Effects of 8-week Pilates training program on hamstring/quadriceps ratio and trunk strength in adolescent baseball players: a pilot case study

Effects of Periodization Core Training on Physical Fitness in College Table Tennis Players

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to analyze the effects of 12-week periodized core training on the physical fitness of college table tennis players.

METHODS

A randomized controlled experimental design was employed, and 18 college table tennis players (male = 11, female = 7) were randomly assigned to the core training group (CT, n = 9) and the control group (CON, n = 9). The core training group performed periodized core training for 12 weeks. All variables were assessed at three time points: pre-test, mid-test (after 9 weeks), and post-test.

RESULTS

Significant interactions were found between time and group for muscle endurance, balance, and agility, as demonstrated in Left Side Bridge (p < 0.05), Right Side Bridge (p < 0.001), Plank (p < 0.01), and Edgren Side Step (p < 0.001). However, no significant interactions were observed for speed, muscle strength, or power.

CONCLUSION

Periodized core training has a positive effect on the muscle endurance, agility, and balance of college table tennis players. The improvement in agility may be attributed to the integration of sport-specific periodized training. Further research is required to examine its effects on speed and anaerobic capacity. Periodized core training appears to have limited effects on strength and power, suggesting it can be used as a supplementary element within a comprehensive training program to enhance physical fitness and performance among college table tennis players.

The effect of 12-week long exercise intervention, and 2-weeks of detraining period on lower limbs strength parameters and postural stability in older adults: a linear mixed model analysis

BACKGROUND

Muscle strength and postural control are essential components for performing daily living activities, particularly in older adults, and can therefore serve as screening tools for assessing fall risk in this population.

METHODS

The aim of this quasi-experimental study was to evaluate the impact of a 12-week exercise intervention followed by a 2-week detraining period on lower limb strength and postural stability in older adults. The study involved 38 community-dwelling participants of Central European origin over 60 years of age. Participants underwent the measurements consisting of assessments of knee flexors and extensors strength (isokinetic dynamometer, 90° range of motion, 60°/s angular velocity, Humac Norm CSMI, Stoughton MA, USA), toe grip strength (toe grip dynamometer, Takei Scientific Instruments, Niigata, Japan), and postural stability (narrow stand, 30 s, Kistler, Switzerland). Testing was repeated three times during the study (pre-intervention, post-intervention, and post-detraining). Participants were separated into 3 groups according to the type of training: resistance training group (n = 13), proprioceptive training group (n = 14), and endurance training group (n = 11). The intervention program lasted 12 weeks, two 60-min sessions per week. A linear mixed model (LMM) predicted a change in postural stability after the resistance, proprioceptive, and endurance exercise interventions were applied.

RESULTS

Results showed that knee extensor strength normalized to body mass significantly increased in the resistance training group post-intervention (p = 0.01). Toe grip strength was significantly higher after the intervention in the endurance training group (p = 0.02). A statistically significant increase in knee flexor strength was observed in the proprioceptive training group (p = 0.01). The 2-weeks detraining period revealed no statistically significant loss in training gains. The LMM found different predictions of postural stability changes related to knee extensor strength after each type of training intervention. The final LMM model explains well the variability of the dependent variable R2 = 0.866.

CONCLUSIONS

These results highlight the unique characteristics of specific exercise interventions in enhancing muscular strength and postural stability, which are critical for fall prevention among older adults.

Comparison of the Effects of Pilates and Yoga Exercise on the Dynamic Balancing Ability and Functional Movement of Fencers

This study was conducted to compare and analyze whether Pilates exercise and yoga exercise help improve the performance of female fencers and prevent injury, and the dynamic balance test (LQ-YBT) and functional movement screening (FMS) test score of the elite adult female fencers were compared and analyzed as evaluation indicators. Participants were randomly classified into Pilates (n = 10) and yoga groups (n = 10), members of which took part in 50 min of exercise (5 min of warm-up, 40 min of main exercise, and 5 min of cool-down) twice weekly for eight weeks. The results obtained from this study were analyzed via independent t-test and 2-way ANOVA. The results were as follows: LQ-YBT measures (reaching distance) increased significantly for both groups, as did FMS scores (deep squat, hurdle step, inline lunge, shoulder mobility, active straight-leg raise, trunk-stability push-up, and rotary stability). These results suggest that Pilates exercise and yoga exercise might be likely effective in improving the performance of adult female fencers and injury prevention by increasing their dynamic balance ability and functional movement.

