise-induced improvements in neuroplasticity were associated with changes in motor but not cognitive outcomes. Conclusion: Exercise intensity is an important variable to dose and individualize the exercise stimulus for healthy young individuals but not necessarily for healthy older adults and neurological patients. This conclusion warrants caution because studies are needed that directly compare the effects of low- vs. high-intensity exercise on neuroplasticity to determine if such changes are mechanistically and incrementally linked to improved cognition and motor function.
KW - Aging
KW - Exercise
KW - Intensity Dose -response relationship
KW - Cognition motor
KW - function
Y1 - 2022
U6 - https://doi.org/10.1016/j.arr.2022.101698
SN - 1568-1637
SN - 1872-9649
VL - 80
PB - Elsevier
CY - Clare
ER -
TY - JOUR
A1 - Ahmadi, Hamid
A1 - Herat, Nehara
A1 - Alizadeh, Shahab
A1 - Button, Duane C.
A1 - Granacher, Urs
A1 - Behm, David G.
T1 - Effect of an inverted seated position with upper arm blood flow restriction on measures of elbow flexors neuromuscular performance
JF - PLOS ONE / Public Library of Science
N2 - 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.
Y1 - 2021
U6 - https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0245311
SN - 1932-6203
VL - 16
IS - 5
PB - PLoS
CY - San Fransisco
ER -
TY - JOUR
A1 - Negra, Yassine
A1 - Chaabene, Helmi
A1 - Fernandez-Fernandez, Jaime
A1 - Sammoud, Senda
A1 - Bouguezzi, Raja
A1 - Prieske, Olaf
A1 - Granacher, Urs
T1 - Short-term plyometric Jump training improves repeated-sprint ability in prepuberal male soccer players
JF - Journal of strength and conditioning research : the research journal of the NSCA
N2 - This study examined the effects of a short-term (i.e., 8 weeks) combined horizontal and vertical plyometric jump training (PJT) program in combination with regular soccer-specific training as compared with soccer-specific training only on jump and change of direction (CoD) performances, speed, and repeated-sprint ability (RSA) in prepuberal male soccer players. Twenty-four players were recruited and randomly assigned to either a PJT group (PJT(G); n = 13; 12.7 +/- 0.2 years) or an active control group (CONG; n = 11; 12.7 +/- 0.2 years). The outcome measures included tests for the assessment of jump performance (drop jump from 20- to 40-cm height [DJ20 and DJ40] and 3-hop test [THT]), speed (20-m sprint), CoD (T-test), and RSA (20-m repeated shuttle sprint). Data were analyzed using magnitude-based inferences. Within-group analyses revealed large performance improvements in the T-test (d = -1.2), DJ20 (d = 3.7), DJ40 (d = 3.6), THT (d = 0.6), and the RSA(total) (d = -1.6) in the PJT(G). Between-group analyses showed greater performance improvements in the T-test (d = -2.9), 20-m sprint time (d = -2.0), DJ20 (d = 2.4), DJ40 (d = 2.0), THT (d = 1.9), RSA(best) (d = -1.9), and the RSA(total) (d = -1.9) in the PJT(G) compared with CONG. Eight weeks of an in-season PJT in addition to regular soccer-specific training induced larger increases in measures of physical fitness in prepuberal male soccer players compared with regular soccer-specific training only. More specifically, PJT was effective in improving RSA performance.
KW - youth
KW - stretch-shortening cycle
KW - athletic performance
KW - soccer
Y1 - 2020
U6 - https://doi.org/10.1519/JSC.0000000000002703
SN - 1064-8011
SN - 1533-4287
VL - 34
IS - 11
SP - 3241
EP - 3249
PB - Lippincott Williams & Wilkins
CY - Philadelphia
ER -
TY - JOUR
A1 - Singh, Gaurav
A1 - Kushwah, Gaurav Singh
A1 - Singh, Tanvi
A1 - Thapa, Rohit Kumar
A1 - Granacher, Urs
A1 - Ramirez-Campillo, Rodrigo
T1 - Effects of sand-based plyometric-jump training in combination with endurance running on outdoor or treadmill surface on physical fitness in young adult males
JF - Journal of sports science & medicine
N2 - This study aimed at examining the effects of nine weeks of sand-based plyometric jump training (PJT) combined with endurance running on either outdoor or treadmill surface on measures of physical fitness. Male participants (age, 20.1 +/- 1.7 years) were randomly assigned to a sand-based PJT combined with endurance running on outdoor surface (OT, n = 25) or treadmill surface (TT, n = 25). The endurance miming intervention comprised a mixed training method, i.e., long slow distance, tempo, and interval running drills. A control group was additionally included in this study (CG, n = 25). Participants in CG followed their regular physical activity as OT and TT but did not receive any specific intervention. Individuals were assessed for their 50-m linear sprint time, standing long jump (SLJ) distance, cardiorespiratory fitness (i.e., Cooper test), forced vital capacity (FVC), calf girth, and resting heart rate (RHR). A three (groups: OT, TT, CG) by two (time: pre, post) ANOVA for repeated measures was used to analyze the exercise-specific effects. In case of significant group-by-time interactions, Bonferroni adjusted paired (within-group) and independent (between-group comparisons at post) t-tests were used for post-hoc analyses. Significant group-by-time interactions were found for all dependent variables (p < 0.001 - 0.002, eta(2)(p) = 0.16 - 0.78). Group-specific post-hoc tests showed improvements for all variables after OT (p < 0.001, Hedges'g effect size [g] = 0.05 - 1.94) and TT (p < 0.001, g = 0.04 - 2.73), but not in the CG (p = 0.058 - 1.000, g = 0.00 - 0.34). Compared to CG, OT showed larger SLJ (p = 0.001), cardiorespiratory fitness (p = 0.004), FVC (p = 0.008), and RHR (p < 0.001) improvements. TT showed larger improvements in SLJ (p = 0.036), cardiorespiratory fitness (p < 0.001), and RHR (p < 0.001) compared with CG. Compared to OT, TT showed larger improvements for SLJ (p = 0.018). In conclusion, sand-based PJT combined with either OT or TT similarly improved most measures of physical fitness, with greater SLJ improvement after TT. Coaches may use both concurrent exercise regimes based on preferences and logistical constrains (e.g., weather; access to treadmill equipment).
KW - Muscle strength
KW - musculoskeletal and neural physiological phenomena
KW - movement
KW - resistance training
KW - high-intensity interval training
KW - exercise
Y1 - 2022
U6 - https://doi.org/10.52082/jssm.2022.277
SN - 1303-2968
VL - 21
IS - 2
SP - 277
EP - 286
PB - Department of Sports Medicine, Medical Faculty of Uludag University
CY - Bursa
ER -
TY - JOUR
A1 - Prieske, Olaf
A1 - Chaabene, Helmi
A1 - Kullmann, Niclas
A1 - Granacher, Urs
T1 - Effects of Individualized Versus Traditional Power Training on Strength, Power, Jump Performances, and Body Composition in Young Male Nordic Athletes
JF - International journal of sports physiology and performance
N2 - Purpose:
This study aimed to examine the effects of individualized-load power training (IPT) versus traditional moderate-load power training (TPT) on strength, power, jump performance, and body composition in elite young Nordic athletes.
Methods:
In a randomized crossover design, 10 young male athletes (ski jumpers, Nordic combined athletes) age 17.5 (0.6) years (biological maturity status: +3.5 y postpeak height velocity) who competed on a national or international level performed 5 weeks of IPT (4 x 5 repetitions at 49%-72% 1-repetiton maximum [RM]) and TPT (5 x 5 repetitions at 50%-60% 1-RM) in addition to their regular training. Testing before, between, and after both training blocks comprised the assessment of muscle strength (loaded back squat 3-RM), power (maximal loaded back squat power), jump performance (eg, drop-jump height, reactive strength index), and body composition (eg, skeletal muscle mass).
Results:
Significant, large-size main effects for time were found for muscle strength (P < .01; g = 2.7), reactive strength index (P = .03; g= 1.6), and drop jump height (P = .02; g= 1.9) irrespective of the training condition (IPT, TPT). No significant time-by-condition interactions were observed. For measures of body composition, no significant main effects of condition and time or time-by-condition interactions were found.
Conclusions:
Our findings demonstrate that short-term IPT and TPT at moderate loads in addition to regular training were equally effective in improving measures of muscle strength (loaded back squat 3-RM) and vertical jump performance (reactive strength index, drop jump, and height) in young Nordic athletes.
KW - ballistic training
KW - optimal load
KW - monitoring
KW - progression
KW - ski jumping
Y1 - 2022
U6 - https://doi.org/10.1123/ijspp.2021-0074
SN - 1555-0265
SN - 1555-0273
VL - 17
IS - 4
SP - 541
EP - 548
PB - Human Kinetics Publ.
CY - Champaign
ER -
TY - JOUR
A1 - Jafarnezhadgero, Amir Ali
A1 - Piran Hamlabadi, Milad
A1 - Sajedi, Heidar
A1 - Granacher, Urs
T1 - Recreational runners who recovered from COVID-19 show different running kinetics and muscle activities compared with healthy controls
JF - Gait & posture : official journal of Gait and Clinical Movement Analysis Society, European Society of Movement Analysis in Adults and Children, Società Italiana di Analisi del Movimento in Clinica, International Society for Posture and Gait Research
N2 - Background:
Social isolation through quarantine represents an effective means to prevent COVID-19 infection. A negative side-effect of quarantine is low physical activity.
Research question:
What are the differences of running kinetics and muscle activities of recreational runners with a history of COVID-19 versus healthy controls?
Methods:
Forty men and women aged 20-30 years participated in this study and were divided into two experimental groups. Group 1 (age: 24.1 +/- 2.9) consisted of participants with a history of COVID-19 (COVID group) and group 2 (age: 24.2 +/- 2.7) of healthy age and sex-matched controls (controls). Both groups were tested for their running kinetics using a force plate and electromyographic activities (i.e., tibialis anterior [TA], gastrocnemius medialis [Gas-M], biceps femoris [BF], semitendinosus [ST], vastus lateralis [VL], vastus medialis [VM], rectus femoris [RF], gluteus medius [Glut-M]).
