1
|
Zhang X, Zhang X, Lu B, Sun X, Cui J, Tian G, Zhang Z, Li Y, Yu Y, Zhang G, Pang X, Liu J, Feng C. Biomechanical and neuromuscular adaptations in joint contributions during loaded countermovement jumps. Sci Rep 2025; 15:19167. [PMID: 40450098 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-025-03887-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2024] [Accepted: 05/23/2025] [Indexed: 06/03/2025] Open
Abstract
This study investigates the relative contributions of the hip, knee, and ankle joints during lower limb extension exercises under varying supramaximal loads in elite volleyball players, utilizing advanced kinematic and dynamic metrics. Thirty-three elite male volleyball athletes from the Chinese National Team participated in this controlled experimental study. The study employed a repeated measures ANOVA to assess differences across loading conditions, with effect sizes calculated using partial eta-squared (η2). Significant shifts in joint contributions were observed as external loads increased, with the knee joint being the primary contributor at lower loads and the hip joint assuming dominance as the load increased. Specifically, the Net Joint Moments (NJMs) at the knee decreased significantly (95%CI, p < 0.001), while those at the hip increased correspondingly (95%CI, p < 0.001), highlighting the biomechanical demands of higher loads. Despite these shifts, the maximum flexion angles remained stable across all conditions. The findings suggest that unweighted countermovement jumps (CMJs) optimize knee muscle strength, while low-load CMJs are more effective for enhancing hip muscle strength and explosive power. These insights are critical for developing training programs that improve performance and reduce injury risk in high-intensity sports.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xin Zhang
- School of Physical Education, Tianjin University of Sport, Tianjin, 301617, China
| | - Xin Zhang
- School of Sports Training, Tianjin University of Sport, Tianjin, 301617, China.
| | - Bin Lu
- School of Sports Training, Tianjin University of Sport, Tianjin, 301617, China
| | - Xiaoqing Sun
- Volleyball Administrative Center of the General Administration of Sport, Beijing, 100763, China
| | - Jianjun Cui
- Henan Ball Games Centre, Zhengzhou, 450044, Henan, China
| | - Guogang Tian
- Sichuan Province Orthopedic Hospital, Chengdu, 618399, Sichuan, China
| | - Zhejia Zhang
- Shanghai Competitive Sports Training Management Center Volleyball Center, Shanghai, 202162, China
| | - Yongzhen Li
- Ningbo University, Ningbo, 315211, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yuantai Yu
- Volleyball Sports Management Center, Training Center of Jiangsu Sports Bureau, Jiangsu, 210024, Nanjing, China
| | - Guanhua Zhang
- Zhejiang College of Sports, Hangzhou, 311215, Zhejiang, China
| | - Xinjie Pang
- School of Sports Training, Tianjin University of Sport, Tianjin, 301617, China
| | - Jinhao Liu
- School of Sports Training, Tianjin University of Sport, Tianjin, 301617, China
| | - Chenxuan Feng
- School of Sports Training, Tianjin University of Sport, Tianjin, 301617, China
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Banaei P, Tadibi V, Amiri E, Machado DGDS. Concomitant dual-site tDCS and dark chocolate improve cognitive and endurance performance following cognitive effort under hypoxia: a randomized controlled trial. Sci Rep 2023; 13:16473. [PMID: 37777571 PMCID: PMC10542360 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-43568-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2023] [Accepted: 09/26/2023] [Indexed: 10/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Ten male cyclists were randomized into four experimental conditions in this randomized, cross-over, double-blind, and sham-controlled study to test the combined effect of acute dark chocolate (DC) ingestion and anodal concurrent dual-site transcranial direct current stimulation (a-tDCS) targeting M1 and left DLPFC on cognitive and whole-body endurance performance in hypoxia after performing a cognitive task. Two hours before the sessions, chocolate was consumed. After arriving at the lab, participants completed an incongruent Stroop task for 30 min in hypoxia (O2 = 13%) to induce mental fatigue, followed by 20 min of tDCS (2 mA) in hypoxia. Then, in hypoxia, they performed a time-to-exhaustion task (TTE) while measuring physiological and psychophysiological responses. Cognitive performance was measured at baseline, after the Stroop task, and during and after TTE. TTE in 'DC + a-tDCS' was significantly longer than in 'white chocolate (WC) + a-tDCS' and WC + sham-tDCS'. The vastus medialis muscle electromyography amplitude was significantly higher in 'DC + a-tDCS' and 'DC + sham-tDCS' than in 'WC + sh-tDCS'. During and after the TTE, choice reaction time was significantly lower in 'DC + a-tDCS' compared to 'WC + sh-tDCS'. Other physiological or psychophysiological variables showed no significant differences. The concurrent use of acute DC consumption and dual-site a-tDCS might improve cognitive and endurance performance in hypoxia.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Parisa Banaei
- Exercise Metabolism and Performance Lab (EMPL), Department of Exercise Physiology, Faculty of Sport Sciences, Razi University, University Avenue, Taq-e Bostan, Kermanshah, 6714414971, Iran
| | - Vahid Tadibi
- Exercise Metabolism and Performance Lab (EMPL), Department of Exercise Physiology, Faculty of Sport Sciences, Razi University, University Avenue, Taq-e Bostan, Kermanshah, 6714414971, Iran.