Management of anterior cruciate ligament tears in Tanner stage 1 and 2 children: a narrative review and treatment algorithm guided by ACL tear location

The incidence of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tears in skeletally immature patients has acutely increased over the last 20 years, yet there is no consensus on a single "best treatment." Selection of an optimal treatment is critical and based on individual circumstances; consequently, we propose a treatment-selection algorithm based on skeletal development, ACL tear location, type, and quality, as well as parental perspective in order to facilitate the decision-making process. We combined our surgical group's extensive case histories of ACL tear management in Tanner Stage 1 and 2 patients with those in the literature to form a consolidated data base. For each case the diagnostic phase, communication with patient and parents, treatment choice(s), selected surgical techniques and rehabilitation schedule were critically analyzed and compared for patient outcomes. MRI-imaging and intraoperative tissue quality assessment were preeminent in importance for selection of the optimal treatment strategy. Considerations for selecting an optimal treatment included: associated lesions, the child/patient and parent(s)' well-informed and counseled consent, biological potential, and the potential for successful ACL preservative surgery. Complete ACL tears were evaluated according to tear-location. In type I and II ACL tears with remaining good tissue quality, we propose primary ACL repair. In type III and IV ACL tears we propose physeal-sparing reconstruction with an iliotibial band graft. Finally, in the case of a type V ACL tear, we propose that the best treatment be based on the Meyers-McKeever classification. We present a facile decision-making algorithm for ACL management in pediatric patients based on specific elements of tissue damage and status.

Pilates-mat training and detraining: Effects on body composition and physical fitness in pilates-trained women

INTRODUCTION

Pilates-mat is an effective training method to enhance several physiological and fitness parameters, although the effects of pilates-mat detraining on body composition and physical fitness remains largely unknown. The purpose of the study was to investigate the effect of pilates-mat training and detraining on body composition and physical fitness in pilates-trained females.

METHODS

Twenty females (age: 45.1 ± 8.7 years) followed an 8-week pilates-mat training program followed by a 3-week detraining period. Measurements performed at the beginning of the training intervention, at the end of the 8-week training program and at the end of the 3-week detraining period and included: anthropometric characteristics, body composition analysis, thigh, hip and waist circumferences, blood pressure, heart rate at rest (HRr), maximum handgrip strength, abdominal curls, lower body flexibility and aerobic capacity.

RESULTS

Pilates-mat training significantly decreased body fat percentage (BF%), visceral fat and HRr (p < 0.05) but these variables returned to baseline after detraining. Trunk fat, thigh and waist circumferences decreased significantly after training and remained significantly low following detraining (p < 0.05). Abdominal curls, lower body flexibility and aerobic capacity increased significantly following pilates-mat training and remained unchanged after detraining (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

These results suggest that 8 weeks of pilates-mat training enhanced body composition and physical fitness and these physiological and physical fitness benefits were remained unaltered during the 3-week of pilates-mat detraining period. However, BF% and visceral fat returned to baseline levels following the detraining period suggesting that for maintaining the reduction in BF% and visceral fat a long-period of pilates-mat detraining should be avoided.

Effects of Core Training on Sport-Specific Performance of Athletes: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

Improving athletes' performance is a major topic of interest in studies on competitive sports. Core training has been used as a training method in daily life and rehabilitation, and recently, in competitive sports, with positive results. Previous experimental studies showed that core training can improve the fitness level of athletes (e.g., balance, core stability, etc.), but offer no consistent conclusions on whether it can improve sport-specific performance. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of core training on the sport-specific performance of athletes through a meta-analysis. Relevant studies on randomized controlled trials were selected, and we calculated the effect size using standardized mean difference values and the random effects model. Results showed that core training had almost no effect on athletes' power and speed, while agility showed a medium effect size but no statistical significance. On the other hand, there was a large effect on general athletic performance, such as core endurance and balance. Consequently, core training had a great effect on the core endurance and balance of athletes, but little effect on sport-specific performance. This result implies that more elaborate core training programs should be designed to improve the sport-specific performance of athletes.