Results:
Results demonstrated higher peak vertical (p = 0.029; d=0.788) and medial (p = 0.004; d=1.119) ground reaction forces (GRFs) during push-off in COVID individuals compared with controls. Moreover, higher peak lateral GRFs were found during heel contact (p = 0.001; d=1.536) in the COVID group. COVID-19 individuals showed a shorter time-to-reach the peak vertical (p = 0.001; d=3.779) and posterior GRFs (p = 0.005; d=1.099) during heel contact. Moreover, the COVID group showed higher Gas-M (p = 0.007; d=1.109) and lower VM activity (p = 0.026; d=0.811) at heel contact.
Significance:
Different running kinetics and muscle activities were found in COVID-19 individuals versus healthy controls. Therefore, practitioners and therapists are advised to implement balance and/or strength training to improve lower limbs alignment and mediolateral control during dynamic movements in runners who recovered from COVID-19.
KW - Quarantine
KW - Ground reaction force
KW - Electromyography
Y1 - 2022
U6 - https://doi.org/10.1016/j.gaitpost.2021.11.002
SN - 0966-6362
SN - 1879-2219
VL - 91
SP - 260
EP - 265
PB - Elsevier
CY - Amsterdam [u.a.]
ER -
TY - JOUR
A1 - Wick, Kristin
A1 - Kriemler, Susi
A1 - Granacher, Urs
T1 - Associations between measures of physical fitness and cognitive performance in preschool children
JF - BMC sports science, medicine & rehabilitation
N2 - Background:
Given that recent studies report negative secular declines in physical fitness, associations between fitness and cognition in childhood are strongly discussed. The preschool age is characterized by high neuroplasticity which effects motor skill learning, physical fitness, and cognitive development. The aim of this study was to assess the relation of physical fitness and attention (including its individual dimensions (quantitative, qualitative)) as one domain of cognitive performance in preschool children. We hypothesized that fitness components which need precise coordination compared to simple fitness components are stronger related to attention.
Methods:
Physical fitness components like static balance (i.e., single-leg stance), muscle strength (i.e., handgrip strength), muscle power (i.e., standing long jump), and coordination (i.e., hopping on one leg) were assessed in 61 healthy children (mean age 4.5 +/- 0.6 years; girls n = 30). Attention was measured with the "Konzentrations-Handlungsverfahren fur Vorschulkinder" [concentration-action procedure for preschoolers]). Analyses were adjusted for age, body height, and body mass.
Results:
Results from single linear regression analysis revealed a significant (p < 0.05) association between physical fitness (composite score) and attention (composite score) (standardized ss = 0.40), showing a small to medium effect (F-2 = 0.14). Further, coordination had a significant relation with the composite score and the quantitative dimension of attention (standardized ss = 0.35; p < 0.01; standardized ss = - 0.33; p < 0.05). Coordination explained about 11% (composite score) and 9% (quantitative dimension) of the variance in the stepwise multiple regression model.
Conclusion:
The results indicate that performance in physical fitness, particularly coordination, is related to attention in preschool children. Thus, high performance in complex fitness components (i.e., hopping on one leg) tends to predict attention in preschool children. Further longitudinal studies should focus on the effectiveness of physical activity programs implementing coordination and complex exercises at preschool age to examine cause-effect relationships between physical fitness and attention precisely.
KW - Motor skills
KW - Cognitive skills
KW - Attention
KW - Kindergarten
Y1 - 2022
U6 - https://doi.org/10.1186/s13102-022-00470-w
SN - 2052-1847
VL - 14
IS - 1
PB - BMC
CY - London
ER -
TY - JOUR
A1 - Prieske, Olaf
A1 - Dalager, Tina
A1 - Looks, Vanessa
A1 - Golle, Kathleen
A1 - Granacher, Urs
T1 - Physical fitness and psycho-cognitive performance in the young and middle-aged workforce with primarily physical versus mental work demands
JF - Journal of public health : from theory to practice : official organ of the Deutscher Verband für Gesundheitswissenschaften Public Health e.V. (DVGPH)
N2 - 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.
KW - Core strength
KW - Endurance
KW - Stress
KW - Work ability
KW - Association
Y1 - 2019
U6 - https://doi.org/10.1007/s10389-019-01099-9
SN - 2198-1833
SN - 1613-2238
VL - 29
IS - 1
SP - 75
EP - 84
PB - Springer
CY - Berlin ; Heidelberg
ER -
TY - JOUR
A1 - Prieske, Olaf
A1 - Chaabene, Helmi
A1 - Gäbler, Martijn
A1 - Herz, Michael
A1 - Helm, Norman
A1 - Markov, Adrian
A1 - Granacher, Urs
T1 - Seasonal changes in anthropometry, body composition, and physical fitness and the relationships with sporting success in young sub-elite judo athletes
BT - an exploratory study
JF - International journal of environmental research and public health : IJERPH
N2 - This exploratory study aimed to monitor long-term seasonal developments in measures of anthropometry, body composition, and physical fitness in young judo athletes, and to compute associations between these measures and sporting success. Forty-four young judoka (20 females, 24 males) volunteered to participate. Tests for the assessment of anthropometry (e.g., body height/mass), body-composition (e.g., lean body mass), muscle strength (isometric handgrip strength), vertical jumping (e.g., countermovement-jump (CMJ) height), and dynamic balance (Y-balance test) were conducted at the beginning and end of a 10-month training season. Additionally, sporting success at the end of the season was recorded for each athlete. Analyses revealed significant time x sex interaction effects for lean-body-mass, isometric handgrip strength, and CMJ height (0.7 <= d <= 1.6). Post-hoc analyses showed larger gains for all measures in young males (1.9 <= d <= 6.0) compared with females (d = 2.4) across the season. Additionally, significant increases in body height and mass as well as Y-balance test scores were found from pre-to-post-test (1.2 <= d <= 4.3), irrespective of sex. Further, non-significant small-to-moderate-sized correlations were identified between changes in anthropometry/body composition/physical fitness and sporting success (p > 0.05; -0.34 <= rho <= 0.32). Regression analysis confirmed that no model significantly predicted sporting success. Ten months of judo training and/or growth/maturation contributed to significant changes in anthropometry, body composition, and physical fitness, particularly in young male judo athletes.
KW - combat sports
KW - periodization
KW - somatic variables
KW - training load
KW - training
KW - monitoring
KW - young athletes
Y1 - 2020
U6 - https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph17197169
SN - 1660-4601
VL - 17
IS - 19
PB - MDPI AG
CY - Basel
ER -
TY - JOUR
A1 - Negra, Yassine
A1 - Chaabene, Helmi
A1 - Sammoud, Senda
A1 - Prieske, Olaf
A1 - Moran, Jason
A1 - Ramirez-Campillo, Rodrigo
A1 - Nejmaoui, Ali
A1 - Granacher, Urs
T1 - The increased effectiveness of loaded versus unloaded plyometric jump training in improving muscle power, speed, change of direction, and kicking-distance performance in prepubertal male soccer players
JF - International journal of sports physiology and performance : IJSSP
N2 - Purpose: To examine the effects of loaded (LPJT) versus unloaded plyometric jump training (UPJT) programs on measures of muscle power, speed, change of direction (CoD), and kicking-distance performance in prepubertal male soccer players. Methods: Participants (N = 29) were randomly assigned to a LPJT group (n = 13; age = 13.0 [0.7] y) using weighted vests or UPJT group (n = 16; age = 13.0 [0.5] y) using body mass only. Before and after the intervention, tests for the assessment of proxies of muscle power (ie, countermovement jump, standing long jump); speed (ie, 5-, 10-, and 20-m sprint); CoD (ie, Illinois CoD test, modified 505 agility test); and kicking-distance were conducted. Data were analyzed using magnitude-based inferences. Results: Within-group analyses for the LPJT group showed large and very large improvements for 10-m sprint time (effect size [ES] = 2.00) and modified 505 CoD (ES = 2.83) tests, respectively. For the same group, moderate improvements were observed for the Illinois CoD test (ES = 0.61), 5- and 20-m sprint time test (ES = 1.00 for both the tests), countermovement jump test (ES = 1.00), and the maximal kicking-distance test (ES = 0.90). Small enhancements in the standing long jump test (ES = 0.50) were apparent. Regarding the UPJT group, small improvements were observed for all tests (ES = 0.33-0.57), except 5- and 10-m sprint time (ES = 1.00 and 0.63, respectively). Between-group analyses favored the LPJT group for the modified 505 CoD (ES = 0.61), standing long jump (ES = 0.50), and maximal kicking-distance tests (ES = 0.57), but not for the 5-m sprint time test (ES = 1.00). Only trivial between-group differences were shown for the remaining tests (ES = 0.00-0.09). Conclusion: Overall, LPJT appears to be more effective than UPJT in improving measures of muscle power, speed, CoD, and kicking-distance performance in prepubertal male soccer players.
KW - young
KW - football
KW - stretch-shortening cycle
KW - maturity
KW - athletic
KW - performance
Y1 - 2020
U6 - https://doi.org/10.1123/ijspp.2018-0866
SN - 1555-0265
SN - 1555-0273
VL - 15
IS - 2
SP - 189
EP - 195
PB - Human Kinetics
CY - Champaign, Ill.
ER -
TY - JOUR
A1 - Moran, Jason
A1 - Paxton, Kevin
A1 - Jones, Ben
A1 - Granacher, Urs
A1 - Sandercock, Gavin Rh
A1 - Hope, Edward
A1 - Ramirez-Campillo, Rodrigo
T1 - Variable long-term developmental trajectories of short sprint speed and jumping height in English Premier League academy soccer players: an applied case study
JF - Journal of sports sciences
N2 - Growth and maturation affect long term physical performance, making the appraisal of athletic ability difficult. We sought to longitudinally track youth soccer players to assess the developmental trajectory of athletic performance over a 6-year period in an English Premier League academy. Age-specific z-scores were calculated for sprint and jump performance from a sample of male youth soccer players (n = 140). A case study approach was used to analyse the longitudinal curves of the six players with the longest tenure. The trajectories of the sprint times of players 1 and 3 were characterised by a marked difference in respective performance levels up until peak height velocity (PHV) when player 1 achieved a substantial increase in sprint speed and player 3 experienced a large decrease. Player 5 was consistently a better performer than player 2 until PHV when the sprint and jump performance of the former markedly decreased and he was overtaken by the latter. Fluctuations in players' physical performance can occur quickly and in drastic fashion. Coaches must be aware that suppressed, or inflated, performance could be temporary and selection and deselection decisions should not be made based on information gathered over a short time period.