| | - Ehsan Amiri
- Exercise Metabolism and Performance Lab (EMPL), Department of Exercise Physiology, Faculty of Sport Sciences, Razi University, University Avenue, Taq-e Bostan, Kermanshah, 6714414971, Iran
| | - Daniel Gomes da Silva Machado
- Research Group in Neuroscience of Human Movement (NeuroMove), Department of Physical Education, Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, Natal, RN, 59078-970, Brazil
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Palma-Morales M, Melgar-Locatelli S, Castilla-Ortega E, Rodríguez-Pérez C. How Healthy Is It to Fortify Cocoa-Based Products with Cocoa Flavanols? A Comprehensive Review. Antioxidants (Basel) 2023; 12:1376. [PMID: 37507916 PMCID: PMC10376846 DOI: 10.3390/antiox12071376] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2023] [Revised: 06/28/2023] [Accepted: 06/29/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
(1) Background: Cocoa's healthy benefits may be attributed to the potent antioxidant activity of cocoa polyphenols, mainly flavanols, which have been characterised as existing in a high concentration in cocoa. However, the phenolic composition of cocoa and cocoa-derived products is highly variable, and manufacturing processes might significantly reduce their phenolic content. For that reason, the full characterisation of cocoa and cocoa-derived products before evaluating their bioactivity is crucial. The aim of this review is to analyse the available evidence on the effect of flavanol-fortified cocoa-derived products on human health. (2) Methods: Forty-eight clinical trials focused on the health effect of consuming flavanol-fortified drinks, bars and chocolate have been reviewed, with a total of 1523 subjects. (3) Results: Although studies differ widely in methodology, dosage, duration, and target population, beneficial effects of flavanol-rich cocoa consumption have been observed at doses ranging from 45.3 mg/d to 1078 mg/d, especially on cardiovascular health and cognitive function. (4) Conclusions: Considering the high consumption and acceptability of cocoa and cocoa-derived products, the fortification of cocoa products as well as other highly consumed foods with cocoa flavanols could be an effective strategy for health promotion.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marta Palma-Morales
- Biomedical Research Centre, Institute of Nutrition and Food Technology (INYTA) 'José Mataix', University of Granada, Avda. del Conocimiento s/n, 18071 Granada, Spain
- Department of Nutrition and Food Science, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Granada, Cartuja Campus, 18011 Granada, Spain
| | - Sonia Melgar-Locatelli
- Biomedical Research Instute of Malaga and Platform in Nanomedicine-IBIMA Platform BIONAND, 29590 Málaga, Spain
- Departament of Psychobiology and Methodology of Behavioural Sciences, Faculty of Psychology, University of Malaga, 29010 Málaga, Spain
| | - Estela Castilla-Ortega
- Biomedical Research Instute of Malaga and Platform in Nanomedicine-IBIMA Platform BIONAND, 29590 Málaga, Spain
- Departament of Psychobiology and Methodology of Behavioural Sciences, Faculty of Psychology, University of Malaga, 29010 Málaga, Spain
| | - Celia Rodríguez-Pérez
- Biomedical Research Centre, Institute of Nutrition and Food Technology (INYTA) 'José Mataix', University of Granada, Avda. del Conocimiento s/n, 18071 Granada, Spain
- Department of Nutrition and Food Science, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Granada, Cartuja Campus, 18011 Granada, Spain
- Instituto de Investigación Biosanitaria ibs.GRANADA, 18012 Granada, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Gonçalves AC, Gaspar D, Flores-Félix JD, Falcão A, Alves G, Silva LR. Effects of Functional Phenolics Dietary Supplementation on Athletes' Performance and Recovery: A Review. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:4652. [PMID: 35563043 PMCID: PMC9102074 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23094652] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2022] [Revised: 04/19/2022] [Accepted: 04/20/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
In recent years, many efforts have been made to identify micronutrients or nutritional strategies capable of preventing, or at least, attenuating, exercise-induced muscle damage and oxidative stress, and improving athlete performance. The reason is that most exercises induce various changes in mitochondria and cellular cytosol that lead to the generation of reactive species and free radicals whose accumulation can be harmful to human health. Among them, supplementation with phenolic compounds seems to be a promising approach since their chemical structure, composed of catechol, pyrogallol, and methoxy groups, gives them remarkable health-promoting properties, such as the ability to suppress inflammatory processes, counteract oxidative damage, boost the immune system, and thus, reduce muscle soreness and accelerate recovery. Phenolic compounds have also already been shown to be effective in improving temporal performance and reducing psychological stress and fatigue. Therefore, the aim of this review is to summarize and discuss the current knowledge on the effects of dietary phenolics on physical performance and recovery in athletes and sports practitioners. Overall, the reports show that phenolics exert important benefits on exercise-induced muscle damage as well as play a biological/physiological role in improving physical performance.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ana C. Gonçalves
- CICS-UBI—Health Sciences Research Centre, University of Beira Interior, 6201-506 Covilhã, Portugal; (A.C.G.); (J.D.F.-F.); (G.A.)
