Short-Term FIFA 11+ Improves Agility and Jump Performance in Young Soccer Players

Effects of qigong Training on Muscle Strengths, Flexibility, Cardiopulmonary Fitness, and Antioxidant/Oxidant Responses in Sedentary Middle-Aged and Elderly Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Women: A Quasi-Experimental Design, Placebo-Controlled Study

Background: Qigong exercise training has been suggested to elicit beneficial effects on physical functioning, reduction of oxidative stress, and improved antioxidant capacity in women. However, regular exercise training may support the development of antioxidant defense mechanisms and beneficially modulate oxidant/antioxidant responses. Objective: To evaluate the effects of an 8-week qigong exercise training on exercise performance and oxidative stress responses in sedentary middle-aged and elderly women suffering from type 2 diabetic mellitus (T2DM). Method/design: Quasi-experimental design, placebo-controlled study. Setting: The Department of Physical Therapy, Faculty of Allied Health Science, Burapha University, Thailand. Participants: Thirty-six sedentary middle-aged and elderly women with T2DM. Intervention: Participants were allocated to qigong exercise (n = 20) or to the control group (CG, n = 20). Primary outcome measures: Muscle strengths, flexibility, VO2 max predicted, and walking intensity derived from the 6-minute walk test. Secondary outcome measures: Fasting plasma glucose, antioxidant/oxidant stress parameters, and body composition. Results: Leg strength and trunk flexibility were improved after qigong training and changes were significantly different compared with the CG (all p < 0.05). VO2 max predicted, 6-min walking distance, and walking intensity were all increased (p < 0.05), and oxidative stress markers were diminished after qigong training (p < 0.05). The antioxidant/oxidant balance was improved after qigong training (p < 0.05). Conclusion: The presented findings indicate that 8 weeks of qigong training significantly improved leg strength and trunk flexibility in middle-aged and elderly women with T2DM, partly associated with a more favorable antioxidant/oxidant balance. These effects may beneficially impact on health in this specific population. Clinical Trial Number: TCTR20221003001.

The effects of proprioceptive exercise training on physical fitness and performance of soccer skills in young soccer players

The purpose of this study is to analyze the effect of proprioceptive exercise training on soccer skills and physical fitness in young soccer players. Nineteen young soccer players participated in the study. Participants were divided into proprioceptive exercises training (PT) and control (Cont) groups. The physical fitness and soccer skill performance test assessed at pre- and posttraining. Balance ability and power significantly improved in both groups after 8 weeks of training (P<0.05). Dribble in the PT group was similar between pre- and posttraining, with a statistically significant difference in the Cont group (P<0.05). There were no significant differences within and between groups according to training in the left and right feet for juggling. The PT and Cont groups did not differ significantly regarding short passes posttraining. However, a significant improvement in long passes was observed in the PT group after training period (P<0.05). Shooting was no different between and within the groups. In conclusion, these inconsistent findings are thought to be due to the applied exercise method, training duration, and the specificity of the physical growth period of the young players. Therefore, it is necessary to increase the frequency and time of proprioceptive exercise training and apply factors for cognitive ability improvement to training programs for young soccer players in future studies. These studies could suggest appropriate training methods necessary to improve the performance of young soccer players.

A 10-week FIFA 11+ program improves the short-sprint and modified agility T-test performance in elite seven-a-side soccer players

Objective: The primary objective of this study was to assess the effects of 10 weeks of FIFA 11+ training on the physical performance of elite seven-a-side soccer players. Methods: Twenty-five seven-a-side soccer players were recruited from two senior national teams. The players completed the following protocols during 10 weeks of training: a) FIFA 11+: The FIFA group (n = 13) underwent the FIFA 11+ program combined with regular soccer training; b) Dynamic conventional warm-up: The control group (n = 12) underwent regular soccer training. Their ability was validated using a pre-test followed by a post-test to measure the sprint performance (5-, 10-, and 20-m sprints), a modified agility T-test (MAT), and a five-jump test (FJT). Results: A comparison of pre- and post-tests for physical performance in each group demonstrated that the FIFA 11+ warm-up significantly improved the 10-m sprinting performance (p = 0.034; F = 5.04; ηp 2 = 0.17) and reduced the time spent to perform the MAT (p = 0.000; F = 23.16; ηp 2 = 0.52) in the FIFA group compared with the control group; however, no significant changes were observed in the 5- and 20-m sprints and FJT. Conclusion: The main findings of this research showed that the 10-week FIFA 11+ program led to significant improvements in the 10-m sprint and MAT compared to regular training among elite seven-a-side soccer players. Given these positive outcomes, further studies on the practical implementation and optimization of the FIFA 11+ program are warranted to provide valuable guidance for coaches and athletes, seeking to maximize its benefits in real-world settings.