KW - youth
KW - football
KW - talent
KW - running velocity
KW - muscular power
Y1 - 2020
U6 - https://doi.org/10.1080/02640414.2020.1792689
SN - 0264-0414
SN - 1466-447X
VL - 38
IS - 22
SP - 2525
EP - 2531
PB - Routledge, Taylor & Francis Group
CY - London
ER -
TY - JOUR
A1 - Chaabene, Helmi
A1 - Prieske, Olaf
A1 - Moran, Jason
A1 - Negra, Yassine
A1 - Attia, Ahmed
A1 - Granacher, Urs
T1 - Effects of resistance training on Change-of-Direction speed in youth and young physically active and athletic adults: a systematic review with meta-analysis
JF - Sports medicine : the world's premier sports medicine preview journal
N2 - Background
Change-of-direction (CoD) speed is a physical fitness attribute in many field-based team and individual sports. To date, no systematic review with meta-analysis available has examined the effects of resistance training (RT) on CoD speed in youth and adults.
Objective
To aggregate the effects of RT on CoD speed in youth and young physically active and athletic adults, and to identify the key RT programme variables for training prescription.
Data sources
A systematic literature search was conducted with PubMed, Web of Science, and Google Scholar, with no date restrictions, up to October 2019, to identify studies related to the effects of RT on CoD speed.
Study Eligibility Criteria
Only controlled studies with baseline and follow-up measures were included if they examined the effects of RT (i.e., muscle actions against external resistances) on CoD speed in healthy youth (8-18 years) and young physically active/athletic male or female adults (19-28 years).
Study Appraisal and Synthesis Methods
A random-effects model was used to calculate weighted standardised mean differences (SMD) between intervention and control groups. In addition, an independent single training factor analysis (i.e., RT frequency, intensity, volume) was undertaken. Further, to verify if any RT variable moderated effects on CoD speed, a multivariate random-effects meta-regression was conducted. The methodological quality of the included studies was assessed using the physiotherapy evidence database (PEDro) scale.
Results
Fifteen studies, comprising 19 experimental groups, were included. The methodological quality of the studies was acceptable with a median PEDro score of 6. There was a significant large effect size of RT on CoD speed across all studies (SMD = - 0.82 [- 1.14 to - 0.49]). Subgroup analyses showed large effect sizes on CoD speed in males (SMD = - 0.95) contrasting with moderate improvements in females (SMD = - 0.60). There were large effect sizes on CoD speed in children (SMD = - 1.28) and adolescents (SMD = - 1.21) contrasting with moderate effects in adults (SMD = - 0.63). There was a moderate effect in elite athletes (SMD = - 0.69) contrasting with a large effect in subelite athletes (SMD = - 0.86). Differences between subgroups were not statistically significant. Similar improvements were observed regarding the effects of independently computed training variables. In terms of RT frequency, our results indicated that two sessions per week induced large effects on CoD speed (SMD = - 1.07) while programmes with three sessions resulted in moderate effects (SMD = - 0.53). For total training intervention duration, we observed large effects for <= 8 weeks (SMD = - 0.81) and > 8 weeks (SMD = - 0.85). For single session duration, we found large effects for <= 30 min and >= 45 min (both SMD = - 1.00). In terms of number of training sessions, we identified large effects for <= 16 sessions (SMD = - 0.83) and > 16 sessions (SMD = - 0.81). For training intensity, we found moderate effects for light-to-moderate (SMD = - 0.76) and vigorous-to-near maximal intensities (SMD = - 0.77). With regards to RT type, we observed large effects for free weights (SMD = - 0.99) and machine-based training (SMD = - 0.80). For combined free weights and machine-based training, moderate effects were identified (SMD = - 0.77). The meta-regression outcomes showed that none of the included training variables significantly predicted the effects of RT on CoD speed (R-2 = 0.00).
Conclusions
RT seems to be an effective means to improve CoD speed in youth and young physically active and athletic adults. Our findings indicate that the impact of RT on CoD speed may be more prominent in males than in females and in youth than in adults. Additionally, independently computed single factor analyses for different training variables showed that higher compared with lower RT intensities, frequencies, and volumes appear not to have an advantage on the magnitude of CoD speed improvements. In terms of RT type, similar improvements were observed following machine-based and free weights training.
Y1 - 2020
U6 - https://doi.org/10.1007/s40279-020-01293-w
SN - 0112-1642
SN - 1179-2035
VL - 50
IS - 8
SP - 1483
EP - 1499
PB - Springer
CY - Berlin [u.a.]
ER -
TY - JOUR
A1 - Prieske, Olaf
A1 - Behrens, Martin
A1 - Chaabene, Helmi
A1 - Granacher, Urs
A1 - Maffiuletti, Nicola A.
T1 - Time to differentiate postactivation "potentiation" from "performance enhancement" in the strength and conditioning community
JF - Sports medicine : the world's premier sports medicine preview journal
N2 - Coaches and athletes in elite sports are constantly seeking to use innovative and advanced training strategies to efficiently improve strength/power performance in already highly-trained individuals. In this regard, high-intensity conditioning contractions have become a popular means to induce acute improvements primarily in muscle contractile properties, which are supposed to translate to subsequent power performances. This performance-enhancing physiological mechanism has previously been called postactivation potentiation (PAP). However, in contrast to the traditional mechanistic understanding of PAP that is based on electrically-evoked twitch properties, an increasing number of studies used the term PAP while referring to acute performance enhancements, even if physiological measures of PAP were not directly assessed. In this current opinion article, we compare the two main approaches (i.e., mechanistic vs. performance) used in the literature to describe PAP effects. We additionally discuss potential misconceptions in the general use of the term PAP. Studies showed that mechanistic and performance-related PAP approaches have different characteristics in terms of the applied research field (basic vs. applied), effective conditioning contractions (e.g., stimulated vs. voluntary), verification (lab-based vs. field tests), effects (twitch peak force vs. maximal voluntary strength), occurrence (consistent vs. inconsistent), and time course (largest effect immediately after vs. similar to 7 min after the conditioning contraction). Moreover, cross-sectional studies revealed inconsistent and trivial-to-large-sized associations between selected measures of mechanistic (e.g., twitch peak force) vs. performance-related PAP approaches (e.g., jump height). In an attempt to avoid misconceptions related to the two different PAP approaches, we propose to use two different terms. Postactivation potentiation should only be used to indicate the increase in muscular force/torque production during an electrically-evoked twitch. In contrast, postactivation performance enhancement (PAPE) should be used to refer to the enhancement of measures of maximal strength, power, and speed following conditioning contractions. The implementation of this terminology would help to better differentiate between mechanistic and performance-related PAP approaches. This is important from a physiological point of view, but also when it comes to aggregating findings from PAP studies, e.g., in the form of meta-analyses, and translating these findings to the field of strength and conditioning.
Y1 - 2020
U6 - https://doi.org/10.1007/s40279-020-01300-0
SN - 0112-1642
SN - 1179-2035
VL - 50
IS - 9
SP - 1559
EP - 1565
PB - Springer
CY - Berlin [u.a.]
ER -
TY - JOUR
A1 - Azadian, Elaheh
A1 - Majlesi, Mahdi
A1 - Jafarnezhadgero, Amir Ali
A1 - Granacher, Urs
T1 - The impact of hearing loss on three-dimensional lower limb joint torques during walking in prepubertal boys
JF - Journal of bodywork and movement therapies
N2 - Introduction:
In children, the impact of hearing loss on biomechanical gait parameters is not well understood. Thus, the objectives of this study were to examine three-dimensional lower limb joint torques in deaf compared to age-matched healthy (hearing) children while walking at preferred gait speed.
Methods:
Thirty prepubertal boys aged 8-14 were enrolled in this study and divided into a group with hearing loss (deaf group) and an age-matched healthy control. Three-dimensional joint torques were analyzed during barefoot walking at preferred speed using Kistler force plates and a Vicon motion capture system.
Results:
Findings revealed that boys with hearing loss showed lower joint torques in ankle evertors, knee flexors, abductors and internal rotators as well as in hip internal rotators in both, the dominant and non-dominant lower limbs (all p < 0.05; d = 1.23-7.00; 14-79%). Further, in the dominant limb, larger peak ankle dorsiflexor (p < 0.001; d = 1.83; 129%), knee adductor (p < 0.001; d = 3.20; 800%), and hip adductor torques (p < 0.001; d = 2.62; 350%) were found in deaf participants compared with controls.
Conclusion:
The observed altered lower limb torques during walking are indicative of unstable gait in children with hearing loss. More research is needed to elucidate whether physical training (e.g., balance and/or gait training) has the potential to improve walking performance in this patient group. (C) 2019 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
KW - torque
KW - hearing loss
KW - gait
KW - dominant limb
KW - non-dominant limb
Y1 - 2020
U6 - https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jbmt.2019.10.013
SN - 1360-8592
SN - 1532-9283
VL - 24
IS - 2
SP - 123
EP - 129
PB - Elsevier
CY - Amsterdam
ER -
TY - JOUR
A1 - Hortobágyi, Tibor
A1 - Lesinski, Melanie
A1 - Gäbler, Martijn
A1 - VanSwearingen, Jessie M.
A1 - Malatesta, Davide
A1 - Granacher, Urs
T1 - Effects of three types of exercise interventions on healthy old adults’ gait speed
BT - a systematic review and meta-analysis
JF - Sports medicine
N2 - Background: Habitual walking speed predicts many clinical conditions later in life, but it declines with age. However, which particular exercise intervention can minimize the age-related gait speed loss is unclear.
Purpose: Our objective was to determine the effects of strength, power, coordination, and multimodal exercise training on healthy old adults' habitual and fast gait speed.
Methods: We performed a computerized systematic literature search in PubMed and Web of Knowledge from January 1984 up to December 2014. Search terms included 'Resistance training', 'power training', 'coordination training', 'multimodal training', and 'gait speed (outcome term). Inclusion criteria were articles available in full text, publication period over past 30 years, human species, journal articles, clinical trials, randomized controlled trials, English as publication language, and subject age C65 years. The methodological quality of all eligible intervention studies was assessed using the Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro) scale. We computed weighted average standardized mean differences of the intervention-induced adaptations in gait speed using a random-effects model and tested for overall and individual intervention effects relative to no-exercise controls.