Effectiveness of Pilates Training on Body Composition and Isokinetic Muscular Strength in Adolescent Baseball Players

Body composition and muscular strength are important for baseball skills and successful performance. Conditioning training programs have the potential to enhance athletic performance via physiological changes. In this single-group interventional study, we investigated the effect of 8 weeks of Pilates training (PT) on contralateral and regional body composition, and isokinetic muscular strength in knee and trunk flexion/extension in adolescent baseball players. In our results, PT increased both right- and left-sided lean mass in the trunk. Following PT, work per repetition and average power showed significant increases in the flexion and extension of the left knee only. PT significantly decreased the peak torque of the trunk flexor and increased the average power of the trunk extensor. In addition, the ratio of the trunk flexion/extension strength of peak torque showed a decreasing trend, whereas that of work and average power did not change significantly following PT. In conclusion, PT evenly improved lean mass on both the right and left sides of the body. Knee and trunk strength increased after PT. Our findings suggest that PT may be a useful strategy for enhancing athletic performance in regard to the muscular strength of adolescent baseball players.

Physical exercise and prevention of falls. Effects of a Pilates training method compared with a general physical activity program: A randomized controlled trial

INTRODUCTION

Falls are the leading cause of injury-related mortality and morbidity in the elderly. Physical activity plays a key role in the prevention of falls and stimulates postural control. The aim of this study was to compare a general physical activity program for the elderly with a Pilates program to evaluate the effects on balance and on reducing the risk of falling.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Forty-six subjects were enrolled in this study, but only 41 were included in the study. The subjects were divided into 2 groups: Pilates group (P-G) and a group following a nonspecific program of physical activity (Pa-G). Each subject underwent the hand grip test, Berg balance scale test, and posturographic analysis.

RESULTS

Spearman correlation coefficient showed correlations between the following parameters: BBS versus hand grip test (r = 0.68); BBS versus ellipse surface area (r = -0.75). There were significant differences between groups after the exercise program: both groups showed an improvement in performance but the P-G recorded significantly better results than the Pa-G.

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS

This study confirmed that physical activity improves both balance and strength. However, our data show that Pilates has a greater effect on these physical abilities than a general physical activity program.

Effects of applied swan pilates motions on upper body muscle activities

BACKGROUND

There have been very few studies involving swan motion during pilates exercises, and there is also insufficient scientific evidence to support the fact that Pilates swan motion strengthens specific muscles.

OBJECTIVES

Firstly, the purpose of this study was to evaluate the effect of 5 types Pilates swan motion (swan basic (SB), swan push-up (SP), swan holding posture (SH), form roller-based swan (SF), and circle-based swan (SC)) on muscle activity of deltoideus p. acromialis (DA), infraspinatus (IP), trapezius (TP), latissimus dorsi (LD), and erector spinae (ES). Secondly, the purpose of this study was to suggest an effective Pilates swan motion for strengthening muscle strength of each targeted muscle.

METHODS

Twenty-four healthy men in their 20s participated and all participants were measured muscle activity in DA, IP, TP, LD, and ES muscles by electromyography (EMG) during 5 Pilates swan motions (SB, SP, SH, SF, & SC). The measured values were expressed as relative voluntary contraction (%RVC) values based on the SB.

RESULTS

The %RVC values representing the muscle activity of DA and TP were significantly higher in SH and SP than in SC, SF, and SB (p < .001). The %RVC values of IP and LD were significantly higher in SH and SC than in SF, SP, and SB (p < .001). The %RVC value of ES was were significantly higher in SH than in SP, SC, SF, and SB (p < .001).

CONCLUSION

The application of SP, SC, and SH Pilates swan motion is an effective method to activate the back muscles of the trunk.