Beyond athletic development: The effects of parkour-based versus conventional neuromuscular exercises in pre-adolescent basketball players

The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of a parkour-based warm-up to a conventional neuromuscular training (NMT) warm-up on the athletic capabilities of youth basketball players. This was examined through two arms: In Investigation 1, the aims were to measure the effects of the two warm-ups on physical measures of athletic performance in prepubescent basketball players. Using post-intervention semi-structured interviews, Investigation 2 aimed to gain insights from the players in relation to the perceived benefits of the two warm-ups. Pre-adolescent children were recruited from two youth level basketball teams. Participants from one club were randomly assigned to either a conventional NMT warm-up group or a parkour warm-up group, while a control group was formed of participants from the second club. Participants of both experimental groups were required to complete a 15-minute warm-up once per week before their regular basketball practice across 8-weeks. For both groups, the coach adopted the same pedagogical approach, utilising a guided discovery strategy. Pre-post test measures of overhead squat performance, countermovement jump, and 10-metre sprint speed were recorded in all three groups. Additionally, pre-post measures were recorded for a timed parkour-based obstacle course for the two experimental groups. No significant between-group differences were found between pre- and post-test measures. However, analysis using Cohen's d effect sizes revealed improvements in both intervention groups versus the control. Moreover, between group effect size differences were observed between the two experimental groups. Following the intervention, participants from both experimental groups were also invited to take part in a post-intervention semi-structured interview to discuss their experiences. The thematic analysis of these semi-structured interviews revealed three higher order themes: Enjoyment; Physical literacy; and Docility; of which the two former themes appear to align to constructs relating to the wider concept of physical literacy. In summary, warm-ups designed to improve athleticism can include less structured and more diverse movement skills than are typical of conventional NMT warm-ups. Specifically, we provide evidence that advocates for warm ups that include parkour-related activities alongside conventional NMT exercises to preserve physical fitness qualities and to simultaneously evoke a sense of enjoyment, fun, and purpose. The benefit of such activities may extend beyond athletic development and, more broadly, contribute to the development of physical literacy.

Modulating the Nordic Hamstring Exercise From "Zero to Hero": A Stepwise Progression Explored in a High-Performance Athlete

BACKGROUND

The Nordic hamstring exercise (NHE) is commonly implemented to selectively improve eccentric knee-flexor strength. However, the standard version of the exercise (leveled shanks, extended hip joint) is too strenuous for most individuals, whose muscle activity rapidly decreases at extended knee angles. Hitherto, a gradual approach to the exercise has been missing. In this exploratory case study, we investigated elite performance to introduce a stepwise progression to the NHE.

OBJECTIVE

To determine the extent to which exercise modifications (shank inclination, additional load, hip flexion) altered NHE mechanics.

DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS

One male long jumper (age = 33 years, height = 171 cm, mass = 69 kg) with high-level expertise in the NHE performed 20 exercise variations. The corresponding kinematics, kinetics, and electromyographic activity of the biceps femoris long head (BFlh) and semitendinosus (ST) muscles were evaluated.

RESULTS

Exercise variations demonstrated gradually increased peak moments from 69% (zigzag pose) to 154% (inclined bent single-legged version) versus a standard NHE. Shank inclination and additional load elicited small to moderate effects on peak moments, BFlh, and ST (0.24 ≤ d ≤ 0.72), whereas hip flexion largely affected all tested variables (2.80 ≤ d ≤ 6.66), especially muscle activity (BFlh = -63%; ST = -55% of maximal voluntary isometric contraction).

COMMENTARY

These insights will help practitioners and scientists design multifaceted stepwise NHE progressions by creating differentiated stimuli that best match the strength capacities of individuals and address their specific needs.

Effects of the FIFA 11+ program on performance, biomechanical measures, and physiological responses: A systematic review

BACKGROUND

The side effects of the FIFA 11+ program on performance have not been generally reviewed. The objective of this study was to synthesize the literature on the effects of the 11+ on players' performance.