Results: A total of 42 studies (mean PEDro score of 5.0 +/- 1.2) were included in the analyses (2495 healthy old adults; age 74.2 years [64.4-82.7]; body mass 69.9 +/- 4.9 kg, height 1.64 +/- 0.05 m, body mass index 26.4 +/- 1.9 kg/m(2), and gait speed 1.22 +/- 0.18 m/s). The search identified only one power training study, therefore the subsequent analyses focused only on the effects of resistance, coordination, and multimodal training on gait speed. The three types of intervention improved gait speed in the three experimental groups combined (n = 1297) by 0.10 m/s (+/- 0.12) or 8.4 % (+/- 9.7), with a large effect size (ES) of 0.84. Resistance (24 studies; n = 613; 0.11 m/s; 9.3 %; ES: 0.84), coordination (eight studies, n = 198; 0.09 m/s; 7.6 %; ES: 0.76), and multimodal training (19 studies; n = 486; 0.09 m/s; 8.4 %, ES: 0.86) increased gait speed statistically and similarly.
Conclusions: Commonly used exercise interventions can functionally and clinically increase habitual and fast gait speed and help slow the loss of gait speed or delay its onset.
KW - resistance training
KW - exercise intervention
KW - gait speed
KW - power training
KW - mobility disability
Y1 - 2015
U6 - https://doi.org/10.1007/s40279-015-0371-2
SN - 1179-2035
SN - 0112-1642
N1 - Erratum in: Sports Med. 2016 Mar;46(3):453. doi: 10.1007/s40279-016-0498-9.
VL - 45
SP - 1627
EP - 1643
PB - Springer
CY - Berlin
ER -
TY - GEN
A1 - Hortobágyi, Tibor
A1 - Lesinski, Melanie
A1 - Gäbler, Martijn
A1 - VanSwearingen, Jessie M.
A1 - Malatesta, Davide
A1 - Granacher, Urs
T1 - Effects of three types of exercise interventions on healthy old adults’ gait speed
BT - a systematic review and meta-analysis
T2 - Zweitveröffentlichungen der Universität Potsdam : Humanwissenschaftliche Reihe
N2 - Background: Habitual walking speed predicts many clinical conditions later in life, but it declines with age. However, which particular exercise intervention can minimize the age-related gait speed loss is unclear.
Purpose: Our objective was to determine the effects of strength, power, coordination, and multimodal exercise training on healthy old adults' habitual and fast gait speed.
Methods: We performed a computerized systematic literature search in PubMed and Web of Knowledge from January 1984 up to December 2014. Search terms included 'Resistance training', 'power training', 'coordination training', 'multimodal training', and 'gait speed (outcome term). Inclusion criteria were articles available in full text, publication period over past 30 years, human species, journal articles, clinical trials, randomized controlled trials, English as publication language, and subject age C65 years. The methodological quality of all eligible intervention studies was assessed using the Physiotherapy Evidence Database (PEDro) scale. We computed weighted average standardized mean differences of the intervention-induced adaptations in gait speed using a random-effects model and tested for overall and individual intervention effects relative to no-exercise controls.
Results: A total of 42 studies (mean PEDro score of 5.0 +/- 1.2) were included in the analyses (2495 healthy old adults; age 74.2 years [64.4-82.7]; body mass 69.9 +/- 4.9 kg, height 1.64 +/- 0.05 m, body mass index 26.4 +/- 1.9 kg/m(2), and gait speed 1.22 +/- 0.18 m/s). The search identified only one power training study, therefore the subsequent analyses focused only on the effects of resistance, coordination, and multimodal training on gait speed. The three types of intervention improved gait speed in the three experimental groups combined (n = 1297) by 0.10 m/s (+/- 0.12) or 8.4 % (+/- 9.7), with a large effect size (ES) of 0.84. Resistance (24 studies; n = 613; 0.11 m/s; 9.3 %; ES: 0.84), coordination (eight studies, n = 198; 0.09 m/s; 7.6 %; ES: 0.76), and multimodal training (19 studies; n = 486; 0.09 m/s; 8.4 %, ES: 0.86) increased gait speed statistically and similarly.
Conclusions: Commonly used exercise interventions can functionally and clinically increase habitual and fast gait speed and help slow the loss of gait speed or delay its onset.
T3 - Zweitveröffentlichungen der Universität Potsdam : Humanwissenschaftliche Reihe - 840
KW - resistance training
KW - exercise intervention
KW - gait speed
KW - power training
KW - mobility disability
Y1 - 2015
U6 - http://nbn-resolving.de/urn/resolver.pl?urn:nbn:de:kobv:517-opus4-431150
SN - 1866-8364
ER -
TY - JOUR
A1 - Jafarnezhadgero, Amir Ali
A1 - Fatollahi, Amir
A1 - Granacher, Urs
T1 - Eight weeks of exercising on sand has positive effects on biomechanics of walking and muscle activities in individuals with pronated feet
BT - a randomized double-blinded controlled trial
JF - Sports : open access journal
N2 - This study aimed to investigate the effects of eight weeks of barefoot running exercise on sand versus control on measures of walking kinetics and muscle activities in individuals with diagnosed pronated feet. Sixty physically active male adults with pronated feet were randomly allocated into an intervention or a waiting control group. The intervention group conducted an 8-weeks progressive barefoot running exercise program on sand (e.g., short sprints) with three weekly sessions. Pre and post intervention, participants walked at a constant speed of 1.3 m/s +/- 5% on a 18 m walkway with a force plate embedded in the middle of the walkway. Results showed significant group-by-time interactions for peak impact vertical and lateral ground reaction forces. Training but not control resulted in significantly lower peak impact vertical and lateral ground reaction forces. Significant group-by-time interactions were observed for vastus lateralis activity during the loading phase. Training-induced increases were found for the vastus lateralis in the intervention but not in the control group. This study revealed that the applied exercise program is a suitable means to absorb ground reaction forces (e.g., lower impact vertical and lateral peaks) and increase activities of selected lower limb muscles (e.g., vastus lateralis) when walking on stable ground.
KW - flat foot
KW - free moment
KW - gait
KW - loading rate
KW - training
Y1 - 2022
U6 - https://doi.org/10.3390/sports10050070
SN - 2075-4663
VL - 10
IS - 5
PB - MDPI
CY - Basel
ER -
TY - JOUR
A1 - Gebel, Arnd
A1 - Lehmann, Tim
A1 - Granacher, Urs
T1 - Balance task difficulty affects postural sway and cortical activity in healthy adolescents
JF - Experimental brain research
N2 - Electroencephalographic (EEG) research indicates changes in adults' low frequency bands of frontoparietal brain areas executing different balance tasks with increasing postural demands. However, this issue is unsolved for adolescents when performing the same balance task with increasing difficulty. Therefore, we examined the effects of a progressively increasing balance task difficulty on balance performance and brain activity in adolescents. Thirteen healthy adolescents aged 16-17 year performed tests in bipedal upright stance on a balance board with six progressively increasing levels of task difficulty. Postural sway and cortical activity were recorded simultaneously using a pressure sensitive measuring system and EEG. The power spectrum was analyzed for theta (4-7 Hz) and alpha-2 (10-12 Hz) frequency bands in pre-defined frontal, central, and parietal clusters of electrocortical sources. Repeated measures analysis of variance (rmANOVA) showed a significant main effect of task difficulty for postural sway (p < 0.001; d = 6.36). Concomitantly, the power spectrum changed in frontal, bilateral central, and bilateral parietal clusters. RmANOVAs revealed significant main effects of task difficulty for theta band power in the frontal (p < 0.001, d = 1.80) and both central clusters (left: p < 0.001, d = 1.49; right: p < 0.001, d = 1.42) as well as for alpha-2 band power in both parietal clusters (left: p < 0.001, d = 1.39; right: p < 0.001, d = 1.05) and in the central right cluster (p = 0.005, d = 0.92). Increases in theta band power (frontal, central) and decreases in alpha-2 power (central, parietal) with increasing balance task difficulty may reflect increased attentional processes and/or error monitoring as well as increased sensory information processing due to increasing postural demands. In general, our findings are mostly in agreement with studies conducted in adults. Similar to adult studies, our data with adolescents indicated the involvement of frontoparietal brain areas in the regulation of postural control. In addition, we detected that activity of selected brain areas (e.g., bilateral central) changed with increasing postural demands.
KW - balance
KW - postural control
KW - EEG
KW - Theta
KW - Alpha-2
KW - ICA
KW - youth
Y1 - 2020
U6 - https://doi.org/10.1007/s00221-020-05810-1
SN - 0014-4819
SN - 1432-1106
VL - 238
IS - 5
SP - 1323
EP - 1333
PB - Springer
CY - New York
ER -
TY - JOUR
A1 - Sandau, Ingo
A1 - Granacher, Urs
T1 - Effects of the barbell load on the acceleration phase during the snatch in elite Olympic weightlifting
JF - Sports
N2 - The load-depended loss of vertical barbell velocity at the end of the acceleration phase limits the maximum weight that can be lifted. Thus, the purpose of this study was to analyze how increased barbell loads affect the vertical barbell velocity in the sub-phases of the acceleration phase during the snatch. It was hypothesized that the load-dependent velocity loss at the end of the acceleration phase is primarily associated with a velocity loss during the 1st pull. For this purpose, 14 male elite weightlifters lifted seven load-stages from 70-100% of their personal best in the snatch. The load-velocity relationship was calculated using linear regression analysis to determine the velocity loss at 1st pull, transition, and 2nd pull. A group mean data contrast analysis revealed the highest load-dependent velocity loss for the 1st pull (t = 1.85, p = 0.044, g = 0.49 [-0.05, 1.04]) which confirmed our study hypothesis. In contrast to the group mean data, the individual athlete showed a unique response to increased loads during the acceleration sub-phases of the snatch. With the proposed method, individualized training recommendations on exercise selection and loading schemes can be derived to specifically improve the sub-phases of the snatch acceleration phase. Furthermore, the results highlight the importance of single-subject assessment when working with elite athletes in Olympic weightlifting.
KW - biomechanics
KW - barbell velocity
KW - performance
KW - training
KW - load-velocity
KW - relationship
Y1 - 2020
U6 - https://doi.org/10.3390/sports8050059
SN - 2075-4663
VL - 8
IS - 5
PB - MDPI
CY - Basel
ER -
TY - JOUR
A1 - Jafarnezhadgero, Amir Ali
A1 - Anvari, Maryam
A1 - Granacher, Urs
T1 - Long-term effects of shoe mileage on ground reaction forces and lower limb muscle activities during walking in individuals with genu varus
JF - Clinical biomechanics
N2 - Background:
Shoe mileage is an important factor that may influence the risk of sustaining injuries during walking. The aims of this study were to examine the effects of shoe mileage on ground reaction forces and activity of lower limb muscles during walking in genu varus individuals compared with controls.