- CIBIT—Coimbra Institute for Biomedical Imaging and Translational Research, University of Coimbra, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal;
| | - Dário Gaspar
- Department of Sport Sciences, University of Beira Interior, 6201-001 Covilhã, Portugal;
| | - José David Flores-Félix
- CICS-UBI—Health Sciences Research Centre, University of Beira Interior, 6201-506 Covilhã, Portugal; (A.C.G.); (J.D.F.-F.); (G.A.)
| | - Amílcar Falcão
- CIBIT—Coimbra Institute for Biomedical Imaging and Translational Research, University of Coimbra, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal;
- Laboratory of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Coimbra, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Gilberto Alves
- CICS-UBI—Health Sciences Research Centre, University of Beira Interior, 6201-506 Covilhã, Portugal; (A.C.G.); (J.D.F.-F.); (G.A.)
| | - Luís R. Silva
- CICS-UBI—Health Sciences Research Centre, University of Beira Interior, 6201-506 Covilhã, Portugal; (A.C.G.); (J.D.F.-F.); (G.A.)
- CPIRN-UDI/IPG—Center of Potential and Innovation of Natural Resources, Research Unit for Inland Development (UDI), Polytechnic Institute of Guarda, 6300-559 Guarda, Portugal
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Corr LD, Field A, Pufal D, Clifford T, Harper LD, Naughton RJ. The effects of cocoa flavanols on indices of muscle recovery and exercise performance: a narrative review. BMC Sports Sci Med Rehabil 2021; 13:90. [PMID: 34391456 PMCID: PMC8364049 DOI: 10.1186/s13102-021-00319-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2021] [Accepted: 07/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Exercise-induced muscle damage (EIMD) is associated with oxidative stress and inflammation, muscle soreness, and reductions in muscle function. Cocoa flavanols (CF) are (poly)phenols with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects and thus may attenuate symptoms of EIMD. The purpose of this narrative review was to collate and evaluate the current literature investigating the effect of CF supplementation on markers of exercise-induced oxidative stress and inflammation, as well as changes in muscle function, perceived soreness, and exercise performance. Acute and sub-chronic intake of CF reduces oxidative stress resulting from exercise. Evidence for the effect of CF on exercise-induced inflammation is lacking and the impact on muscle function, perceived soreness and exercise performance is inconsistent across studies. Supplementation of CF may reduce exercise-induced oxidative stress, with potential for delaying fatigue, but more evidence is required for any definitive conclusions on the impact of CF on markers of EIMD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Liam D Corr
- School of Human and Health Sciences, University of Huddersfield, Huddersfield, UK
| | - Adam Field
- School of Human and Health Sciences, University of Huddersfield, Huddersfield, UK
| | - Deborah Pufal
- School of Human and Health Sciences, University of Huddersfield, Huddersfield, UK
| | - Tom Clifford
- School of Sport, Health, and Exercise Sciences, Loughborough University, Loughborough, UK
| | - Liam D Harper
- School of Human and Health Sciences, University of Huddersfield, Huddersfield, UK
| | - Robert J Naughton
- School of Human and Health Sciences, University of Huddersfield, Huddersfield, UK.
| |
Collapse
|