METHODS

Five online databases (PubMed, Scopus, ScienceDirect, Springer, and Google Scholar) were searched (from April 2006 to March 2022) using predefined keywords and sub-keywords. The potential references were primarily recorded through Endnote and imported to Covidence. Out of the 123 references screened by 2 blinded researchers through the software, 59 full texts were assessed for eligibility, 33 of which were ultimately included. The quality of the studies and the risk of bias were then assessed. Study ID, title, place, aim, design, start/end dates, population description, study criteria, statistical analysis, and outcomes were extracted.

RESULTS

Studies were conducted on male and female players aged 10-32 years old. The quality of the studies was moderate to high, and except for unclear bias for blinding outcome assessment, the risk of bias for all domains was low. Long-term application of the 11+ improved most biomechanical measures and physiological responses except for lower extremity stability, ankle evertors time latency, ankle dorsiflexion, and proprioception. Conversely, the 11+ showed acute negative effects on physical performance compared to dynamic warm-ups and non-significant effects on technical abilities.

CONCLUSION

Mid-to-long-term implementation of the 11+ improved the majority of biomechanical and a couple of physical measures but showed no effects on technical skills. Precaution must be observed for using the 11+ before competitions, as it could acutely decrease physical/technical performance. Given the contradictory nature of the literature, further studies should evaluate the short-to-mid-term effects of the 11+. Further studies are required to address ankle responses to the 11+ intervention.

Quo Vadis Nordic Hamstring Exercise-Related Research?-A Scoping Review Revealing the Need for Improved Methodology and Reporting

The objective of this scoping review is to assess Nordic Hamstring Exercise quality (ANHEQ) of assessments and interventions according to the ANHEQ rating scales and to present practical recommendations for the expedient design and reporting of future studies. A total of 71 Nordic Hamstring Exercise (NHE) assessments and 83 NHE interventions were selected from the data sources PubMed, Scopus, and SPORTDiscus. Research studies which were presented in peer-reviewed academic journals and implemented the NHE during laboratory-based assessments or multi-week interventions met the eligibility criteria. NHE assessments analyzed force (51%), muscle activation (41%), knee angle kinematics (38%), and bilateral symmetry (37%). NHE interventions lasted 4-8 weeks (56%) and implied an exercise volume of two sessions per week (66%) with two sets per session (41%) and ≥8 repetitions per set (39%). The total ANHEQ scores of the included NHE assessments and interventions were 5.0 ± 2.0 and 2.0 ± 2.0 (median ± interquartile range), respectively. The largest deficits became apparent for consequences of impaired technique (87% 0-point-scores for assessments) and kneeling height (94% 0-point-scores for interventions). The 0-point-scores were generally higher for interventions compared to assessments for rigid fixation (87% vs. 34%), knee position (83% vs. 48%), kneeling height (94% vs. 63%), and separate familiarization (75% vs. 61%). The single ANHEQ criteria, which received the highest score most frequently, were rigid fixation (66% of assessments) and compliance (33% of interventions). The quality of NHE assessments and interventions was generally 'below average' or rather 'poor'. Both NHE assessments and interventions suffered from imprecise reporting or lacking information regarding NHE execution modalities and subsequent analyses. Based on the findings, this scoping review aggregates practical guidelines how to improve the design and reporting of future NHE-related research.

Effects of 5-Week of FIFA 11+ Warm-Up Program on Explosive Strength, Speed, and Perception of Physical Exertion in Elite Female Futsal Athletes