Methods:
Fifteen healthy and 15 genu varus females received a new pair of running shoes. They were asked to wear these shoes over 6 months. Pre and post intervention, mechanical shoe testing was conducted and ground reaction forces and muscle activities of the right leg were recorded during walking at preferred gait speed.
Findings:
Significant group-by-time interactions were found for shoe stiffness, antero-posterior and vertical impact peak. We observed higher shoe stiffness and lower impact peaks after intervention in both groups with larger effect sizes in genu varus. Significant group-by-time interactions were identified for vastus medialis (loading phase) and rectus femoris (loading and push-off). For vastus medialis, significant decreases were found from pre-to-post during the loading phase in the control group. Rectus femoris activity was higher post intervention during the loading and push-off phases in both groups with larger effect sizes in genu varus.
Interpretation:
Our findings indicate that the observed changes in ground reaction forces are more prominent in genu varus individuals. Together with our findings on shoe stiffness, it seems appropriate to change running shoes after an intense wearing time of 6 months, particularly in genu varus individuals.
KW - footwear
KW - electromyography
KW - loading rate
KW - patients
Y1 - 2020
U6 - https://doi.org/10.1016/j.clinbiomech.2020.01.006
SN - 0268-0033
SN - 1879-1271
VL - 73
SP - 55
EP - 62
PB - Elsevier
CY - Oxford
ER -
TY - JOUR
A1 - Hortobagyi, Tibor
A1 - Granacher, Urs
A1 - Fernandez-del-Olmo, Miguel
A1 - Howatson, Glyn
A1 - Manca, Andrea
A1 - Deriu, Franca
A1 - Taube, Wolfgang
A1 - Gruber, Markus
A1 - Marquez, Gonzalo
A1 - Lundbye-Jensen, Jesper
A1 - Colomer-Poveda, David
T1 - Functional relevance of resistance training-induced neuroplasticity in health and disease
JF - Neuroscience & biobehavioral reviews : official journal of the International Behavioral Neuroscience Society
N2 - Repetitive, monotonic, and effortful voluntary muscle contractions performed for just a few weeks, i.e., resistance training, can substantially increase maximal voluntary force in the practiced task and can also increase gross motor performance. The increase in motor performance is often accompanied by neuroplastic adaptations in the central nervous system. While historical data assigned functional relevance to such adaptations induced by resistance training, this claim has not yet been systematically and critically examined in the context of motor performance across the lifespan in health and disease. A review of muscle activation, brain and peripheral nerve stimulation, and imaging data revealed that increases in motor performance and neuroplasticity tend to be uncoupled, making a mechanistic link between neuroplasticity and motor performance inconclusive. We recommend new approaches, including causal mediation analytical and hypothesis-driven models to substantiate the functional relevance of resistance training-induced neuroplasticity in the improvements of gross motor function across the lifespan in health and disease.
KW - Maximal voluntary contraction (MVC)
KW - strength training
KW - Electromyography (EMG)
KW - Transcranial magnetic brain stimulation (TMS)
KW - Electroencephalography (EEG)
KW - Functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI)
KW - athletic performance
KW - aging
KW - Parkinson's disease
KW - Multiple sclerosis
KW - stroke
KW - directed acyclic graphs
KW - causal mediation analysis
Y1 - 2020
U6 - https://doi.org/10.1016/j.neubiorev.2020.12.019
SN - 0149-7634
SN - 1873-7528
VL - 122
SP - 79
EP - 91
PB - Elsevier
CY - Oxford
ER -
TY - GEN
A1 - Ramirez-Campillo, Rodrigo
A1 - Moran, Jason
A1 - Oliver, Jonathan L.
A1 - Pedley, Jason S.
A1 - Lloyd, Rhodri S.
A1 - Granacher, Urs
T1 - Programming Plyometric-Jump Training in Soccer: A Review
T2 - Zweitveröffentlichungen der Universität Potsdam : Humanwissenschaftliche Reihe
N2 - The aim of this review was to describe and summarize the scientific literature on programming parameters related to jump or plyometric training in male and female soccer players of different ages and fitness levels. A literature search was conducted in the electronic databases PubMed, Web of Science and Scopus using keywords related to the main topic of this study (e.g., “ballistic” and “plyometric”). According to the PICOS framework, the population for the review was restricted to soccer players, involved in jump or plyometric training. Among 7556 identified studies, 90 were eligible for inclusion. Only 12 studies were found for females. Most studies (n = 52) were conducted with youth male players. Moreover, only 35 studies determined the effectiveness of a given jump training programming factor. Based on the limited available research, it seems that a dose of 7 weeks (1–2 sessions per week), with ~80 jumps (specific of combined types) per session, using near-maximal or maximal intensity, with adequate recovery between repetitions (<15 s), sets (≥30 s) and sessions (≥24–48 h), using progressive overload and taper strategies, using appropriate surfaces (e.g., grass), and applied in a well-rested state, when combined with other training methods, would increase the outcome of effective and safe plyometric-jump training interventions aimed at improving soccer players physical fitness. In conclusion, jump training is an effective and easy-to-administer training approach for youth, adult, male and female soccer players. However, optimal programming for plyometric-jump training in soccer is yet to be determined in future research.
T3 - Zweitveröffentlichungen der Universität Potsdam : Humanwissenschaftliche Reihe - 813
KW - human physical conditioning
KW - exercise
KW - resistance training
KW - muscle strength
KW - plyometric exercise
KW - musculoskeletal and neural physiological phenomena
KW - movement
KW - sports
KW - football
KW - youth sport
Y1 - 2023
U6 - http://nbn-resolving.de/urn/resolver.pl?urn:nbn:de:kobv:517-opus4-581031
SN - 1866-8364
IS - 813
ER -
TY - JOUR
A1 - Ramirez-Campillo, Rodrigo
A1 - Moran, Jason
A1 - Oliver, Jonathan L.
A1 - Pedley, Jason S.
A1 - Lloyd, Rhodri S.
A1 - Granacher, Urs
T1 - Programming Plyometric-Jump Training in Soccer: A Review
JF - Sports
N2 - The aim of this review was to describe and summarize the scientific literature on programming parameters related to jump or plyometric training in male and female soccer players of different ages and fitness levels. A literature search was conducted in the electronic databases PubMed, Web of Science and Scopus using keywords related to the main topic of this study (e.g., “ballistic” and “plyometric”). According to the PICOS framework, the population for the review was restricted to soccer players, involved in jump or plyometric training. Among 7556 identified studies, 90 were eligible for inclusion. Only 12 studies were found for females. Most studies (n = 52) were conducted with youth male players. Moreover, only 35 studies determined the effectiveness of a given jump training programming factor. Based on the limited available research, it seems that a dose of 7 weeks (1–2 sessions per week), with ~80 jumps (specific of combined types) per session, using near-maximal or maximal intensity, with adequate recovery between repetitions (<15 s), sets (≥30 s) and sessions (≥24–48 h), using progressive overload and taper strategies, using appropriate surfaces (e.g., grass), and applied in a well-rested state, when combined with other training methods, would increase the outcome of effective and safe plyometric-jump training interventions aimed at improving soccer players physical fitness. In conclusion, jump training is an effective and easy-to-administer training approach for youth, adult, male and female soccer players. However, optimal programming for plyometric-jump training in soccer is yet to be determined in future research.
KW - human physical conditioning
KW - exercise
KW - resistance training
KW - muscle strength
KW - plyometric exercise
KW - musculoskeletal and neural physiological phenomena
KW - movement
KW - sports
KW - football
KW - youth sport
Y1 - 2022
U6 - https://doi.org/10.3390/sports10060094
SN - 2075-4663
VL - 10
SP - 1
EP - 20
PB - MDPI
CY - Basel, Schweiz
ET - 6
ER -
TY - JOUR
A1 - Thiele, Dirk
A1 - Prieske, Olaf
A1 - Chaabene, Helmi
A1 - Granacher, Urs
T1 - Effects of strength training on physical fitness and sport-specific performance in recreational, sub-elite, and elite rowers
BT - a systematic review with meta-analysis
JF - Journal of sports sciences
N2 - The purpose of this systematic review with meta-analysis was to examine the effects of strength training (ST) on selected components of physical fitness (e.g., lower/upper limb maximal strength, muscular endurance, jump performance, cardiorespiratory endurance) and sport-specific performance in rowers. Only studies with an active control group were included if they examined the effects of ST on at least one proxy of physical fitness and/or sport-specific performance in rowers. Weighted and averaged standardized mean differences (SMD) were calculated using random-effects models. Subgroup analyses were computed to identify effects of ST type or expertise level on sport-specific performance. Our analyses revealed significant small effects of ST on lower limb maximal strength (SMD = 0.42, p = 0.05) and on sport-specific performance (SMD = 0.32, p = 0.05). Non-significant effects were found for upper limb maximal strength, upper/lower limb muscular endurance, jump performance, and cardiorespiratory endurance. Subgroup analyses for ST type and expertise level showed non-significant differences between the respective subgroups of rowers (p >= 0.32). Our systematic review with meta-analysis indicated that ST is an effective means for improving lower limb maximal strength and sport-specific performance in rowers. However, ST-induced effects are neither modulated by ST type nor rowers' expertise level.
KW - resistance training
KW - plyometric training
KW - on-water performance
KW - race
KW - time
KW - oarsmen
KW - athletic performance
Y1 - 2020
U6 - https://doi.org/10.1080/02640414.2020.1745502
SN - 0264-0414
SN - 1466-447X
VL - 38
IS - 10
SP - 1186
EP - 1195
PB - Routledge, Taylor & Francis Group
CY - Abingdon
ER -
TY - JOUR
A1 - Lesinski, Melanie
A1 - Herz, Michael
A1 - Schmelcher, Alina
A1 - Granacher, Urs
T1 - Effects of resistance training on physical fitness in healthy children and adolescents
BT - an umbrella review
JF - Sports medicine
N2 - Background Over the past decades, an exponential growth has occurred with regards to the number of scientific publications including meta-analyses on youth resistance training (RT). Accordingly, it is timely to summarize findings from meta-analyses in the form of an umbrella review. Objectives To systematically review and summarise the findings of published meta-analyses that investigated the effects of RT on physical fitness in children and adolescents. Design Systematic umbrella review of meta-analyses. Data Sources Meta-analyses were identified using systematic literature searches in the databases PubMed, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library. Eligibility Criteria for Selecting Meta-analyses Meta-analyses that examined the effects of RT on physical fitness (e.g., muscle strength, muscle power) in healthy youth (<= 18 years). Results Fourteen meta-analyses were included in this umbrella review. Eleven of these meta-analyses reported between-subject effect sizes which are important to eliminate bias due to growth and maturation. RT produced medium-to-large effects on muscle strength, small-to-large effects on muscle power, small-to-medium effects on linear sprint, a medium effect on agility/change-of-direction speed, small-to-large effects on throwing performance, and a medium effect on sport-specific enhancement. There were few consistent moderating effects of maturation, age, sex, expertise level, or RT type on muscle strength and muscle power across the included meta-analyses. The analysed meta-analyses showed low-to-moderate methodological quality (AMSTAR2) as well as presented evidence of low-to-very low quality (GRADE). Conclusion This umbrella review proved the effectiveness of RT in youth on a high evidence level. The magnitude of effects varies according to the respective outcome measure and it appears to follow the principle of training specificity. Larger effect sizes were found for strength-related outcome measures. Future studies should consistently report data on participants' maturational status. More research is needed with prepubertal children and girls, irrespective of their maturational status.
Y1 - 2020
U6 - https://doi.org/10.1007/s40279-020-01327-3
SN - 0112-1642
SN - 1179-2035
VL - 50
IS - 11
SP - 1901
EP - 1928
PB - Springer
CY - Northcote
ER -
TY - JOUR
A1 - Fühner, Thea Heidi
A1 - Kliegl, Reinhold
A1 - Arntz, Fabian
A1 - Kriemler, Susi
A1 - Granacher, Urs
T1 - An update on secular trends in physical fitness of children and adolescents from 1972 to 2015
BT - a systematic review
JF - Sports medicine
N2 - Background There is evidence that physical fitness of children and adolescents (particularly cardiorespiratory endurance) has declined globally over the past decades. Ever since the first reports on negative trends in physical fitness, efforts have been undertaken by for instance the World Health Organization (WHO) to promote physical activity and fitness in children and adolescents. Therefore, it is timely to re-analyze the literature to examine whether previous reports on secular declines in physical fitness are still detectable or whether they need to be updated. Objectives The objective of this systematic review is to provide an 'update' on secular trends in selected components of physical fitness (i.e., cardiorespiratory endurance, relative muscle strength, proxies of muscle power, speed) in children and adolescents aged 6-18 years. Data Sources A systematic computerized literature search was conducted in the electronic databases PubMed and Web of Science to locate studies that explicitly reported secular trends in physical fitness of children and adolescents. Study Eligibility Criteria Studies were included in this systematic review if they examined secular trends between at least two time points across a minimum of 5 years. In addition, they had to document secular trends in any measure of cardiorespiratory endurance, relative muscle strength, proxies of muscle power or speed in apparently healthy children and adolescents aged 6-18 years. Study Appraisal and Synthesis Methods The included studies were coded for the following criteria: nation, physical fitness component (cardiorespiratory endurance, relative muscle strength, proxies of muscle power, speed), chronological age, sex (boys vs. girls), and year of assessment. Scores were standardized (i.e., converted to z scores) with sample-weighted means and standard deviations, pooled across sex and year of assessment within cells defined by study, test, and children's age. Results The original search identified 524 hits. In the end, 22 studies met the inclusion criteria for review. The observation period was between 1972 and 2015. Fifteen of the 22 studies used tests for cardiorespiratory endurance, eight for relative muscle strength, eleven for proxies of muscle power, and eight for speed. Measures of cardiorespiratory endurance exhibited a large initial increase and an equally large subsequent decrease, but the decrease appears to have reached a floor for all children between 2010 and 2015. Measures of relative muscle strength showed a general trend towards a small increase. Measures of proxies of muscle power indicated an overall small negative quadratic trend. For measures of speed, a small-to-medium increase was observed in recent years. Limitations Biological maturity was not considered in the analysis because biological maturity was not reported in most included studies. Conclusions Negative secular trends were particularly found for cardiorespiratory endurance between 1986 and 2010-12, irrespective of sex. Relative muscle strength and speed showed small increases while proxies of muscle power declined. Although the negative trend in cardiorespiratory endurance appears to have reached a floor in recent years, because of its association with markers of health, we recommend further initiatives in PA and fitness promotion for children and adolescents. More specifically, public health efforts should focus on exercise that increases cardiorespiratory endurance to prevent adverse health effects (i.e.
, overweight and obesity) and muscle strength to lay a foundation for motor skill learning.
Y1 - 2020
U6 - https://doi.org/10.1007/s40279-020-01373-x
SN - 0112-1642
SN - 1179-2035
VL - 51
IS - 2
SP - 303
EP - 320
PB - Springer
CY - Northcote
ER -
TY - JOUR
A1 - Lesinski, Melanie
A1 - Prieske, Olaf
A1 - Chaabene, Helmi
A1 - Granacher, Urs
T1 - Seasonal effects of strength endurance vs. power training in young female soccer athletes
JF - Journal of strength and conditioning research : the research journal of the NSCA
N2 - Lesinski, M, Prieske, O, Chaabene, H, and Granacher, U. Seasonal effects of strength endurance vs. power training in young female soccer athletes. J Strength Cond Res 35(12S): S90-S96, 2021-This study examined the seasonal effects of strength endurance training (SET) vs. power training (PT) on physical fitness and body composition in young female soccer players. Thirty-six young female elite soccer players (15 +/- 1 years; maturity offset +3 +/- 1 years) were allocated to progressive SET (n = 19) or PT (n = 17). Over the course of one soccer season, SET performed slow movement velocity, moderate intensity (50-60% of the 1 repetition maximum [1RM]; 20-40 repetitions) strength exercises while PT performed moderate-to-high intensity (50-95% of the 1RM; 3-8 repetitions), high movement velocity strength exercises (2 sessions center dot wk(-1)). Before and after training, tests were performed for the assessment of muscle strength (1RM leg press), jump performance (countermovement jump [CMJ], drop jump [DJ]), muscular endurance (ventral Bourban test), linear speed (10 m, 20 m), change-of-direction (CoD) speed (T-test), dynamic balance (Y-balance test), sport-specific performance (kicking velocity), and body composition (lean body mass and fat mass). An analysis of covariance was used to test for between-group differences at post-test with baseline values as covariate. No significant between-group differences were observed in terms of total training volume over the respective soccer seasons (p = 0.069; d = 0.68). At post-test, SET showed significantly better ventral Bourban and T-test performances (d = 1.28-2.28; p = 0.000-0.001) compared with PT. However, PT resulted in significantly better 1RM leg press, DJ, 10-m, and 20-m sprint performances (d = 0.85-1.44; p = 0.000-0.026). No significant between-group differences were observed at post-test for CMJ, Y-balance test, kicking performance, and body composition (d = 0.20-0.74, p = 0.051-0.594). Our findings are mainly in accordance with the principle of training specificity. Both SET and PT are recommended to be implemented in young female elite soccer players according to the respective training period.
KW - strength training
KW - elite
KW - training specificity
KW - soccer players
KW - muscle
KW - endurance
KW - periodization
Y1 - 2021
U6 - https://doi.org/10.1519/JSC.0000000000003564
SN - 1064-8011
SN - 1533-4287
VL - 35
IS - Supplement 12
SP - S90
EP - S96
PB - Lippincott Williams & Wilkins
CY - Philadelphia
ER -
TY - GEN
A1 - Jafarnezhadgero, Amir Ali
A1 - Noroozi, Raha
A1 - Fakhri Mirzanag, Ehsan
A1 - Granacher, Urs
A1 - de Souza Castelo Oliveira, Anderson
T1 - The Impact of COVID-19 and Muscle Fatigue on Cardiorespiratory Fitness and Running Kinetics in Female Recreational Runners
T2 - Zweitveröffentlichungen der Universität Potsdam : Humanwissenschaftliche Reihe
N2 - Background: There is evidence that fully recovered COVID-19 patients usually resume physical exercise, but do not perform at the same intensity level performed prior to infection. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of COVID-19 infection and recovery as well as muscle fatigue on cardiorespiratory fitness and running biomechanics in female recreational runners.
Methods: Twenty-eight females were divided into a group of hospitalized and recovered COVID-19 patients (COV, n = 14, at least 14 days following recovery) and a group of healthy age-matched controls (CTR, n = 14). Ground reaction forces from stepping on a force plate while barefoot overground running at 3.3 m/s was measured before and after a fatiguing protocol. The fatigue protocol consisted of incrementally increasing running speed until reaching a score of 13 on the 6–20 Borg scale, followed by steady-state running until exhaustion. The effects of group and fatigue were assessed for steady-state running duration, steady-state running speed, ground contact time, vertical instantaneous loading rate and peak propulsion force.
Results: COV runners completed only 56% of the running time achieved by the CTR (p < 0.0001), and at a 26% slower steady-state running speed (p < 0.0001). There were fatigue-related reductions in loading rate (p = 0.004) without group differences. Increased ground contact time (p = 0.002) and reduced peak propulsion force (p = 0.005) were found for COV when compared to CTR.
Conclusion: Our results suggest that female runners who recovered from COVID-19 showed compromised running endurance and altered running kinetics in the form of longer stance periods and weaker propulsion forces. More research is needed in this area using larger sample sizes to confirm our study findings.
T3 - Zweitveröffentlichungen der Universität Potsdam : Humanwissenschaftliche Reihe - 806
KW - hospitalization
KW - running mechanics
KW - ground reaction forces
KW - virus infection
KW - COVID-19
Y1 - 2022
U6 - http://nbn-resolving.de/urn/resolver.pl?urn:nbn:de:kobv:517-opus4-572020
SN - 1866-8364
IS - 806
ER -
TY - JOUR
A1 - Jafarnezhadgero, Amir Ali
A1 - Noroozi, Raha
A1 - Fakhri Mirzanag, Ehsan
A1 - Granacher, Urs
A1 - de Souza Castelo Oliveira, Anderson
T1 - The Impact of COVID-19 and Muscle Fatigue on Cardiorespiratory Fitness and Running Kinetics in Female Recreational Runners
JF - Frontiers in Physiology
N2 - Background: There is evidence that fully recovered COVID-19 patients usually resume physical exercise, but do not perform at the same intensity level performed prior to infection. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of COVID-19 infection and recovery as well as muscle fatigue on cardiorespiratory fitness and running biomechanics in female recreational runners.