Futsal is a sport that originates from soccer and is increasingly practiced all over the world. Since training and warm-up protocols should be sport-specific in order to reduce injuries and maximize performance, this study aimed to evaluate the effects of 5 weeks of the FIFA 11+ warm-up program on explosive strength, speed, and perception of physical exertion in elite female futsal athletes. Twenty-nine elite female futsal athletes participating in the Italian national championships were divided into two groups: the experimental group (EG) underwent 5 weeks of the FIFA 11+ warm-up program, and the control group (CG) underwent 5 weeks of a dynamic warm-up. We evaluated any effect on explosive strength (by Squat Jump test), speed (by Agility T-test), and perception of physical exertion (by Borg CR-10 scale). All measurements were carried out by a technician of the Italian Football Federation before (T0), at the middle (T1), and at the end (T2) of the protocol. The EG showed significant improvements on performances between T0 vs. T1 and T0 vs. T2 both in the Squat Jump test (p = 0.0057 and p = 0.0030, respectively) and in the Agility T-test (p = 0.0075 and p = 0.0122). No significant differences were found in the Squat Jump test performances in the CG, while significant improvements were detected in the Agility T-test performances (p = 0.0004 and p = 0.0053, T0 vs. T1 and T0 vs. T2, respectively). As for the Borg CR-10 scale, we found a significant difference between T0 and T2 in the EG (p = 0.017) and no differences in the CG. This study showed that 5 weeks of the FIFA 11+ warm-up program improves the jumping performance of female futsal athletes without adversely affecting speed. These findings can be useful for coaches and athletic trainers in order to consider FIFA 11+ warm-up program also in female futsal athletes.

Uncommon Bone Injuries in Soccer Players

Soccer is the most common team sport in the world. A significant number of players are associated with a large number of injuries. Injuries occur in a variety of contexts regardless of the age or performance level of players. The vast majority of injuries involve soft tissues. Bone injuries are less common, but usually result in long-term exclusion from the game. Three different types of fractures related to soccer are classified as acute types, stress fractures and avulsion. This manuscript outlines the diagnostic procedures and treatments for stress fractures, avulsion fractures and bone cyst. The common feature of the described injuries includes frequent difficulties associated with the correct diagnosis and treatment direction. In therapeutic treatment, the doctor and the patient often have to choose between conservative treatment and surgical treatment, which in many cases is not simple. We suggest that in the event of injuries to soccer players, surgical treatment should be used, shortening the time to return to full sports activity. A very important element of the therapeutic process is proper rehabilitation, which should be individually tailored to the patient in order to optimize the treatment process. Some of the rehabilitation protocols should be permanently incorporated into the warm-up protocols for training. Such a procedure has a preventive effect.

Effects of Qigong exercise on muscle strengths and oxidative stress/antioxidant responses in young sedentary females: a quasi-experimental study

Regular exercise is associated with the production of small amounts of oxidative stress which might promote individual antioxidant capacity contributing to favorable training effects potentially interrelated with skeletal muscle strength. Therefore, the present study was aimed at evaluating effects of an 8-week Qigong exercise training on muscle strengths associated with responses of oxidative stress and antioxidants in young sedentary females. A total of 41 sedentary women were allocated to the Qigong exercise group (QG, N=20) or to the control group (CG, N=21). After 8 weeks of Qigong training, back and leg strength was significantly improved compared to baseline and the CG (P<0.05). Plasma oxidative stress levels were reduced and total antioxidant capacity was enhanced in the QG compared to the CG (P<0.05). Correlation analyses revealed that improvements in muscle strength (including both groups) were associated with changes in the levels of oxidative stress (reduction) and antioxidants (elevation). The presented findings indicate that strength training effects seem at least partly to be interrelated with alterations of the oxidant-antioxidant balance generated by the 8-week Qigong training in young sedentary females.

The Impact of the FIFA 11+ Program on the Injury in Soccer Players: A Systematic Review

OBJECTIVES The purpose of this study was to integrate information about the effects of FIFA 11+ injury prevention program in soccer.DESIGN AND METHODS Systematic review. We used PubMed, Medline, PMC, and Web of Science to search randomized controlled trials comparing FIFA 11+ injury prevention program with control groups among soccer players.RESULTS Total of 13 studies was selected through eligibility criteria. 7 studies included overall, ankle, knee, and hamstring injury rate between FIFA 11+ versus control groups, while the other 6 studies included improvement of physical performance, such as vertical jump, 20m sprint, agility, hip adduction strength, and FMS total score between FIFA 11+ versus control groups. There was a lower rate of injury in the intervention group from all 7 studies. Couple of studies had different criteria to compare with other studies. Most values of physical performance were also significantly improved from all 6 studies except for the values of agility time.CONCLUSIONS Multiple studies have proven injury rate reduction and physical performance improvement of FIFA 11+ program between intervention and control groups. We also found that it at least required a few weeks of intervention time to be effective. Therefore, coaches and players might need to consider including FIFA 11+ program as a warm-up period to prepare the regular season.