Methods: Twenty-eight females were divided into a group of hospitalized and recovered COVID-19 patients (COV, n = 14, at least 14 days following recovery) and a group of healthy age-matched controls (CTR, n = 14). Ground reaction forces from stepping on a force plate while barefoot overground running at 3.3 m/s was measured before and after a fatiguing protocol. The fatigue protocol consisted of incrementally increasing running speed until reaching a score of 13 on the 6–20 Borg scale, followed by steady-state running until exhaustion. The effects of group and fatigue were assessed for steady-state running duration, steady-state running speed, ground contact time, vertical instantaneous loading rate and peak propulsion force.
Results: COV runners completed only 56% of the running time achieved by the CTR (p < 0.0001), and at a 26% slower steady-state running speed (p < 0.0001). There were fatigue-related reductions in loading rate (p = 0.004) without group differences. Increased ground contact time (p = 0.002) and reduced peak propulsion force (p = 0.005) were found for COV when compared to CTR.
Conclusion: Our results suggest that female runners who recovered from COVID-19 showed compromised running endurance and altered running kinetics in the form of longer stance periods and weaker propulsion forces. More research is needed in this area using larger sample sizes to confirm our study findings.
KW - hospitalization
KW - running mechanics
KW - ground reaction forces
KW - virus infection
KW - COVID-19
Y1 - 2022
U6 - https://doi.org/10.3389/fphys.2022.942589
SN - 1664-042X
VL - 13
SP - 1
EP - 10
PB - Frontiers
CY - Lausanne, Schweiz
ER -
TY - GEN
A1 - Fernandez-Fernandez, Jaime
A1 - Granacher, Urs
A1 - Martinez-Martin, Isidoro
A1 - Garcia-Tormo, José Vicente
A1 - Herrero-Molleda, Alba
A1 - Barbado, David
A1 - García López, Juan
T1 - Physical fitness and throwing speed in U13 versus U15 male handball players
T2 - Zweitveröffentlichungen der Universität Potsdam : Humanwissenschaftliche Reihe
N2 - Background
The aim of this study was to analyze the shoulder functional profile (rotation range of motion [ROM] and strength), upper and lower body performance, and throwing speed of U13 versus U15 male handball players, and to establish the relationship between these measures of physical fitness and throwing speed.
Methods
One-hundred and nineteen young male handball players (under (U)-13 (U13) [n = 85]) and U15 [n = 34]) volunteered to participate in this study. The participating athletes had a mean background of sytematic handball training of 5.5 ± 2.8 years and they exercised on average 540 ± 10.1 min per week including sport-specific team handball training and strength and conditioning programs. Players were tested for passive shoulder range-of-motion (ROM) for both internal (IR) and external rotation (ER) and isometric strength (i.e., IR and ER) of the dominant/non-dominant shoulders, overhead medicine ball throw (OMB), hip isometric abductor (ABD) and adductor (ADD) strength, hip ROM, jumps (countermovement jump [CMJ] and triple leg-hop [3H] for distance), linear sprint test, modified 505 change-of-direction (COD) test and handball throwing speed (7 m [HT7] and 9 m [HT9]).
Results
U15 players outperformed U13 in upper (i.e., HT7 and HT9 speed, OMB, absolute IR and ER strength of the dominant and non-dominant sides; Cohen’s d: 0.76–2.13) and lower body (i.e., CMJ, 3H, 20-m sprint and COD, hip ABD and ADD; d: 0.70–2.33) performance measures. Regarding shoulder ROM outcomes, a lower IR ROM was found of the dominant side in the U15 group compared to the U13 and a higher ER ROM on both sides in U15 (d: 0.76–1.04). It seems that primarily anthropometric characteristics (i.e., body height, body mass) and upper body strength/power (OMB distance) are the most important factors that explain the throw speed variance in male handball players, particularly in U13.
Conclusions
Findings from this study imply that regular performance monitoring is important for performance development and for minimizing injury risk of the shoulder in both age categories of young male handball players. Besides measures of physical fitness, anthropometric data should be recorded because handball throwing performance is related to these measures.
T3 - Zweitveröffentlichungen der Universität Potsdam : Humanwissenschaftliche Reihe - 803
KW - Overhead athletes
KW - Shoulder
KW - Injury risk
KW - Sport-specific performance
Y1 - 2022
U6 - http://nbn-resolving.de/urn/resolver.pl?urn:nbn:de:kobv:517-opus4-567307
SN - 1866-8364
IS - 803
ER -
TY - JOUR
A1 - Fernandez-Fernandez, Jaime
A1 - Granacher, Urs
A1 - Martinez-Martin, Isidoro
A1 - Garcia-Tormo, José Vicente
A1 - Herrero-Molleda, Alba
A1 - Barbado, David
A1 - García López, Juan
T1 - Physical fitness and throwing speed in U13 versus U15 male handball players
JF - BMC Sports Science, Medicine and Rehabilitation
N2 - Background
The aim of this study was to analyze the shoulder functional profile (rotation range of motion [ROM] and strength), upper and lower body performance, and throwing speed of U13 versus U15 male handball players, and to establish the relationship between these measures of physical fitness and throwing speed.
Methods
One-hundred and nineteen young male handball players (under (U)-13 (U13) [n = 85]) and U15 [n = 34]) volunteered to participate in this study. The participating athletes had a mean background of sytematic handball training of 5.5 ± 2.8 years and they exercised on average 540 ± 10.1 min per week including sport-specific team handball training and strength and conditioning programs. Players were tested for passive shoulder range-of-motion (ROM) for both internal (IR) and external rotation (ER) and isometric strength (i.e., IR and ER) of the dominant/non-dominant shoulders, overhead medicine ball throw (OMB), hip isometric abductor (ABD) and adductor (ADD) strength, hip ROM, jumps (countermovement jump [CMJ] and triple leg-hop [3H] for distance), linear sprint test, modified 505 change-of-direction (COD) test and handball throwing speed (7 m [HT7] and 9 m [HT9]).
Results
U15 players outperformed U13 in upper (i.e., HT7 and HT9 speed, OMB, absolute IR and ER strength of the dominant and non-dominant sides; Cohen’s d: 0.76–2.13) and lower body (i.e., CMJ, 3H, 20-m sprint and COD, hip ABD and ADD; d: 0.70–2.33) performance measures. Regarding shoulder ROM outcomes, a lower IR ROM was found of the dominant side in the U15 group compared to the U13 and a higher ER ROM on both sides in U15 (d: 0.76–1.04). It seems that primarily anthropometric characteristics (i.e., body height, body mass) and upper body strength/power (OMB distance) are the most important factors that explain the throw speed variance in male handball players, particularly in U13.
Conclusions
Findings from this study imply that regular performance monitoring is important for performance development and for minimizing injury risk of the shoulder in both age categories of young male handball players. Besides measures of physical fitness, anthropometric data should be recorded because handball throwing performance is related to these measures.
KW - Overhead athletes
KW - Shoulder
KW - Injury risk
KW - Sport-specific performance
Y1 - 2022
U6 - https://doi.org/10.1186/s13102-022-00507-0
SN - 1758-2555
VL - 14
PB - Springer
CY - London
ER -
TY - GEN
A1 - Delfan, Maryam
A1 - Juybari, Raheleh Amadeh
A1 - Gorgani-Firuzjaee, Sattar
A1 - Nielsen, Jens Høiriis
A1 - Delfan, Neda
A1 - Laher, Ismail
A1 - Saeidi, Ayoub
A1 - Granacher, Urs
A1 - Zouhal, Hassane
T1 - High-Intensity Interval Training Improves Cardiac Function by miR-206 Dependent HSP60 Induction in Diabetic Rats
T2 - Zweitveröffentlichungen der Universität Potsdam : Humanwissenschaftliche Reihe
N2 - Objective: A role for microRNAs is implicated in several biological and pathological processes. We investigated the effects of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) and moderate-intensity continuous training (MICT) on molecular markers of diabetic cardiomyopathy in rats.
Methods: Eighteen male Wistar rats (260 ± 10 g; aged 8 weeks) with streptozotocin (STZ)-induced type 1 diabetes mellitus (55 mg/kg, IP) were randomly allocated to three groups: control, MICT, and HIIT. The two different training protocols were performed 5 days each week for 5 weeks. Cardiac performance (end-systolic and end-diastolic dimensions, ejection fraction), the expression of miR-206, HSP60, and markers of apoptosis (cleaved PARP and cytochrome C) were determined at the end of the exercise interventions.
Results: Both exercise interventions (HIIT and MICT) decreased blood glucose levels and improved cardiac performance, with greater changes in the HIIT group (p < 0.001, η2: 0.909). While the expressions of miR-206 and apoptotic markers decreased in both training protocols (p < 0.001, η2: 0.967), HIIT caused greater reductions in apoptotic markers and produced a 20% greater reduction in miR-206 compared with the MICT protocol (p < 0.001). Furthermore, both training protocols enhanced the expression of HSP60 (p < 0.001, η2: 0.976), with a nearly 50% greater increase in the HIIT group compared with MICT.
Conclusions: Our results indicate that both exercise protocols, HIIT and MICT, have the potential to reduce diabetic cardiomyopathy by modifying the expression of miR-206 and its downstream targets of apoptosis. It seems however that HIIT is even more effective than MICT to modulate these molecular markers.
T3 - Zweitveröffentlichungen der Universität Potsdam : Humanwissenschaftliche Reihe - 802
KW - diabetes
KW - apoptosis
KW - miRNAs
KW - exercise
KW - cardiomyopathy
Y1 - 2022
U6 - http://nbn-resolving.de/urn/resolver.pl?urn:nbn:de:kobv:517-opus4-567238
SN - 1866-8364
IS - 802
ER -
TY - JOUR
A1 - Delfan, Maryam
A1 - Juybari, Raheleh Amadeh
A1 - Gorgani-Firuzjaee, Sattar
A1 - Nielsen, Jens Høiriis
A1 - Delfan, Neda
A1 - Laher, Ismail
A1 - Saeidi, Ayoub
A1 - Granacher, Urs
A1 - Zouhal, Hassane
T1 - High-Intensity Interval Training Improves Cardiac Function by miR-206 Dependent HSP60 Induction in Diabetic Rats
JF - Frontiers in Cardiovascular Medicine
N2 - Objective: A role for microRNAs is implicated in several biological and pathological processes. We investigated the effects of high-intensity interval training (HIIT) and moderate-intensity continuous training (MICT) on molecular markers of diabetic cardiomyopathy in rats.
Methods: Eighteen male Wistar rats (260 ± 10 g; aged 8 weeks) with streptozotocin (STZ)-induced type 1 diabetes mellitus (55 mg/kg, IP) were randomly allocated to three groups: control, MICT, and HIIT. The two different training protocols were performed 5 days each week for 5 weeks. Cardiac performance (end-systolic and end-diastolic dimensions, ejection fraction), the expression of miR-206, HSP60, and markers of apoptosis (cleaved PARP and cytochrome C) were determined at the end of the exercise interventions.
Results: Both exercise interventions (HIIT and MICT) decreased blood glucose levels and improved cardiac performance, with greater changes in the HIIT group (p < 0.001, η2: 0.909). While the expressions of miR-206 and apoptotic markers decreased in both training protocols (p < 0.001, η2: 0.967), HIIT caused greater reductions in apoptotic markers and produced a 20% greater reduction in miR-206 compared with the MICT protocol (p < 0.001). Furthermore, both training protocols enhanced the expression of HSP60 (p < 0.001, η2: 0.976), with a nearly 50% greater increase in the HIIT group compared with MICT.
Conclusions: Our results indicate that both exercise protocols, HIIT and MICT, have the potential to reduce diabetic cardiomyopathy by modifying the expression of miR-206 and its downstream targets of apoptosis. It seems however that HIIT is even more effective than MICT to modulate these molecular markers.
KW - diabetes
KW - apoptosis
KW - miRNAs
KW - exercise
KW - cardiomyopathy
Y1 - 2022
U6 - https://doi.org/10.3389/fcvm.2022.927956
SN - 2297-055X
VL - 9
SP - 1
EP - 11
PB - Frontiers
CY - Lausanne, Schweiz
ER -
TY - GEN
A1 - Fühner, Thea Heidi
A1 - Granacher, Urs
A1 - Golle, Kathleen
A1 - Kliegl, Reinhold
T1 - Effect of timing of school enrollment on physical fitness in third graders
T2 - Zweitveröffentlichungen der Universität Potsdam : Humanwissenschaftliche Reihe
N2 - Timing of initial school enrollment may vary considerably for various reasons such as early or delayed enrollment, skipped or repeated school classes. Accordingly, the age range within school grades includes older-(OTK) and younger-than-keyage (YTK) children. Hardly any information is available on the impact of timing of school enrollment on physical fitness. There is evidence from a related research topic showing large differences in academic performance between OTK and YTK children versus keyage children. Thus, the aim of this study was to compare physical fitness of OTK (N = 26,540) and YTK (N = 2586) children versus keyage children (N = 108,295) in a representative sample of German third graders. Physical fitness tests comprised cardiorespiratory endurance, coordination, speed, lower, and upper limbs muscle power. Predictions of physical fitness performance for YTK and OTK children were estimated using data from keyage children by taking age, sex, school, and assessment year into account. Data were annually recorded between 2011 and 2019. The difference between observed and predicted z-scores yielded a delta z-score that was used as a dependent variable in the linear mixed models. Findings indicate that OTK children showed poorer performance compared to keyage children, especially in coordination, and that YTK children outperformed keyage children, especially in coordination. Teachers should be aware that OTK children show poorer physical fitness performance compared to keyage children.
T3 - Zweitveröffentlichungen der Universität Potsdam : Humanwissenschaftliche Reihe - 800
Y1 - 2022
U6 - http://nbn-resolving.de/urn/resolver.pl?urn:nbn:de:kobv:517-opus4-566933
SN - 1866-8364
IS - 800
ER -
TY - JOUR
A1 - Fühner, Thea Heidi
A1 - Granacher, Urs
A1 - Golle, Kathleen
A1 - Kliegl, Reinhold
T1 - Effect of timing of school enrollment on physical fitness in third graders
JF - Scientific Reports
N2 - Timing of initial school enrollment may vary considerably for various reasons such as early or delayed enrollment, skipped or repeated school classes. Accordingly, the age range within school grades includes older-(OTK) and younger-than-keyage (YTK) children. Hardly any information is available on the impact of timing of school enrollment on physical fitness. There is evidence from a related research topic showing large differences in academic performance between OTK and YTK children versus keyage children. Thus, the aim of this study was to compare physical fitness of OTK (N = 26,540) and YTK (N = 2586) children versus keyage children (N = 108,295) in a representative sample of German third graders. Physical fitness tests comprised cardiorespiratory endurance, coordination, speed, lower, and upper limbs muscle power. Predictions of physical fitness performance for YTK and OTK children were estimated using data from keyage children by taking age, sex, school, and assessment year into account. Data were annually recorded between 2011 and 2019. The difference between observed and predicted z-scores yielded a delta z-score that was used as a dependent variable in the linear mixed models. Findings indicate that OTK children showed poorer performance compared to keyage children, especially in coordination, and that YTK children outperformed keyage children, especially in coordination. Teachers should be aware that OTK children show poorer physical fitness performance compared to keyage children.
Y1 - 2022
U6 - https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-022-11710-x
SN - 2045-2322
VL - 12
SP - 1
EP - 11
PB - Springer Nature
CY - London
ER -
TY - JOUR
A1 - Fernandez-Fernandez, Jaime
A1 - Moya-Ramon, Manuel
A1 - Santos-Rosa, Francisco Javier
A1 - Gantois, Petrus
A1 - Nakamura, Fabio Yuzo
A1 - Sanz-Rivas, David
A1 - Granacher, Urs
T1 - Within-session sequence of the tennis serve training in youth elite players
JF - International journal of environmental research and public health
N2 - The influence of muscular fatigue on tennis serve performance within regular training sessions is unclear. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to examine the within-session sequence of the tennis serve in youth tennis. Twenty-five young male (14.9 +/- 0.9 years) and female (14.5 +/- 0.9 years) players participated in this within-subject crossover study, and they were randomly but sex-matched assigned to different training sequences (serve exercise before tennis training (BTS) or after tennis training (ATS)). Pre- and post-tests included serve velocity performance and accuracy, shoulder strength, and range-of-motion (ROM) performance (internal/external rotation). Results showed that after one week of serve training conducted following the ATS sequence, significant decreases were found in serve performance (e.g., speed and accuracy), with standardized differences ranging from d = 0.29 to 1.13, as well as the shoulder function (strength [d = 0.20 to 1.0] and ROM [d = 0.17 to 0.31]) in both female and male players, compared to the BTS sequence. Based on the present findings, it appears more effective to implement serve training before the regular tennis training in youth players. If applied after training, excessive levels of fatigue may cause shoulder imbalances that could be related to an increased injury risk.
KW - athletes
KW - athletic performance
KW - fatigue
KW - fitness
KW - shoulder strength
KW - range of motion
Y1 - 2020
U6 - https://doi.org/10.3390/ijerph18010244
SN - 1660-4601
VL - 18
IS - 1
PB - MDPI
CY - Basel
ER -
TY - CHAP
A1 - Kliegl, Reinhold
A1 - Teich, Paula
A1 - Granacher, Urs
A1 - Fühner, Thea Heidi
T1 - Developmental Gains in Physical Fitness Components of Keyage and Older-than-Keyage Third-Graders
N2 - Children who were enrolled according to legal enrollment dates (i.e., keyage third-graders aged eight to nine years) exhibit a positive linear physical fitness development (Fühner et al., 2021). However, children who were enrolled with a delay of one year or who repeated a grade (i.e., older-than-keyage children [OTK] aged nine to ten years in third grade) appear to exhibit a poorer physical fitness relative to what could be expected given their chronological age (Fühner et al., 2022). However, because Fühner et al. (2022) compared the performance of OTK children to predicted test scores that were extrapolated based on the data of keyage children, the observed physical fitness of these children could either indicate a delayed physical-fitness development or some physiological or psychological changes occurring during the tenth year of life. We investigate four hypotheses about this effect. (H1) OTK children are biologically younger than keyage children. A formula transforming OTK’s chronological age into a proxy for their biological age brings some of the observed cross-sectional age-related development in line with the predicted age-related development based on the data of keyage children, but large negative group differences remain. Hypotheses 2 to 4 were tested with a longitudinal assessment. (H2) Physiological changes due to biological maturation or psychological factors cause a stagnation of physical fitness development in the tenth year of life. H2 predicts a decline of performance from third to fourth grade also for keyage children. (H3) OTK children exhibit an age-related (temporary) developmental delay in the tenth year of life, but later catch up to the performance of age-matched keyage children. H3 predicts a larger developmental gain for OTK than for keyage children from third to fourth grade. (H4) OTK children exhibit a sustained physical fitness deficit and do not catch up over time. H4 predicts a positive development for keyage and OTK children, with no greater development for OTK compared to keyage children. The longitudinal study was based on a subset of children from the EMOTIKON project (www.uni-potsdam.de/emotikon). The physical fitness (cardiorespiratory endurance [6-minute-run test], coordination [star-run test], speed [20-m sprint test], lower [standing long jump test] and upper [ball push test] limbs muscle power, and balance [one-legged stance test]) of 1,274 children (1,030 keyage and 244 OTK children) from 32 different schools was tested in third grade and retested one year later in fourth grade. Results: (a) Both keyage and OTK children exhibit a positive longitudinal development from third to fourth grade in all six physical fitness components. (b) There is no evidence for a different longitudinal development of keyage and OTK children. (c) Keyage children (approximately 9.5 years in fourth grade) outperform age-matched OTK children (approximately 9.5 years in third grade) in all six physical fitness components. The results show that the physical fitness of OTK children is indeed impaired and are in support of a sustained difference in physical fitness between the groups of keyage and OTK children (H4).
KW - Physical Fitness
KW - Developmental gains
KW - Primary school children
KW - EMOTIKON
KW - Linear Mixed Models
KW - Keyage children
KW - Older-than-keyage children
Y1 - 2022
U6 - http://nbn-resolving.de/urn/resolver.pl?urn:nbn:de:kobv:517-opus4-560870
N1 - Gewünschte Zitationsform: APA
Kliegl, R., Teich, P., Granacher, U., & Fühner, T. (2022). "Developmental Gains in Physical Fitness Components of Keyage and Older-than-Keyage Third-Graders". 54. Jahrestagung der Arbeitsgemeinschaft für Sportpsychologie (asp 2022) in Münster, 2022-06-16 (revised 2022-09-09).
ER -